Wednesday, February 24, 2016
A and Z
A for Alex Riley, Z for Zack Ryder. Where have these two WWE Superstars been? They've been busy wrestling in NXT, WWE's development company in Florida. And what are they doing there? Appearing in middle card matches and making some up-and-comers look good. Sad, isn't it? These photos were taken by a good friend of this blog who is also one of its longtime contributors, David (thanks, David!). David describes Riley's look as being scruffier and before the match, David said he yelled "I headlined at Wrestlemania 27!" to the crowd. His opponent in this match is Apollo Crews formerly known as Uhaa Nation. On the same night, Zack Ryder wrestled in a tag team against The Mechanics...and lost. What has become of our once mighty WWE favorites? Tell us what you think in the Comments section below.
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My favorite of David's 13 shots is #12.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in NW GA in the '50s & '60s, I got my real initiation to 'rasslin on broadcast Ch. 17, W T(urner) B(roadcasting) S(ystem). I grew to hate all the carrying on and macho s%@t. Today WCW, WWE, TNA and the like repel me. Mister V McM & his comrades IMHO are doing to wrestling what Don King did to boxing.
I know nil about the financing of wrestling. I just have to hope that all those men and women who entertain us with indy promotions are rewarded amply enough so that they can go on doing the swell job they do.
I wonder, sometimes, why some wrestlers just don't get rid of the love handles, etc. Many are dedicated, excellent, entertaining wrestlers with great personalities. Being in better shape would certainly make them more sought after by promoters/promotions. My guess is that, aside from the lack of will power, so many must work at full-time jobs and wrestle on the weekends for little pay. Anon.
DeleteI'm guessing you mean love handles as just generally being fat. To that end, I agree it's probably a matter of priority in life to them. I assume many enjoy wrestling for the exhibition nature of it.
DeleteI also know people aren't capable of getting ripped because of genetics. If you look at the Miz or Roderick Strong, both are probably in the top shape they'll ever be, but always seems to have a pinchable part no matter how ripped they get.
#12 meaning the second to last one? I like #13 too. Nice to see Ryder doesn't skimp on the tight trunks.
ReplyDeleteI can't help but wonder how Alex Riley would compare if he just cut his damn hair to how it was when he headlined WM. I'm guessing he's not as fit as he once was, but at the same time, that's all he really needs to do
He looks hideous here. Clean-cut suits him much better.
DeleteRyder being made to wrestle in NXT is sad but the silver lining is that the wrestlers he's up against are a lot hotter than most WWE "superstars." The downside is we can only see photos of these matches and not video. I mean, there a Zack Ryder vs. Tino Sabatelli match would be amazing.
I love Alex Riley but not his current look. He's really a very handsome man but seems determined to look like a hideous ape-man. Frankly, I wish the "missing link" had stayed missing. I greatly preferred his clean-cut look of yesteryear.
DeleteYou really can see his NXT matches, their TV show is free on the net:
Deletehttp://watchwrestling.ch/wwe/nxt/
Two in the last few weeks, his re-debut, and one against Shawn Spears/Dillinger.
Tino and Hugo haven't yet graduated beyond the untelevised house shows. Anon.
At least both are on NXT, which means a solid paycheck. They don't NEED to go out and get other jobs. I wouldn't put Zack in the same category as Alex, however. His tag team with Mojo Rawley does pretty well and is generally pushed.
ReplyDeleteI agree, if Alex looked like he did when he was a headliner ... OTOH, WWE has probably dictated the present look. But, if he can do it contractually, my advice would be to perform on the Indie circuit. Florida is a hotbed of promotions, and he would be a headliner in any of them. Increased popularity would raise his value, and more free vids on the net wouldn't hurt me, either.
Does NXT mean a solid paycheck?
ReplyDeleteI've always assumed that people only put in their time on the indy circuit in hopes of getting a shot at the big time. If you've had your shot and gotten sent back to the bush leagues isn't it time to start making other plans for your life?
Yes it does. They are under contract to WWE, and they get a regular salary. I read somewhere it is around $75K or $80K. Basically allows them to do nothing but concentrate on wrestling and all that goes with it. Anon.
DeleteZach Ryder has always been a favorite of mine... So whatever he choses to do from wrestling to music, he has my undivided attention and support...
ReplyDeleteZack Ryder appears on the main roster quite regularly. I agree that neither of them are being treated properly. I think bother deserve better. I'm a big fan of Alex Riley. I love his current look. I wish he'd become more rough and play the heel much more strongly. Ryder is wasted in his tag team on NXT. They either should team him with someone good and let him win the belts or just leave him as a singles competitor.
ReplyDeleteLove 'em both--and I love Riley's current look, too!
DeleteI don't, but, see, WWE has you in mind.
Delete"I don't, but, see, WWE has you in mind."
Delete--As much of a massive ego stroke as it would be to believe that, it CAN'T be true, or Mason Ryan and Ted DiBiase Jr would still be hired. :)