Ryback has shared an absolutely heartbreaking update about his dog Popcorn after a sudden medical crisis took a devastating turn. The former WWE star revealed that he was forced to make the decision every pet owner dreads after realizing his “sweet little angel” was suffering.
Taking to Instagram, Ryback announced that Popcorn had peacefully passed away at 11:30 p.m. Pacific Time. He explained that her doctor called after her neurological condition worsened, with weakness developing in her front legs and difficulty lifting her head.
“Tonight at 11:30 p.m. Pacific Time, my sweet little angel Popcorn passed peacefully.
Her doctor, who successfully performed all of Sophie’s surgeries, called tonight to say Popcorn was worse neurologically. Her front legs were weaker, and she struggled to lift her head. She warned that the myelomalacia was progressing quickly and could take away her ability to breathe.”
Ryback initially went to see Popcorn hoping he could comfort her through the night and wait for another evaluation in the morning. Once he arrived, however, he said he saw her struggling to breathe, shaking and attempting to lift her head. Doctors warned him that if he went home, there was a possibility he could receive a call within hours and not make it back in time. Faced with watching Popcorn continue to struggle, Ryback made the painful decision to let her go peacefully.
“I could not leave my baby to suffer overnight just to face the same decision tomorrow. Letting her go peacefully was the hardest goodbye of my life.”
Ryback adopted Popcorn on July 10, 2024, through the Henderson Animal Shelter in Nevada. He remembered her as an incredibly loving and playful dog who would sleep on his shoulder every night. Popcorn was only four years and four months old. Ryback admitted he believed they would have far more time together and never expected her condition to deteriorate so quickly. The loss comes during an already incredibly painful year for Ryback. His mother, who had helped care for Popcorn, died earlier in 2026, making Popcorn’s sudden passing just six months later especially difficult to process.
“Losing my mom earlier this year, who helped take such wonderful care of Popcorn, broke my heart. With that loss and others, I had some time to prepare. With Popcorn, I had none. This has been the hardest death I’ve ever experienced with half of the most important things in my life suddenly gone 6 months apart.”
Despite the heartbreak, Ryback said he finds some peace in knowing Popcorn is no longer suffering. He ended his emotional message by thanking everyone who supported and prayed for them before saying goodbye to the dog he affectionately called “Popcorn with extra butter.”
“I’m at peace knowing she is no longer suffering, but a piece of me will forever be gone with her.
The longer we live, the more loss we experience. We can never replace that love, but we have unlimited love to give.
Thank you all for your love, support, and prayers during this difficult time.
I love you forever, my sweet little angel Popcorn with extra butter. 🍿 ❤️ 🙏”
It’s clear Popcorn wasn’t simply a pet to Ryback but a huge part of his everyday life, making such a sudden goodbye especially painful. After everything she meant to him during their short time together, his final message made sure that relationship was remembered with the same love he gave her while she was here.
Our thoughts are with Ryback as he mourns Popcorn’s passing. Feel free to leave your condolences and support for him in the comments.
