Ryback On Impact Wrestling's Problems, Impact No Longer Being #2, WWE Signing Rockstar Spud
As noted, former King of the Mountain Champion Bram departed from Impact Wrestling earlier this month. Ryback discussed his release on his Conversation With The Big Guy podcast.
Bram debuted in TNA in April of 2014. He last wrestled for the company at their Impact Wrestling tapings this past March in Orlando. Ryback said Bram likely parted ways with the company amicably and doesn't believe there were any ill feelings on either side.
"Impact Wrestling has been in a weird boat," Ryback said. "A lot of their talent there have parted ways with them, and I'm not sure if it is a good thing or bad thing, but he was a talent that they used pretty consistently at one point and I think it was a mutual parting, and don't think there were any hard feelings or anything like that."
Ryback pointed out that Bram was the latest in a long list of Impact Wrestling departures, joining the likes of Taryn Terrell, Eddie Kingston, Robbie E, Jeff Jarrett and Reno Scum. He said Impact has lost its status as the number-two wrestling promotion behind the WWE because it keeps losing superstars.
"They have lost a lot of talent over the past year. It's not the same when they were TNA. At one point they were at a level where they could have been considered the #2 company; they're not the #2 company anymore," he said. "I don't even know who #2 is. Anthem has a lot of money, but their personnel doesn't know how to run a Pro Wrestling company. That is not to say that people involved aren't trying their best, but I don't know. It just kind of seems—based on everything I've seen; they are trying their best. They bring people in, but they're not on a major network. They need things to turn around for them, and I really hope that they do."
Another superstar who was recently released from Impact is former X Division Champion Rockstar Spud. Reports have confirmed that Spud will be signing with the WWE and will likely join the Cruiserweight division. Ryback said he thinks Spud would be a natural fit on 205 Live.
"He's a smaller-sized guy. I actually met him in Nashville a few weeks ago; he is a very nice guy," Ryback said. "I think the reports are for 205 Live, and I think he would be a nice addition as far as personality standpoints if the story is true."
If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit Conversation With The Big Guy with an H/T to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Source: Conversation With The Big Guy
Peter Bahi contributed to this article.