Trying to sell Ryback as a title contender

Is Ryback’s star fading into oblivion?

He's here, but for how long? Can he win another WWE title? Will he lose in another pay-per-view match? Can he sustain a long run as the champion? Do the fans even care if Ryback is a part of WWE’s roster?

Ryback is much like Bill Goldberg—the champion built up and then given the title when he really isn't ready for it. He isn't the charismatic enigma. He isn't the flag-waving patriot. He isn't even the anti-fan apologist.

He's a robotic form of a cartoon character we like to see beat up his opponents and chant, "Feed Me More." The Big Guy has gotten better in the ring and on the mic, which I will admit. But seeing him as a long term solution to the company’s mid-card problem is not in the cards.

Ryback himself has been vocal about how the company is using his character, how he is dropping matches and how it may not be long before he joins the traveling circus.

It may be catchy, it may not be original, and it may not be long before he fades into oblivion with the Ahmed Johnsons and Ezekiel Jacksons and other Hercules' of WWE. We have a hard time accepting him as a headliner because of what we see on television. The Dolph Zigglers and Chris Jerichos of the world are dynamic and can wrestle as well as talk.

Despite the fact Ryback and Kalisto put on a solid program at Payback, it did nothing to excite the fans about either wrestler or about the United States Title. I suppose we need John Cena to do that as it was explained to us in great deal by Mauro Ranallo how many superstars have worn the title over the years. All it did was send us a message – Ryback, nor Kalisto are on the same level as Ric Flair, Chris Jericho, Wahoo McDaniel and Lex Luger.

We are spoiled—we want the total package (no, not Lex Luger). Feed us a real champion. Trust me, Ryback isn’t it. And as long as the company continues to give him failed opportunity after failed opportunity, the results are going to be the same.

Ryback’s recent (or continuing) saga isn’t new to WWE, as there are other stars on the current roster who are dealing with the same kind of issues. The talent in this company is the best it has ever been – and I will go on record as stating that. It means more competition. It means fewer opportunities. And as long as NXT is scoured and performers are called up to the big leagues, Ryback’s star will only flicker, not shine.

The Big Guy has asked to work with the Undertaker, work to the main event and even change his appearance – which only makes us see a less refined Bill Goldberg. Nothing seems to be working and as long as these forces of nature work against him, he will never be what he should have been.

I realize this was forced into action sooner rather than later because of injuries and poor booking. I realize he was thrust into the spotlight because he had to. But seriously, WWE could work with him more on this. When wrestlers are rushed into stardom (Mike Von Erich, Mike McGillicutty), they sometimes fall apart and need to rebuild themselves. Ask Ted DiBiase Jr.

If Ryback had been promoted a bit more and debuted as a headliner in 2013, not 2012, then there may have been a better idea of how good or how long he could handle being a main event star. Now, three years later, we are still waiting to see how good he will be.

Pretty soon, that wait will be over and nothing will have happened. He’s not alone in this process, just the only one who is outspoken about it.