Ryback Fires Back After Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes Throw Shade Over Booking Rates

Ryback isn’t staying quiet after Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes took a thinly veiled shot at him on What Do You Want to Talk About?, and even though his name was censored in the podcast, he says the message was crystal clear.

During their conversation, Owens brought up how certain ex-WWE stars “overestimated their appeal” after leaving the company—and specifically mentioned one wrestler who charged “insane” rates for bookings. While they had fun joking about bleeping the name, Ryback made it clear he knew they were talking about him.

“So when we’re talking about that, I just remember specifically hearing about ex-WWE guys that overestimated their appeal. Just because they were coming off of WWE. And I think, you know, a good example. Charged insane amounts of money. Which he might have gotten a couple times at first. And now I think it’s safe to say he has not very much.”

Owens and Cody laughed off the moment, teasing that they’d cover the name with Cody’s face or even his tattoo to avoid drama. But that didn’t stop Ryback from catching wind of it and setting the record straight.

Taking to social media, Ryback shared a lengthy statement defending himself and giving fans his side of the story.

“I was made aware & saw the clip of @FightOwensFight & @CodyRhodes, two guys I always liked & got along with. It’s clear they were referencing me, even with the name censored.”

Ryback explained that after leaving WWE in 2016, he was booked solid for three years straight and that his rate was set by his manager, Pat Buck—who’s also a wrestling promoter.

“Every promoter I worked with made money and got my full effort—meet & greets, matches, fan time, all of it.”

He also addressed what fans often forget—he left WWE due to serious health concerns, not because he was fired.

“I walked away from a multi-million dollar WWE contract. I wasn’t fired. I needed a 5-disc fusion and full right shoulder replacement at 34. I was told not to wrestle again. I had nerve damage that risked paralysis if I continued.”

Ryback explained he had to stop taking bookings entirely to let his body heal properly and care for his dog, Sophie, who battled severe disc disease.

“I refused to put her down just to keep traveling and making more money—I already had what I needed.”

After years of rehab, including 20 stem cell procedures, Ryback says he’s finally close to being cleared for a return to the ring.

Despite calling the podcast comments a “low blow,” Ryback insists he isn’t holding a grudge.

“I wish Kevin a strong recovery, and I send both him and Cody nothing but love, health & continued success.”

Love him or hate him, Ryback isn’t one to sit back quietly—and with his health finally on track and talk of a return heating up, this probably won’t be the last time his name gets tossed around. Whether you believe he overcharged or simply knew his worth, one thing’s clear—the Big Guy never lost his voice.

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