It's completely different in the WWE than it was back then. Back then, careers lived and died on the mic and in the ring. They had to show that they could bring in money or else they got the boot.
Now? Everything is scripted. Every promo, match, punch, and even sneeze has to come from the writers or Vince himself. Meanwhile, they've got employees handing out false hope like with JR saying "hey you need to get over on your own too ya know just like the old days." Except JR's words don't amount to a lick of shit anymore since he's the company whipping boy who always keeps coming back for more at the stomp drop of a hat.
Rhodes and Kidd are great in the ring, I won't deny that. But they also had the help of famous fathers to give them that leg-up. And Ziggler? He can have great matches, but I'll be completely shocked if they ever decide to let him hold the Big Gold Belt or the WWE Title for more than a day since all WWE wants from him is his ability to sell.
Ryder never got the chances or the help. So what did he do? He decided to reach out to the fans and the internet and put himself out there. He did exactly what every vet tells the "young guns" to do. And what happened? Ryder was the most popular and requested wrestler in the business for a few short months. And how did Vince react? With praise? With opportunities? With a handshake? Nope. He responded with a humiliating character assassination.
Ryder as a comedy act is fine. Like I mentioned before, I never wanted the WWE to all of a sudden strap the WWE Title on him and shove him down people's throats. But I DID expect the WWE to listen to the very same people that they desperately want money from. I expected them to actually give Ryder a chance to show what he can do. Ryder gave the WWE tons of merch sales. Vince gave him a burial.
Makes sense, though. LOL comedy wrestler, right?
