Ryback Responds to Kevin Owens & Cody Rhodes Comments Implying Him Being Among Those “Overpricing” Themselves After Leaving WWE, Clears Up Misconceptions Over His WWE Departure

A recent episode of the What Do You Want To Talk About? with Cody Rhodes podcast featured Kevin Owens as the guest. One of the topics discussed included Owens and Rhodes discussing their thoughts about how some wrestlers “overprice” themselves out of the indies and other promotions after they leave WWE. During their discussion, Owens stated a name that was censored out quickly leading to online speculation of who this former WWE wrestler was.

Following the release of the episode, former WWE wrestler Ryback responded on Twitter over him potentially being the person Owens was specifically talking about and clarified the misconceptions over his departure from WWE in 2016.

“I was made aware & saw the clip of @FightOwensFight & @CodyRhodes, two guys I always liked & got along with. It’s clear they were referencing me, even with the name censored.

For context: I was booked solid for 3 years straight after WWE. My rate was set by my then-manager Pat Buck (a promoter himself), and every promoter I worked with made money and got my full effort—meet & greets, matches, fan time, all of it.

What’s often left out: I walked away from a multi-million dollar WWE contract. I wasn’t fired. I needed a 5-disc fusion and full right shoulder replacement at 34. I was told not to wrestle again. I had nerve damage that risked paralysis if I continued.

I had to stop taking bookings entirely. Why? Because my doctors told me for the stem cells to work properly, I needed to stop wrestling. I also made the choice to stay home and care for my dog Sophie, who developed severe disc disease, had multiple ruptures and surgeries, and was paralyzed twice. I refused to put her down just to keep traveling and making more money—I already had what I needed.

Sophie turns 10 this November. And every second with her was worth it.

I poured everything into rebuilding my health and my brand with Feed Me More Nutrition. I’ve had 20 stem cell procedures and was blessed to regrow all 5 discs in my back. I’m now finally close to being able to return.

So yes, I do feel the comment was a low blow—especially coming from two guys I respected and spoke well of. But I’m not bitter. I’ve made peace with @WWE and let go of the past.

This isn’t a storyline. It’s real life. Survival. Growth. Perspective.

I wish Kevin a strong recovery, and I send both him and Cody nothing but love, health & continued success.”

I was made aware & saw the clip of @FightOwensFight & @CodyRhodes, two guys I always liked & got along with. It’s clear they were referencing me, even with the name censored.

For context: I was booked solid for 3 years straight after WWE. My rate was set by my then-manager Pat…

— RYBACK (@Ryback) June 25, 2025