Roman Reigns has recently faced some backlash after attending UFC Freedom 250. Nevertheless, former WWE star Ryback isn’t buying into the backlash.
The discussion started after Reigns showed up at the UFC event, which took place on the South Lawn of the White House as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary. The event featured thrilling MMA bouts but another talking point hung over the event like a dark cloud. UFC 250 also drew attention and criticism because of its political connections and ties to President Donald Trump.
As social media criticism mounted, actor Paul Walter Hauser was among those who publicly questioned Reigns.
Ryback, however, saw things differently.
Ryback defends Roman Reigns and says fans are ignoring the business connection between UFC and WWE
Posting on X, the former WWE Intercontinental Champion defended Reigns and focused on the person he has known throughout his wrestling career.
“Roman Reigns has always been one of the most respectful, professional people I’ve known in this business. He’s a family man and someone who’s done a lot of good for a lot of people,” Ryback wrote.
Ryback also believes that many fans are overlooking the fact that WWE and UFC are now part of the same company under TKO Group Holdings. Because of that connection, he doesn’t think it is surprising that one of WWE’s biggest stars would attend a major UFC event.
“WWE and UFC are under the same company. If one of the biggest stars in WWE is invited to a major UFC event, it shouldn’t surprise any of us that he’d attend. Going to an event doesn’t suddenly define someone’s character or mean we know everything they believe,” Ryback explained.
He later wrote about how quickly people judge each other these days and that “there’s already enough negativity in the world without adding to it.”
The former WWE star later expanded on his thoughts in a video, where he continued to defend Reigns.
“Roman Reigns is a great guy. He does a lot of good. He’s in a major position for a major company,” Ryback said.
He also used the situation to talk about what he sees as a bigger issue with social media.
“Happiness is a choice. And sometimes that choice starts by looking in the mirror instead of always pointing fingers and always wanting to be angry over everything,” he said.
The comments become particularly notable because Ryback has often been critical of WWE and people connected to the company since his exit. This time, he did the opposite.
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