Ryback Reveals Why He Left WWE

Ryback states money was not the issue in leaving WWE.

Since leaving WWE Ryback has started his own podcast.  On the first episode of “Conversation With The Big Guy”, he had a lot to say about his time in WWE and why he left.  The two biggest reasons were travel expenses and his feeling he had been lied to.

Regarding the contract, Ryback stated that it was a three-year deal worth a total of $1.5 million.  However, he claims total taxes on that would have been $400k with another $600k in travel expenses.  His big contention is that WWE should pay or reimburse their performers for travel expenses and that the money cleared doesn’t make it as worth it.

Another major reason he left is he didn’t like how he was being used.  Ryback said he was promised to become the to heel in the company.  According to him if he stuck with the script he would be the guy.  He even claims he was set to squash AJ Styles at WrestleMania at one point.

However, when he was booked with Kalisto he didn’t feel that WWE was living up to their end of the deal.  This was especially evident when he was booked for the pre-show at WrestleMania and Payback.  That is when he asked to be removed from TV, which led to his eventual release.

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In some ways, I can’t blame Ryback for wanting out.  While I think he needs a better accountant if his taxes are still that high after expenses and other deductions, it would be very frustrating to be basically working two years for free.  Also, broken promises will make the most loyal of employees want to leave.

Still, it’s difficult to believe McMahon was going to have AJ Styles lose in a squash match to anyone.  AJ arrived in WWE extremely over with the fans.  A squash match at WrestleMania would have damaged the entire brand, not just AJ. It also would have hurt Ryback as well.  He still would have been booed but in a, “we don’t want to see you” kind of way versus we hate your character.

Related Story: What Ryback's Departure Means for Big Guys

Ryback never was believable in any of his promos.  That was his problem.  Yes, he may have delivered the lines perfectly but he never connected with the audience.  He could have been pushed better.  In the end, it was his job to connect regardless of how bad the writing was. This time away from WWE hopefully will bring better things for “The Big Guy”.