Former WWE Superstar Ryback Recalls his Horrific Knee Injury

Published April 25, 2021, 8:15 AM EDT

A little while after Chris Weidman broke his leg in horrifying fashion at UFC 261, former WWE superstar Ryback remembered his own ordeal. According to the Big Guy, he suffered a similar injury during his run in the WWE. He detailed his experience on Twitter.

Ryback talks about his knee injury

In a decade-long run in the WWE, Ryback never made it to the top. He had several opportunities to break the glass ceiling, but fans never accepted him as a main event player. Eventually, his place in the card fell lower and lower until he was off of it completely.

Article continues below this ad

In 2015, Ryback won the Intercontinental Championship for the first time in his career. It was also his first title win in WWE, making it a special moment for the Superstar.

Unfortunately, he blew up his knee and required surgery for a staph infection that developed. He even tweeted about it back then.

“After Raw Monday, I woke up Tuesday morning before some media appearances with a severe staph infection in my right knee. I was brought to a hospital and put on strong antibiotics and had 90 cc of fluid drained out of knee in a 24-hour period. We caught it in time thanks to the great WWE medical team, and I will make a full recovery.” (H/T Bleacher Report)

For people that want to know what my ankle injury was like, it was the break of the second fight and the deadness of the calf. Blew an entire comeback with it that way against Tyson Kidd, which is how my leg spiral broke to my knee. The shit is no joke.
— The Big Guy (@Ryback) April 25, 2021

On Twitter, Ryback opened up on the injury and blamed it for ruining his comeback.

“Blew an entire comeback with it that way against Tyson Kidd, which is how my leg spiral broke to my knee. The sh*t is no joke.”

The Big Guy’s WWE run

Ryback had a successful career in WWE despite claims from critics and fans. His look perfectly aligned with Vince McMahon’s fantasies, and he had a decent wrestling repertoire as well.

Some could say he reminded fans of a modern-day Goldberg. Just like he had the Spear and Jackhammer, Ryback’s Meat Hook clothesline and Shellshocked finisher were equally feared.

Article continues below this ad

Even though he was a part of the Nexus angle in 2010, his run in 2012 made headlines. He challenged CM Punk for the WWE Championship within a year of debuting.

Although he was unsuccessful in capturing it, his aim remained on the title when John Cena won it from The Rock. He challenged Cena in two hellacious matches, the second one requiring Cena to toss him through the roof of an ambulance to win.

Once his major feuds ended, Ryback descended lower down the card until Survivor Series 2014. He joined Team Cena and attempted to beat Team Authority, but Luke Harper sent him for an early shower.

Article continues below this ad

Injuries and frustration, which led to his release, highlight the rest of his career.

Everything You Need to Know About Brock Lesnar’s Life Outside WWE

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Nathan Fulgado is a WWE and AEW author at EssentiallySports. Having published close to 1000 professional wrestling articles, Nathan is currently pursuing his Journalism degree from Xavier's College. He has previously worked at Free Press Journal as a local journalist.

Former WWE Superstar Ryback Recalls his Horrific Knee Injury

Ryback talks about his knee injury

Trending

Tony Khan to Reportedly Buy New Wrestling Promotion’s Rights to Boost Ratings After Triple H & WWE Pull Out

“Stfu”: Mercedes Mone & Tony Khan Forced to Take Drastic Social Media Step After Heavy Criticism Amid WWE Return Rumors

Mercedes Moné Reportedly Eyeing Royal Rumble Return as Sasha Banks After Failed Run Under Tony Khan

Tony Khan Seemingly Restores X-Rated Attitude Era as Fan Flashes Camera During Live Dynamite

“On His Way Out”: Ricky Starks’ WWE Plans Reportedly Revealed After Major Tony Khan Booking Mishap

The Big Guy’s WWE run