Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Ryback has broken his silence following what he believes were thinly-veiled remarks made by Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes during a recent episode of So What Do You Wanna Talk About?—Rhodes’ new podcast. In a candid and heartfelt social media post, Ryback addressed the lingering speculation about his absence from the wrestling spotlight, offering new details about his health, personal sacrifices, and the motivations behind his long break from in-ring competition.
The controversy began when a podcast segment circulated in which Owens and Rhodes discussed a former WWE talent—whose name was censored—who had reportedly garnered a questionable reputation on the independent circuit after leaving the company. While neither man confirmed the individual’s identity, Ryback took the comments as a direct reference to himself and responded with a detailed statement aimed at clarifying his side of the story.
“It’s clear they were referencing me, even with the name censored,” Ryback began. “Two guys I always liked and got along with. So yes, I do feel the comment was a low blow.”
Ryback then offered fans a raw and revealing look into the years following his WWE departure in 2016, shedding light on serious health setbacks that forced him to step away from wrestling. He revealed that after walking away from a multi-million dollar WWE contract, he was diagnosed with severe spinal and shoulder injuries that required a five-disc fusion and full right shoulder replacement. Doctors warned him against continuing to wrestle, citing the risk of paralysis.
“I wasn’t fired. I walked away. I was told not to wrestle again,” he shared. “To allow the stem cells to work, I had to stop wrestling. I also chose to stay home to care for my dog Sophie, who was paralyzed twice. I refused to put her down just to keep traveling and making money—I already had what I needed.”
Ryback’s story, once misunderstood by parts of the wrestling community, now carries a layer of depth and emotional weight. He revealed undergoing 20 stem cell procedures in the years since, successfully regenerating the damaged discs in his back and slowly working toward a comeback. Simultaneously, he built and maintained his nutrition brand, Feed Me More Nutrition, which has become his primary focus outside the ring.
Despite expressing disappointment over the perceived jab, Ryback chose to respond with respect and grace.
“This isn’t a storyline. It’s real life. Survival. Growth. Perspective,” he wrote. “I wish Kevin a strong recovery, and I send both him and Cody nothing but love, health & continued success.”
Ryback’s return to the ring has been long teased on social media, and according to his latest statement, he’s finally nearing the point of being physically ready. Whether or not that return materializes in WWE, AEW, or elsewhere remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: Ryback’s story isn’t over.
For now, the “Big Guy” continues to rebuild, reflect, and ready himself for what may be the final chapter of a journey that began long before the lights of WrestleMania.
