Bellator President Explains What Happened In Ryback Negotiations

Bellator president Scott Coker tried to figure out a way to get former WWE superstar Ryback into the cage for an MMA bout. Things, according to Coker, just didn't work out.

Ryback, a former WWE Intercontinental Champion, parted ways with the WWE this past summer. He has since competed on the independent circuit.

"Yeah, we talked to him and we just couldn't put the deal together," Coker told Submission Radio during a recent interview. "So if he wanted to come back and change his mind... I think it's easier for him to stay in some type of wrestling and be an entertainer."

The 35-year-old found much success in the WWE, as "Pro Wrestling Illustrated" honored the 2010 feud between The Nexus and the WWE as the "Feud of the Year." He was also voted "Most Hated Wrestler of the Year" that year for his role in Nexus and was the 2012 "Most Improved Wrestler of the Year."

Unlike Brock Lesnar who successfully transitioned from pro wrestling to MMA, Ryback has no prior collegiate wrestling experience. He was a baseball and football standout in high school before playing college baseball for a season.

"I'm not exactly sure, because they were talking to Rich (Chou), our matchmaker, but I think it was just basically on what the economics were," said Coker, on why talks broke down. "Sometimes the fighter or an athlete feels they're valued a certain price, and sometimes we don't feel that way."