Former WWE Superstar Ryback recently gave fans a look back at his childhood by sharing a rare middle school photo. He posted the picture on his Instagram account and X, showing what Ryan Reeves looked like long before WWE fans knew him as “The Big Guy.”
He shared the throwback as students prepare to head back to school. Along with the photo, Ryback reflected on those early days and used hashtags like #Ryback, #MiddleSchool, #Hungry, #Flashback, and #Grateful.
Ryback looks unrecognizable in middle school throwback
The picture was taken during Ryback’s time at R.O. Gibson Middle School in Las Vegas, Nevada. Instead of the huge, intimidating WWE Superstar fans remember, the photo shows a regular middle school kid posing for a school portrait.
In the picture, he is smiling while wearing an oversized black-and-white striped T-shirt with denim shorts. His dark hair is neatly parted down the middle, a hairstyle that was common in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He is sitting casually with his hands resting on one knee in front of a colorful school photo backdrop.
The difference between this photo and the Ryback fans know today is striking. Back then, he had a slim build, softer facial features, and a friendly smile. Years later, he became famous for his bald head, thick beard, massive physique, and powerful presence in WWE.
His “Feed Me More” catchphrase became one of the most popular parts of his character, making this old school photo even more surprising for longtime fans.
Many joked in the comment section that it was taken before he was “fed more.” Others had fun with his hairstyle and youthful appearance, with some comparing him to sitcom character Bud Bundy.
The picture is a reminder that even one of WWE’s biggest powerhouses started out as an ordinary kid.
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