ryback

Ryback Allen Reeves{{cite web|title=Ryback: I'm legally changing my name to Ryback Allen Reeves|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/ryback-im-legally-changing-my-name-ryback-alan-reeves-220696|date=September 12, 2016|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|access-date=September 12, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/ryback-name-change-approved/#.WP1JLlPyuRs|title=Ryback -- Name Change OFFICIALLY Approved|date=September 22, 2016}} was born Ryan Allen Reeves in Las Vegas on November 10, 1981. He started watching professional wrestling at the age of eight, and was a guest bell ringer at a live World Wrestling Federation (WWF, later WWE) event at the age of 13.{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2004_Oct_21/ai_n6248249|title='$1,000,000 Tough Enough' Begins Tonight!; New Reality Contest Starts Tonight on UPN's WWE SmackDown!|date=October 21, 2004|publisher=Business Wire}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-A-F5eDHI4| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/W-A-F5eDHI4| archive-date=November 17, 2021 | url-status=live|title=Ryback speaks out about his past: Raw, December 29, 2014|last=WWE|date=December 30, 2014|access-date=October 22, 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} Wanting to become a professional wrestler, Reeves began lifting weights at 12 years old and was nicknamed "Silverback" as a teenager after a friend joked that he resembled a gorilla, later adopting part of it as his name. He excelled at baseball and football while attending Western High School and Palo Verde High School. He also played baseball during his freshman year at the Community College of Southern Nevada, but broke his leg and missed two seasons. He attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, entering its fitness management program.

{{See also|The Nexus (professional wrestling)|l1=The Nexus}}

File:SkipSheffield1.jpg (FCW) event in 2009]]

Reeves sent a brief one-minute videotape of himself to become a contestant on WWE's reality television series, $1,000,000 Tough Enough, and was invited to Venice Beach with 49 others. During the first week of training, Reeves suffered from bronchitis and a rib injury. He eventually became one of the eight finalists to appear on SmackDown! and the last to be voted off.{{cite web|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20041206upn01|title=Breaking News – Ryan Reeves Eliminated by Fan Voting from WWE Smackdown!'s "$1,000,000 Tough Enough"|author=United Paramount Network|author-link=United Paramount Network|date=December 6, 2000|publisher=TheFutonCritic.com}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/12/03/764193.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722154954/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2004/12/03/764193.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 22, 2017|title=Smackdown: 'Taker taken down|author=Plummer, Dale|date=December 3, 2004|publisher=SLAM! Sports}} Even though he did not win the competition, Reeves impressed WWE officials enough for them to sign him to a developmental contract. He spent time healing from his injuries in Las Vegas before heading to Atlanta, Georgia in March 2005.

After training in Deep South Wrestling (DSW) for most of 2005 and early 2006, Reeves was transferred over to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) in early March. In July 2006, Reeves was suspended for 30 days due to failing a drug test as part of WWE's Wellness Program.{{cite web|url=http://grantland.com/features/the-beginner-guide-ryback-wwe-superstar-headlining-hell-cell/|title=How to Make a Monster|last=Shoemaker|first=David|date=October 25, 2012|publisher=Grantland|access-date=December 9, 2014}} According to Reeves, he had been taking several over the counter bodybuilding supplements, one of which caused a positive reading. The supplements he was using were later taken off the market due to this effect and, although his suspension remained in place, Reeves eventually returned to the roster after passing a second test.{{cite web|url=http://www.gerweck.net/ryanreevesinterview.htm|last=Gerwick|first=Steve|title=Interview with "Silverback" Ryan Reeves|website=Wayback Machine|publisher=Gerweck.net|date=January 24, 2007|access-date=June 7, 2007|url-status=unfit|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070607095347/http://www.gerweck.net/ryanreevesinterview.htm|archive-date=June 7, 2007}} His case was later placed on the CNN documentary Death Grip: Inside Pro Wrestling.

After over a year's absence, Reeves returned to OVW under the ring name Ryback and won the OVW Heavyweight Championship on October 15, 2008, before losing it in the same month.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=2624&view=matches|title=Ryback " Wrestlers Database " CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net|access-date=January 8, 2020}} Soon after the title loss, Reeves was then re-signed to a developmental contract with WWE.{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/columns/40440|title=Ask 411 05.03.06: JBL, Brock, The Lightning Express, The World X Cup, Steve Austin in ECW and More!|author=Napier, Gavin|date=May 3, 2005|publisher=411mania.com|access-date=September 25, 2008|archive-date=November 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110124423/http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/columns/40440|url-status=dead}} From late 2008 to early 2010, Reeves wrestled in Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW) under the ring name Ryback and later Skip Sheffield.{{Cite web|url=http://www.iwheadlines.com/2010/04/28/wwe-nxt-results-427-skip-sheffield-vs-daniel-bryan/|title=WWE NXT Results (4/27) – Skip Sheffield vs. Daniel Bryan|website=www.iwheadlines.com|date=April 28, 2010 |access-date=January 8, 2020}}

File:The Nexus at SummerSlam 2010.jpg with The Nexus]]

On February 16, 2010, Sheffield was announced as one of eight FCW contestants to take part in the first season of WWE's new NXT{{Broken anchor|date=2024-06-24|bot=User:Cewbot/log/20201008/configuration|target_link=WWE NXT (TV series)#Season 1|reason= The anchor (Season 1) has been deleted.}} show,{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/vms/wwenxt/2010/february15-21/13532536|title=WWE NXT rookies and pros revealed}} where he finished sixth.{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1273674387 |title=WWE NXT Results – 5/11/10 |date=May 12, 2010 |last=Tedesco |first=Mike |access-date=May 12, 2010 |work=WrestleView |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100514105649/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1273674387 |archive-date=May 14, 2010 }} On the June 7 episode of WWE Raw, Sheffield and the seven other NXT participants interfered in the main event match between John Cena and CM Punk, attacking both competitors as well as the announcing team before dismantling the ring area and surrounding equipment.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_41802.shtml|title=WWE Raw results 6/7: Keller's ongoing live coverage of three-hour Viewers' Choice edition of Raw|date=June 7, 2010|last=Keller|first=Wade|access-date=June 8, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} The group, named The Nexus, would continue feuding with Cena over the following weeks. This resulted in a seven-on-seven elimination tag team match at the 2010 SummerSlam, where The Nexus lost to Team WWE led by Cena.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/08/15/15031141.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113080749/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/08/15/15031141.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 13, 2016|title=Rumored return helps Team WWE fend off Nexus at SummerSlam|date=August 15, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|author2=Tylwalk, Nick|access-date=August 18, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} In August, Reeves broke his ankle in three places during a match,{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1282317358|title=Update on Skip Sheffield and his in-ring status|date=August 20, 2010|last=Gerweck|first=Steve|access-date=August 23, 2010|work=WrestleView}} which made him undergo three surgeries and kept him away from wrestling for over a year until December 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.gerweck.net/2011/06/10/update-on-skip-sheffield-3/|title=New update on Skip Sheffield|date=June 10, 2011|access-date=June 10, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613062837/http://www.gerweck.net/2011/06/10/update-on-skip-sheffield-3/|archive-date=June 13, 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=Skip Sheffield returns from injury at house show|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1323021319|access-date=December 11, 2012}}

File:RyBack.jpg in 2012, Reeves was repackaged as Ryback, and he went undefeated throughout the year.]]

Reeves returned to television on the April 6, 2012, episode of WWE SmackDown, under the Ryback ring name as a face. He would embark on a thirty eight-match winning streak, mainly consisting of squash matches against numerous enhancement talent until his match against CM Punk for the WWE Championship Hell in a Cell in October 2012, where he lost after a controversial pin by referee Brad Maddox.{{cite web|title=10/28 WWE HELL IN A CELL PPV BOX SCORE: Snapshot of last Sunday's PPV – match times, Star Ratings, W/L Records, Streaks|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwestatistics/article_66395.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=November 23, 2012}} He failed to capture the title twice more from Punk, first at Survivor Series,{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2012/cm-punk-john-cena-ryback-26066289 |title=WWE Champion CM Punk def. John Cena and Ryback (Triple Threat Match) |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109012859/http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2012/cm-punk-john-cena-ryback-26066289 |archive-date=November 9, 2012 }} and then on the January 7, 2013 episode of Raw, both times being interfered and attacked by The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins).{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_67712.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 1/7: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - WWE Title match, The Rock returns, Cena vs. Ziggler (updated w/Box Score)|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}}

On January 27 at the Royal Rumble, Ryback entered the Royal Rumble match as the thirtieth and final entrant and eliminated five superstars before being the last man eliminated by John Cena.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/node/26039742/royal-rumble-match-26080784|title=Royal Rumble 2013|website=WWE|access-date=January 8, 2020}} Ryback would then resume his rivalry with The Shield on the February 4 Raw, when he teamed up with John Cena and Sheamus to attack the stable.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_68402.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 2/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - WWE explains many things, Punk-Jericho main event, Bruno HOF Video (updated w/Box Score)|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}} This culminated in a six-man tag team match on February 17 at Elimination Chamber, where The Shield emerged victorious when Seth Rollins pinned Ryback for the win following a Spear from Roman Reigns.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_68713.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE ELIMINATION CHAMBER PPV RESULTS 2/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Rock-Punk II, Elimination Chamber match, Shield beats Team Cena|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}} The following night on Raw, Ryback and Sheamus teamed up with Chris Jericho to face The Shield in a rematch, but were again defeated.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_68750.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 2/18: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Chamber PPV fall-out, big Mania news, Rock's Celebration, Shield six-man tag match|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}} Ryback then began a feud with Mark Henry after several non-verbal confrontations led to them attacking Drew McIntyre with their finishing moves in an attempt to one-up each other.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69088.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 3/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live "Old-School Raw" - Taker returns, Rock-Cena in-ring confrontation, WM29 hype, more|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69214.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 3/8: Not-quite-live, ongoing coverage of Friday show, including Ziggler vs. Del Rio|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69177.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 3/11: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - WWE recognizes Bearer by incorporating him into Taker-Punk, Lesnar challenges Hunter, no Cena, more|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}} On the March 15 episode of SmackDown, Ryback defeated Henry by disqualification following interference from The Shield. Afterwards, Henry delivered the World's Strongest Slam to Ryback three times in a row.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69333.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 3/15: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the Friday night show, including Henry vs. Ryback|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}} Ryback and Henry competed in a Bench Press Challenge on the March 29 SmackDown, where Ryback tied Henry at 53 reps after Henry choked him with the weight.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_69610.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 3/29: Complete coverage of Friday night show, including Henry vs. Ryback contest|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}} On April 7 at WrestleMania 29, Ryback was defeated by Henry in a singles match.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_69830.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE WRESTLEMANIA 29 PPV RESULTS: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV from MetLife Stadium - Rock-Cena II, Taker-Punk, Lesnar-Hunter, more|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}}

The following night on Raw, Ryback saved WWE Champion John Cena from assault by Mark Henry before attacking Cena as well, turning heel for the first time since 2010.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69884.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/8: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - WM29 fall-out, new World Champ, no Rock, Taker live, crowd takes over|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}} The following week on Raw, Ryback explained his attack on Cena as stepping out from his shadow and getting revenge for Cena not having his back against The Shield; before Ryback got a measure of revenge later that night, by allowing the Shield to attack Cena.{{cite web|url=https://www.sescoops.com/news/wwe/ryback-says-hes-the-villain-against-cena-mentions-cenas-ex-wife/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814122133/https://www.sescoops.com/news/wwe/ryback-says-hes-the-villain-against-cena-mentions-cenas-ex-wife/ |archive-date=August 14, 2024 |title=Ryback Says He's The Villain Against Cena, Mentions Cena's Ex-Wife |work=SEScoops |date=April 16, 2013 |access-date=August 14, 2024}} After becoming the number one contender for the WWE Championship, Ryback continued his feud with Cena by attacking him on several occasions while also having confrontations with The Shield.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70289.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/29 (Hour 3): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - New Main Event of WWE Champ & Tag Champs vs. Shield, more|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70423.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 5/6 (Hour 3): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Ryback vs. Kane main event, Henry whips Sheamus, how did Raw go off the air?|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70569.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 5/13 (Hour 2): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Team Cena vs. The Shield elimination match, Henry-Sheamus, more PPV matches|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}} Ryback received his title opportunity in a Last Man Standing match on May 19 at Extreme Rules. The match ended in a no contest after Ryback rammed Cena and himself into the electric backdrop at the top of the ramp.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_70699.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE EXTREME RULES PPV RESULTS 5/19 (Hour 3): Cena vs. Ryback starts third hour, Lesnar-Hunter cage match|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}} The following night on Raw, Ryback entered the arena in an ambulance and challenged Cena to an ambulance match for the WWE Championship at the first-ever Payback pay-per-view.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-05-20/wwe-raw-results-26116382|title=Raw results: Heyman's client list grows and Triple H suffers the consequences; The Shield stands tall in a six-man classic|access-date=May 29, 2013}} The following week on the May 27 episode of Raw, Cena accepted Ryback's challenge, but announced their match would instead be a 3 Stages of Hell match; the first fall a lumberjack match, the second a tables match, and the third an ambulance match.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-05-27/wwe-raw-results-26117809|title=Raw results: "Hit Man" honored as Jericho plays Heyman, Axel rolls on and Ryback drags Cena to "Hell"|access-date=May 29, 2013}} On June 16 at Payback, Ryback won the lumberjack match, but went on to lose both the tables and ambulance matches and his shot at the WWE Championship, to end the feud.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-payback/2013/john-cena-vs-ryback-wwe-championship-three-stages-of-hell-match-26116387|title=Shows|website=WWE|access-date=January 8, 2020}}

File:RybAxel April 2014.jpg partner Curtis Axel in April 2014]]

Ryback then began feuding with Chris Jericho,{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/node/26122815/chris-jericho-ryback-26126021|title=Money in the Bank 2013|website=WWE|access-date=January 8, 2020}} which led to a singles match on July 14 at Money in the Bank, where Ryback emerged victorious.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71943.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE MITB PPV RESULTS 7/14 (Hour 2): Ziggler vs. Del Rio for the World Title, Ryback vs. Jericho|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}} In August, Ryback debuted a new gimmick, where he began bullying various backstage workers.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/29 (Hour 1): McMahon talks Spontaneous Combustion with D-Bryan, Mark Henry vs. The Shield, RVD vs. Fandango, more|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72346.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 3, 2013}} Also as part of the gimmick, Ryback would back away from fighting opponents of equal size and taking advantage of smaller and vulnerable opponents.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72507.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 8/5 (Hour 1): Bryan's "corporate make-over" kicks off Raw, Del Rio vs. RVD match, Ricardo returns & written off, Henry-Ryback match|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}}

On September 15 at Night of Champions, Ryback aligned himself with Paul Heyman after helping him defeat CM Punk.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/node/26124040/cm-punk-vs-intercontinental-champion-curtis-axel-paul-heyman-handicap-eliminatio-26143716|title=Night of Champions 2013|website=WWE|access-date=January 8, 2020}} Despite being a bully himself, Ryback claimed he hated bullies and vowed to stop CM Punk and anyone else who acted as such.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_73390.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/16 (Hour 3): Bryan vs. Reigns main event, the locker room responds, "medical updates," Ryback explains why he saved Heyman, more|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_73491.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 9/20: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including a gauntlet match involving The Shield and a host of babyfaces|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_73533.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/23 (Hour 3): Punk returns home, D-Bryan leads Babyfaces vs. Shield in main event|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}} On October 6 at Battleground, Ryback was defeated by Punk in a singles match following a low blow from Punk.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_73743.shtml|title=Battleground PPV Results 10/6 (Hour 3): WWE Title match, power outage situation, Punk vs. Ryback|date=October 6, 2013|access-date=May 19, 2015|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On October 27 at Hell in a Cell, Ryback and Heyman were defeated by Punk in a 2-on-1 handicap Hell in a Cell match.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_74179.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE HIAC PPV RESULTS (Hour 2): Cena returns in World Title match, Punk vs. Ryback HIAC match|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}} The feud ended the following night on Raw, when Punk defeated Ryback in a Street Fight match after forcing him to submit to the Anaconda Vise, marking Ryback's first ever submission loss.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_74220.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 10/28 (Hour 3): Orton Title Celebration closes Raw, Punk vs. Ryback, Wyatts, more|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}} On the November 11 episode of Raw, the alliance between Ryback and Heyman came to an end when Heyman verbally berated him.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_74507.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 11/11 (Hour 3): Bryan & Punk vs. The Shield main event, Paul Heyman returns, more|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}} On November 24 at Survivor Series, Ryback was defeated by the returning Mark Henry after he answered Ryback's open challenge.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_74737.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - WWE S. SERIES PPV RESULTS 11/24 (Hour 2): Cena vs. Del Rio World Title match, Mark Henry returns, Divas Survivor Series match, Laurinaitis, more|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}}

Ryback then began a tag team with fellow former Paul Heyman Guy Curtis Axel collectively labelled as "RybAxel", and on the December 6 episode of SmackDown, they defeated WWE Tag Team Champions Cody Rhodes and Goldust in a non-title match to earn a shot at the titles.{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_74976.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 12/6: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including C.M. Punk against a member of The Shield|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}} RybAxel received their title shot on December 15 at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, but were defeated by Cody Rhodes and Goldust in a four-way elimination match, also involving Big Show and Rey Mysterio and The Real Americans (Antonio Cesaro and Jack Swagger).{{Cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_75121.shtml|title=PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE TLC PPV RESULTS 12/15: Live, in-person coverage of Cena vs. Orton unification match from Houston|website=www.pwtorch.com|access-date=January 8, 2020}} RybAxel received another shot at the WWE Tag Team Championship on April 6, 2014, on the WrestleMania XXX pre-show, but were defeated by defending champions The Usos in a fatal four-way elimination match, which also included Los Matadores and The Real Americans.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WrestleMania 30 PPV results (Pre-Show): Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Tag Title match, big face turn, more|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_77518.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 10, 2014}} At Payback, RybAxel defeated Cody Rhodes and Goldust in a tag team match.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/2014/wwe-payback-2014-results-26350801|title=WWE Payback 2014}} At Money in the Bank, RybAxel lost to Gold and Stardust.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2014/stardust-goldust-rybaxel-26408052|title=Money in the Bank 2014}} On July 2, it was announced that Ryback and Axel would be competing for the vacant Intercontinental Championship in a 19-man battle royal at Battleground, but neither Ryback or Axel managed to win. On August 26, 2014, Ryback underwent hernia surgery.

After a two-month injury, Ryback returned on the October 27 episode of Raw as a babyface, returning to his old "Feed Me More" gimmick by defeating Bo Dallas. Ryback would later end his association with Axel on the November 6 episode of Superstars. Four days later on the November 10 episode of Raw, Ryback appeared to join Team Authority for Survivor Series after attacking John Cena, but attacked his supposed teammates after they interfered in his match against Cena, joining Team Cena the following week. Ryback was eliminated by Rusev, but Team Cena won the match, putting The Authority out of power. Ryback defeated Team Authority member Kane in a Chairs match at TLC. After Seth Rollins coaxed Cena to bring The Authority back into power, Ryback, along with Erick Rowan and Dolph Ziggler, were (kayfabe) fired by Triple H on the January 5 episode of Raw as punishment for insubordination, but they were re-hired after Cena defeated Rollins, Kane and Big Show in a handicap match due to the distraction caused by Sting, on the January 19 episode of Raw. On the January 22 episode of SmackDown, Ryback defeated Rusev via count-out to earn a spot in the Royal Rumble match, where he was eliminated by Big Show and Kane. At Fastlane, he teamed with Rowan and Ziggler in a six-man tag team match against Rollins, Big Show and Kane, but lost.{{cite web|last1=Melok|first1=Bobby|title=Seth Rollins, Kane & Big Show def. Dolph Ziggler, Erick Rowan & Ryback|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2015/six-man-tag-team-match-27070059|website=wwe.com|access-date=February 22, 2015}} Ryback participated in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 31, but was eliminated by the eventual winner, Big Show. On the Raw following Extreme Rules, Ryback was attacked by Bray Wyatt (who sent a series of mysterious promos aimed at Ryback weeks prior), leading to a match at Payback, which Ryback lost.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85054.shtml#.VVlNCvlViko|title=CALDWELL'S PAYBACK PPV REPORT 5/17: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of four-way WWE World Title match, I Quit, more|author=Caldwell, James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=May 17, 2015|access-date=May 17, 2015}}

At Elimination Chamber, Ryback won the vacant Intercontinental Championship, his first professional wrestling championship in WWE, by defeating Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler, R-Truth, King Barrett and Mark Henry in an Elimination Chamber match.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_85340.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S WWE E. CHAMBER PPV REPORT 5/31: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of WWE Title match, Cena vs. Owens, two Elimination Chamber matches, more|author=Caldwell, James|website=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=May 31, 2015|access-date=May 31, 2015}} The following night, before Ryback was scheduled to make his first title defense against The Miz; Big Show attacked Miz and confronted Ryback, starting a feud between the two.{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=WWE RAW Results – 6/1/15 (Reigns competes three times)|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-raw-results/54662-wwe-raw-results-6-1-15-live-results-from-san-antonio|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=June 2, 2015|date=June 2, 2015}} At Money in the Bank, Big Show defeated Ryback by disqualification after Miz attacked him; Ryback retained the title as a result. Ryback was scheduled to defend the title against Big Show and Miz in a triple threat match at Battleground, but the match was postponed after Ryback developed a staph infection in his knee; the match was rescheduled for SummerSlam, where Ryback pinned The Miz to retain the title. Ryback once again defended his championship against Big Show on the August 31 episode of Raw, where he pinned Show after a distraction from The Miz, ending the feud. On the September 11 episode of SmackDown, Kevin Owens, who was one of the lumberjacks, cost him a win against Seth Rollins. Three days later on the September 14 episode of Raw, it was announced that he would face Owens at Night of Champions for his Intercontinental Championship. Owens won the match by pinfall after he raked Ryback's eyes, ending his reign at 112 days.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/nightofchampions/2015/ryback-kevin-owens-27892646|title=Night of Champions 2015}} After initially failing to regain the title using his rematch clause after Owens proceeded to get himself counted out, Ryback defeated Rusev to earn another opportunity at Hell in a Cell, where Ryback failed to regain the championship from Owens, ending the feud.

File:Ryback in April2016.jpg in 2016]]

On the November 12 episode of SmackDown, Ryback would enter the 16-man tournament to crown the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion, but he would lose to Kalisto in the first round. At Survivor Series, Ryback participated in a five-on-five elimination tag team match, teaming with The Usos and The Lucha Dragons to defeat The New Day, Sheamus and King Barrett. In December, Ryback started a feud with Rusev after interrupting Rusev and the returning Lana on Miz TV, which would lead to a match between the two at TLC, where Ryback was defeated by Rusev by technical knockout. On January 24, 2016, Ryback competed in the Royal Rumble match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship as the ninth entrant, but was eliminated by Big Show.

On the February 4 episode of SmackDown, Ryback debuted a new look, abandoning his singlet and now sporting black trunks, where he defeated Erick Rowan, but was attacked by The Wyatt Family. Ryback teamed up with Big Show and Kane, being billed as "the titans" of WWE, to defeat Wyatt Family members Erick Rowan, Luke Harper and Braun Strowman in a six-man tag team match at Fastlane, with Ryback pinning Harper for the victory. The next night on Raw, during a rematch between the two teams, Ryback walked out on Big Show and Kane, and later proclaimed that he was tired of being in tag team matches, turning heel for the first time since 2014.

On the March 7 episode of Raw, Ryback confronted United States Champion Kalisto backstage, leading to a title match between the two on the WrestleMania 32 pre-show, which Ryback lost. In a non-title rematch between the two on the April 21 episode of SmackDown, Ryback defeated Kalisto to reignite their feud. With the win, he earned another shot at Kalisto's United States Championship at the Payback pre-show, but was again defeated; this marked his final appearance in WWE.

On May 2, it was reported that WWE had sent Ryback home from television due to a contract dispute, and he did not participate in the battle royal match for which he was scheduled.{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2637526-ryback-reportedly-removed-from-wwe-programming-due-to-contract-dispute|title=Ryback Reportedly Removed from WWE Programming Due to Contract Dispute|last=Webster|first=Danny|date=May 2, 2016|website=Bleacher Report|access-date=May 3, 2016}} The following day, he explained on his Tumblr page that he had made the decision to go home, citing a lack of equal pay for talent and creative frustration as primary reasons for his departure.{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2637701-ryback-comments-on-contract-negotiations-pay-inequality-in-wwe-and-more|title=Ryback Comments on Contract Negotiations, Pay Inequality in WWE and More|last=Zucker|first=Joseph|date=May 3, 2016|website=Bleacher Report|access-date=May 3, 2016}}

On August 5, Reeves announced via Instagram that he and WWE had parted ways,{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/05/ryback-announces-wwe-exit/|title=Ryback announces WWE exit, reveals pro wrestling future|date=August 5, 2016|access-date=August 5, 2016|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808125954/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/08/05/ryback-announces-wwe-exit/|archive-date=August 8, 2016}} though he was not officially released until August 8.{{cite web|title=WWE parts ways with Ryback|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/wwe-ryback-part-ways|publisher=WWE|access-date=August 8, 2016}}

Immediately after his WWE departure, Ryback began taking independent bookings. He wrestled between August 2016 and August 2018.{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=2624&page=4 |title=CAGEMATCH " Wrestlers Database " Ryback " Matches |website= CAGEMATCH |access-date=January 31, 2019}}

File:Ziggler is Shell Shocked.jpg]]

The Ryback character has been described as "Goldberg meets The Ultimate Warrior meets Rob Van Dam's tights". Owing to similarities between him and Goldberg (the latter of whom was estranged from WWE at the time, due to his own failed stint with the company in 2003–2004), the portmanteau of "Ryberg" was devised for Reeves.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Torch_Feedback_17/article_66753.shtml|title=WWE RAW REAX #3: "This show did things wrong, but also did things right" – the story of three-hour Raws|last=Beaven|first=Travis|date=November 20, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=December 5, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Torch_Feedback_17/article_62182.shtml|title=WWE Raw Reax #3: More frustration with state of WWE TV, was there a hidden message behind Cena embarrassing Cole?|last=Gould|first=Grant|date=June 7, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=December 5, 2014}} In October 2012, after Reeves allegedly "stole" a move used by Goldberg during a match, Goldberg would respond by stating, "now comparisons offend me".{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/goldberg/status/260530629232447488|title=Bill Goldberg Twitter update|date=October 22, 2012|publisher=Twitter|access-date=December 29, 2014}} Spectators at WWE events had been chanting "Goldberg" during Reeves' matches from 2012, which Reeves said "never bothered [him]".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-cZjwtTdrY&t=12m40s| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/v-cZjwtTdrY| archive-date=November 17, 2021 | url-status=live|title=Sam Roberts & Ryback on Wrestlemania, Vince McMahon, Goldberg chants, & more (12:40 and 15:14)|last=Roberts|first=Sam|date=December 4, 2014|publisher=Sam Roberts's YouTube channel|access-date=December 4, 2014}}{{cbignore}} In response to podcast host and mixed martial artist Chael Sonnen's confusion about Ryback's appeal in late 2014, former WWE writer Jon Piermarini noted that the creative staff were doing "essentially the exact same thing they did with the character when it did not work or catch on the first time" and would only continue to get Goldberg's character over as Ryback.{{cite web|url=http://podcastone.com/chaelsonnen|title=You're Welcome! With Chael Sonnen|first=Chael|last=Sonnen|access-date=October 22, 2016}}

Reeves has garnered praise from peers such as Wade Barrett, who called himself "a huge fan of Ryback".{{cite web|url=https://www.sportsworldnews.com/articles/17999/20140919/wwe-rumors-bad-news-barrett-dislikes-john-cena-talks-about-return-in-interview-video.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112083519/http://www.sportsworldnews.com/articles/17999/20140919/wwe-rumors-bad-news-barrett-dislikes-john-cena-talks-about-return-in-interview-video.htm |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |title=WWE Rumors: Bad News Barrett Dislikes John Cena, Talks About Return In Interview [VIDEO] |work=Sports World News |last=Smollins |first=Mike |date=September 19, 2014 |access-date=October 22, 2016}} WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley said Ryback "had been doing a great job" in his solo promos, and that Ryback's first verbal interaction opposite Foley in 2013 "went really well".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKlhjSeV4pI&t=3m51s| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211117/YKlhjSeV4pI| archive-date=November 17, 2021 | url-status=live|title=Mick Foley Ringside Collectibles INTERVIEW Cactus Jack Mattel WWE Wrestling Figures May 2013 HOF|last=Ringside Collectibles|date=May 17, 2013|access-date=October 22, 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}

Reeves's in-ring work as Ryback has been criticized by some writers and fans since 2012, when IGN reporter Matt Fowler described Reeves as "green", "unsafe", and lacking in stamina.{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/10/03/wrestling-wrap-up-cm-punk-fears-ryback|title=Wrestling Wrap Up: CM Punk Fears Ryback|last=Fowler|first=Matt|date=October 2, 2012|publisher=IGN|access-date=November 28, 2014}} This was after Reeves botched his Shell Shocked (a cradle suplex lifted and dropped into a running horizontal muscle buster) finishing move multiple times on Tensai on the October 1 episode of Raw, which was described by an IB Times writer as "hard to watch".{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/wwe-raw-results-john-cena-absent-cm-punk-pinned-again-kane-and-daniel-bryan-get-spotlight-798935|title=WWE RAW Results|last=Herrmann|first=Tom|date=October 2, 2012|website=International Business Times|publisher=IBT Media|access-date=November 28, 2014}} Reeves later attributed the error to sickness and improper technique on his part. Readers of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter voted Ryback the "Most Overrated" wrestler in the publication's 2012 awards,{{cite journal|title=The 2012 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Annual Awards Issue|periodical=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|issn=1083-9593|location=Campbell, California|date=January 23, 2013}} and WWE live crowds went on to chant "You can't wrestle" at Reeves in 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=80739&p=4|title=Who is the new WWE Champion? Complete WWE Battleground PPV coverage|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=October 6, 2013|publisher=PWInsider|access-date=November 29, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_73107.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/2 (Hour 1): Bryan vs. Hunter/Orton promo starts Raw, Ziggler vs. Ryback|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=September 2, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=November 29, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72161.shtml|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/22 (Hour 3): Bryan wrestles three times, including epic battle vs. Cesaro, Punk-Heyman confrontation, RVD in action|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=July 22, 2013|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=November 29, 2014}} On the other hand, Jon Piermarini felt that Reeves had the potential to be successful under a new gimmick, stating: "I see a lot of good qualities and I see someone who can talk, I see someone that could be different and stand out... I think that there's something there".

According to Mike Johnson of PWInsider, Dolph Ziggler received a concussion from a stiff clothesline by Reeves in a January 2014 match, with Johnson reporting that this damaged Reeves's reputation among peers along with ongoing complaints of his recklessness – a reason why his recent pushes were aborted.{{cite web|url=http://pwinsider.com/article/82667/heat-on-wwe-star-injury-updates-on-three-stars-diva-out-sick-original-sin-cara-update-and-more.html?p=1|title=HEAT ON WWE STAR, INJURY UPDATES ON THREE STARS, DIVA OUT SICK, ORIGINAL SIN CARA UPDATE AND MORE|last=Johnson|first=Mike|date=January 7, 2014|publisher=PWInsider|access-date=December 7, 2014}} In November 2014, CM Punk labelled Reeves as a "steroid guy" and said that wrestling him "took 20 years off" his life, while also claiming that Reeves purposely broke his ribs.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2014/11/28/cm-punk-slams-wwes-health-and-wellness-policy-says-he-was-fired-on-his-wedding-day/|title=CM Punk slams WWE's health and wellness policy, says he was fired on his wedding day|last=Payne|first=Marissa|date=November 28, 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=November 28, 2014}} Reeves denied the notion that he is a hazardous wrestler, and claimed that he would not be placed in matches with top WWE stars if he were as unsafe as some have claimed.{{cite episode|title=WWE's Ryback|url=http://podcastone.com/Talk-Is-Jericho?showAllEpisodes=true|access-date=December 29, 2014|series=Talk is Jericho|network=PodcastOne|date=December 18, 2014|number=101|minutes=64}} Veteran wrestler Chris Jericho also dismissed the allegations of dangerous in-ring performance directed at Reeves, saying: "Having worked with [him], I've never seen those types of things... it was always fun". Former WWE producer Arn Anderson said he never "had an issue working with him on matches or anything. He was always very, very easy to work with".{{cite news |last1=Lovell |first1=Blake |title=Arn Anderson On Ryback In WWE, Styles Clash Being Considered Dangerous, WWE's Mistake With Curtis Axel |url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/arn-anderson-ryback-wwe-styles-clash-curtis-axel/ |access-date=February 12, 2021 |work=411 Mania |date=February 12, 2021}}

Former World Champion Mark Henry said of Reeves's reputation: "A lot of his peers look at him as difficult. A lot of his peers looked at him as dangerous." He also expressed displeasure with Reeves "talk[ing] shit" about the industry (including once labelling it "fake"), which Henry said had drawn the ire of many other wrestlers besides himself."Mark Henry". Busted Open. Sirius XM. January 17, 2021.

• Heroes and Legends Wrestling
• HLW Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://heroesandlegendswrestling.com/results.html|title=Heroes & Legends Wrestling Fan Fest|website=heroesandlegendswrestling.com}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=162764|title=HLW Heroes & Legends VII " Events Database " CAGEMATCH - The Internet Wrestling Database|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|website=www.cagematch.net}}
• Ohio Valley Wrestling
• OVW Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles#heavyweight |title=OVW Heavyweight Championship history |access-date=July 5, 2009 |publisher=Ohio Valley Wrestling |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110405184334/http://www.ovwrestling.com/titles |archive-date=April 5, 2011 }}
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
• Feud of the Year (2010){{cite web|url=http://prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com/2011/01/achievement-awards-feud-of-year.html|title=Achievement Awards: Feud of the Year|date=January 10, 2011|access-date=January 15, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated}} {{small|The Nexus vs. WWE}}
• Most Hated Wrestler of the Year (2010){{cite web|url=http://prowrestlingillustrated.blogspot.com/2011/01/achievement-awards-most-hated_17.html|title=Achievement Awards: Most Hated|date=January 17, 2011|access-date=January 22, 2011|work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated}} {{small|As part of The Nexus}}
• Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (2012)
• Ranked No. 13 of the top 500 wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2013{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2013.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2013|access-date=August 22, 2013|work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database}}
• Rock And Roll Wrestling
• RRW World Championship (1 time){{Cite web | url=https://www.cagematch.net//?id=1&nr=198792 | title=RRW Feed Me More Tour 2018 - Wollongong " Events Database " CAGEMATCH - the Internet Wrestling Database}}
• Rolling Stone
• Most Improved Promos (2015){{cite magazine|last=Herzog|first=Kenny|title=WWE Wrestler of the Year (So Far): Kevin Owens|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-sports/wwe-wrestler-of-the-year-so-far-kevin-owens-75404/|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=July 1, 2015|access-date=December 20, 2020}}
• World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
• WWE Intercontinental Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/20150531-ryback |title=Ryback's first Intercontinental Championship reign |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610110303/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/20150531-ryback |archive-date=June 10, 2015 }}
• Slammy Award (5 times)
• Crowd Chant of the Year (2012){{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-12-17/slammy-award-winners-26077044/page-10|title=Shows|website=WWE|access-date=January 8, 2020}} {{small|Feed Me More!}}
• Match of the Year (2014) – {{small|Team Cena vs. Team Authority at Survivor Series}}
• Newcomer of the Year (2012){{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/node/26076242/slammy-award-winners-26077044|title=Raw: Dec. 17, 2012|website=WWE|access-date=January 8, 2020}}
• Shocker of the Year (2010){{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/node/6880882/slammyawards10|title=Raw|website=WWE|access-date=January 8, 2020}} {{small|The debut of The Nexus}}
• Trending Now (2012){{Cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-12-17/slammy-award-winners-26077044/page-2|title=Shows|website=WWE|access-date=January 8, 2020}} {{small|#FeedMeMore}}
• WrestlePro
• WrestlePro Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Pat Buck{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/ryback-wins-wrestlepro-tag-team-title-last-night/|title=411MANIA – Ryback Wins WrestlePro Tag Team Title Last Night|access-date=October 22, 2016}}
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
• Most Overrated (2012){{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 23, 2013|title=The 2012 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Annual Awards Issue|journal=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/29425-the-2012-wrestling-observer-newsletter-annual-awards-issue|access-date=January 24, 2013|archive-date=April 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425050241/https://www.f4wonline.com/|url-status=dead}}

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