Ryback addressed speculation around recent comments involving Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens, aiming to provide Cody Rhodes Ryback comments clarification after a wave of online debate. The situation emerged after a podcast episode led many WWE fans to believe pointed remarks were aimed at Ryback, prompting him to speak out.
In a new episode of
“What Do You Wanna Talk About?”
, Cody Rhodes hosted Kevin Owens for a discussion that caught the attention of wrestling fans. During their conversation, Owens referred to a former WWE Superstar whom he felt believed their post-WWE profile was larger than reality. The pair never identified anyone by name, but due to the nature of their remarks and the language used, widespread speculation among fans quickly centered on Ryback. The absence of a name led many online to connect Ryback to the veiled criticism, sparking heated exchanges and further curiosity on social media platforms.
Ryback quickly responded via a lengthy post on X—previously Twitter—addressing both Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens. He interpreted the comments as targeting him directly, explaining that he had chosen to step away from active wrestling. Ryback cited focusing on his health and, significantly, caring for his paralyzed dog Sophie as his reasons for turning down wrestling bookings after leaving WWE. He further detailed his ongoing medical treatments, indicating his struggle to rehabilitate physically with twenty stem cell therapies.
Ryback responded to Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes, confirming the censored reference was about him. He clarified he left WWE on his own after serious injuries and wasn’t fired. Ryback stopped wrestling to heal and care for his paralyzed dog, Sophie. He’s had 20 stem cell treatments… pic.twitter.com/WeNsZn96AQ— Pro Wrestling & MMA News (@PWMMANews) June 26, 2025
With detailed explanations provided, Ryback sought to clarify that he was neither released from WWE nor motivated by ego, but rather by health limitations and personal challenges. Emphasizing his commitment to Sophie’s health, Ryback tried to set the record straight about his absence from the wrestling spotlight, further fanning debates on social media as fans discussed the matter throughout Pro Wrestling circles and MMA News threads.
Direct Dialogue with Kevin Owens Reveals Clarification
The day after the initial comments, Ryback offered a new statement following a direct conversation with Kevin Owens. According to Ryback, speaking privately with Owens cleared up the confusion; Owens assured him that the contested remarks in the podcast weren’t actually referencing Ryback. This revelation shifted the narrative, moving it from speculation to personal confirmation.
The former WWE Superstar explained that, while his name was mentioned elsewhere during the show, the specific comments interpreted as criticism were meant for another, unnamed individual. Ryback acknowledged that his assumption was based on the comments being censored and a reference to working with someone on shows, which matched his own experience alongside Cody Rhodes.
I want to clarify something from my recent post regarding the clip with @FightOwensFight and @CodyRhodes . After speaking with Kevin, he confirmed the person referenced in that specific comment wasn’t me. My name did come up in another part of the conversation, but not in that clip. I jumped to conclusions based on the name being censored and Cody mentioning working shows with the guy. Since I haven’t been publicly mentioned much in years, I assumed it was about me — and I was wrong. I appreciate Kevin for the honest conversation. We always got along, and I’ve always respected both him and Cody. This is a reminder to ask before assuming, and I’m grateful the post brought awareness to my story regardless, as a lot has been misunderstood in the past. Much love to you both— RYBACK (@Ryback) June 27, 2025
Ryback openly admitted to having jumped to conclusions due to the lack of transparency in the podcast’s editing. He pointed out that he is rarely discussed in mainstream conversations these days, which heightened his sensitivity toward the reference. Reporting this new information on his own social accounts, Ryback thanked Kevin Owens for their honest exchange and for helping him understand the context behind the remarks. He used the opportunity to remind his followers to seek clarity before making assumptions in public forums.
Impact of Clarification and What’s Next for Ryback
The incident illustrates the impact of ambiguity and speculation in the wrestling community—especially when it involves figures such as Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, and Ryback who each have strong followings from their time in WWE and beyond. The viral debate emphasizes the need for accurate representation of events and the value of direct communication, as demonstrated by the private conversation between Ryback and Owens.
Ryback’s willingness to publicly admit error and accept the newfound information with humility could reshape how similar conflicts are handled in the future, both among superstars and within their fan bases. His story, reflecting a mix of health recovery, animal care, and the trials of public life, resonated within pro wrestling and MMA circles. The clarification has diffused online tension, but it also brought attention to Ryback’s ongoing health challenges and personal journey, with fans now better informed about his reasons for stepping away from the ring.
As discourse in the pro wrestling world moves forward, Cody Rhodes Ryback comments clarification will likely serve as a cautionary tale about the rapid escalation of rumors and the necessity for clear, respectful dialogue even in heated or emotional contexts. Fans, wrestlers, and media may look to this incident as a reminder of the complexities beneath the surface of public personas and the power of conversation to resolve misunderstandings.
