Over the past couple of months, WWE has prerecorded several episodes of Raw and SmackDown. While most of them were due to upcoming tours and PLEs outside of the country, the recent ones are seemingly to give talent time off during the holiday season. Taking issue with the number of taped shows, a fan on X voiced their displeasure in a now-deleted tweet.

In response, former WWE Superstar Ryback surprisingly defended the company’s decision. Ryback tore into the fan by detailing how difficult a wrestler’s life on the road can be. Moreover, he highlighted how taped shows give WWE superstars time to spend with their loved ones.

Ryback asked the fans to enjoy the show rather than complain about taped shows online. In addition to that, The Big Guy heaped praise on the wrestlers for working harder than athletes and celebrities from other fields. This was admittedly surprising to see from Ryback.

The former Intercontinental Champion rarely ever lauds WWE, especially since his departure from the company in 2016. Ryback usually criticizes his former employers online, either telling stories from his run in the company or criticizing the current storylines and higher ups. They work harder than any other form of sports or entertainment, year-round.

Do everyone a favor – quit the whining over nothing and show some respect to the men and women who give you some sort of meaning to your pathetic life. Ryback via XUnderstand this – for years, talents barely had time off. Holidays, family time, true rest?

Rare luxuries. They have to rush home, do laundry, repack, dry clean suits, and head back on the road. Wrestlers are human beings with lives, families, and nonstop schedules.

If taped… https://t. co/DsPB0VL2VD— RYBACK (@Ryback) November 12, 2024 RELATEDJohn Cena officially announces his first match as part of the 2025 WWE retirement tourAs for WWE stars receiving time off, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. Since Vince McMahon was ousted from the promotion, the new regime has prioritized wrestlers’ health and personal lives.

In fact, CM Punk has previously revealed how talent have an app on their phones in which they can request time off. Meanwhile, Randy Orton underlined the improvement while recalling his time working under McMahon. Another possible reason why WWE is hosting several double-taped television showsWhile providing talent time off during the holidays is the major motive behind the recent taped shows, there could also be another reason for it.

WWE is preparing for its flagship show, Monday Night Raw’s huge move to Netflix in January 2025. WWE gearing up for historic Netflix move (via WWE) As such, things are expected to get hectic during that period. More importantly, the road to WrestleMania will commence next year.

In addition to wrestling on weekly shows, talent has to deal with media duties and interviews as well. RELATED“I did that for nothing,” WWE Hall of Famer disappointed for losing his retirement match against 40-year-old star after his controversial release WWE announced a 15-day tour of Europe beginning on March 14. This includes several house shows and televised tapings across the continent.

Hence, giving talent time off now might be the right thing to do considering the tight schedule in the first few months of 2025.