Kevin Owens recently visited the podcast of Cody Rhodes, What Do You Wanna Talk About?while recovering from their current injury, and among other issues that the fighters discussed talked about exwwe that are now independent. The “American Nightmare” said that the promoters should receive what they pay and “The Prizefighter,” said a name that sounds like Ryback and was censored. Then Rhodes said he is someone with whom he worked after his first stage in the company, which coincides with the departure of the “Big Guy” in 2016. And he listened to his comments.
► Ryback's response
I was made aware & saw the clip of @FightOwensFight & @CodyRhodestwo guys I always liked & got along with. It’s clear they were referencing me, even with the name censored.
For context: I was booked solid for 3 years straight after WWE. My rate was set by my then-manager Pat…
— RYBACK (@Ryback) June 25, 2025
«They informed me and I saw the clip of Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes, Two people who always liked me and with whom I got along. It is clear that they were referring to me, even with the censored name.
To give context: I was scheduled without stopping for 3 years in a row after wwe. My rate was established by my then manager Pat Buck (himself a promoter), and all the promoters with whom I worked earned money and received all my effort: autograph signatures, fighting, time with fans, everything.
What is often omitted: I moved away from a multimillionaire contract with WWE. They didn't fire me. I needed a fusion of 5 albums and the total right shoulder replacement at age 34. They told me that I shouldn't fight again. He had nervous damage that put a paralysis at risk if he continued.
I had to stop accepting dates completely. Because? Because my doctors told me that, for stem cells to work properly, I had to stop fighting. I also made the decision to stay at home to take care of my dog Sophie, who developed a severe disc disease, suffered multiple ruptures and surgeries, and was paralyzed twice. I refused to sacrifice her just to continue traveling and earning more money – I had what I needed.
Sophie turns 10 this November. And every second with her it has been worth it.
I put everything in rebuilding my health and my brand with feed me more nutrition. I underwent 20 stem cell treatments and had the blessing of regenerating the 5 albums of my back. Now I'm finally close to be able to return.
So yes, I feel that the comment was a low blow“Specially coming from two people who respected and who spoke well.” But I don't have grudges. I have made peace with WWE and left the past behind.
This is not a fiction story. It is real life. Survival. Growth. Perspective.
I wish Kevin a strong recovery, and I send both him and Cody only love, health and continuous success«.
