Ryback Defends Roman Reigns After "Overrated" Podcast Claim

Ryback Defends Roman Reigns Following "Overrated" Comments from Conrad Thompson

A recent debate surrounding Roman Reigns’ legacy in professional wrestling has drawn widespread discussion across the industry. During an episode of Eric Bischoff’s 83 Weeks podcast, co-host Conrad Thompson described Reigns as “probably the most overrated main eventer in WWE history.”

The claim prompted a direct response from former WWE Superstar Ryback, who took to Twitter/X to defend the former Tribal Chief and reflect on their shared time in the ring.

High Praise for Reigns’ Work Ethic and Growth

Having shared the locker room and featured in storylines with Reigns during his tenure in WWE, Ryback strongly disagreed with Thompson’s assessment, highlighting Reigns’ professionalism and dedication to his craft throughout his career.

“Roman Reigns has been nothing but professional, respectful, and hardworking every time I’ve shared a locker room or the ring with him. I worked with him quite a bit early on and at different points throughout my four years in WWE as Ryback, and I have nothing but respect for him.”

Ryback acknowledged that while Reigns was heavily backed by corporate leadership early on, earning long-term success required more than just initial opportunities.

“Yes, he was chosen by the company and pushed heavily while he was learning and growing. That’s part of the business. Every major promotion has people they believe in and invest in. The opportunities may be given, but what you do with them is what ultimately matters. Roman continued to improve, learned from mistakes, handled enormous pressure, and built a résumé that speaks for itself.”

The Reality of WWE as a Global Brand

Addressing the broader landscape of sports entertainment, Ryback noted that while no individual performer is bigger than WWE, individual achievements should not be diminished or brushed aside.

“Would WWE survive without Roman? Of course. WWE has become such a massive global brand that no single talent is bigger than the company. That’s true for every wrestler who has ever been there. The next person steps up, and the business keeps moving forward. That doesn’t mean you should discredit what someone has accomplished. Success deserves respect, even if someone isn’t your personal favorite.”

Calling Out Outside Critics

Concluding his statement, Ryback took aim at external commentary surrounding the inner workings of the wrestling business, encouraging fans and podcasters to respect the hard work that goes into reaching the top tier of the industry.

“I’ve always believed if you don’t like the way a company is run, go build your own business and prove your vision works. It’s easy to criticize from the outside. Creating something successful is much harder. Wrestling is better when we recognize hard work and achievement instead of looking for reasons to tear people down. And that’s the last bite. Feed Me More!”