Former WWE creative writer Kevin Eck posted a Q&A with former WWE star Ryback, where "The Big Guy" spoke about how he started using that nickname and how Vince McMahon once told him to stop using it.
Ryback also talked to Eck about his feelings regarding CM Punk, who was very critical of him during his appearance on Colt Cabana's podcast.
"If you ever run into Punk, what would you say to him?," asked Eck.
"Recently, Colt Cabana and myself had a talk, and he was very apologetic, even though he never said anything (disparaging about Ryback on the podcast). But it meant a lot to me because we always got along in the few encounters we had," Ryback began. "I will never know why (Punk) chose to say the things he did, and it definitely didn't help my career at that point. All I know is he was very banged up and miserable during the periods we worked together. I think people have to look at it this way: How many other people are out there saying that about me? I was always respectful of him in his time there, and before our runs together, he was always good to me. Working in the WWE, though, has a way to bring out the worst in everybody. I have made jokes (about Punk) over the years via social media, as it is fun to get a reaction from his followers from time to time, but if I were to ever see him, I would tell him, "'f I really did ever hurt you (in the ring), I truly am sorry, but I don't think it was the right thing to do to say the things you did.' Life is too short to hold grudges, and I truly wish him the best in his life."
Eck brought up how when he was on the creative team, Ryback started referring to himself as "The Big Guy" in interviews. "The first time you said it, me and some of the others writers thought it was great and made it a point to include it when writing your promos," said Eck. "However, one day, during a booking meeting, Vince said he didn't like you calling yourself 'The Big Guy.' He said it was silly and told us to never put it in a script ever again, even though you had it on your tights at that point. So we had to do as he said, yet you continued to say it anyway." Eck asked Ryback if Vince ever asked him to stop referring to himself in that way.
"I was only ever told exactly what you said while in the WWE, but he personally never told me that," said Ryback. "He also banned me several times from hitting my head and saying, 'stupid,' but now, 'stupid idiot' is totally OK. I would get adults and kids alike coming up to me impersonating me saying 'The Big Guy' and 'stupid,' so it only makes sense that Vince didn't understand it and thought it was silly. Makes about as much sense as telling me when I was the No. 2 merchandise seller in the company to quit saying 'Feed me more' and to let my merchandise tank. Explain that theory to me."
Ryback also discussed Goldberg's WWE return and if there was ever talk of him facing the former WWE Champ. You can read the full Q&A on Pressbox by clicking here.
