Former WWE Star Ryback Mourns Dog Popcorn’s Death

Former WWE star Ryback is mourning the death of his beloved dog Popcorn, who passed away at 11:30 p.m. Pacific Time following a serious medical emergency. The former WWE Intercontinental Champion shared the heartbreaking news with fans, explaining that Popcorn’s neurological condition had rapidly deteriorated and that he ultimately made the difficult decision to let her go peacefully.

The loss came just days after Ryback, also known as The Big Guy, had asked fans to pray for Popcorn while she was undergoing medical evaluation. Scans had raised concerns about two ruptured discs in her back and a possible hernia. However, her condition worsened before doctors could proceed with the next steps in her treatment.

Ryback announces the heartbreaking death of his dog Popcorn

Ryback revealed that Popcorn’s doctor contacted him with worrying news about her neurological condition. The veterinarian explained that Popcorn’s front legs had become weaker and that she was struggling to lift her head. There were also concerns that a rapidly progressing condition could eventually affect her ability to breathe.

Sharing the details of the call, Ryback wrote:

“Her doctor, who successfully performed all of Sophie’s surgeries, called tonight to say Popcorn was worse neurologically. Her front legs were weaker, and she struggled to lift her head. She warned that the myelomalacia was progressing quickly and could take away her ability to breathe.”

After receiving the update, Ryback went to see Popcorn, hoping to comfort her through the night and wait for another medical evaluation in the morning. However, when he arrived, he found that her condition had become even more distressing.

Popcorn was shaking and struggling to lift her head. Doctors also warned Ryback that if he left, he might receive a call within hours telling him that she had deteriorated further. There was a possibility that he would not be able to return in time.

Faced with the difficult situation, Ryback decided that he did not want Popcorn to continue suffering through the night. He later described the decision as the hardest goodbye of his life.

“I could not leave my baby to suffer overnight just to face the same decision tomorrow. Letting her go peacefully was the hardest goodbye of my life.”

His message revealed the emotional pain behind the decision, as he explained that his priority was to prevent Popcorn from experiencing further suffering.

Popcorn was only four years and four months old

Popcorn came into Ryback’s life on July 10, 2024, after being adopted through the Henderson Animal Shelter in Nevada. The former WWE star shared that she quickly became an important part of his daily life and developed a particularly close bond with him.

According to Ryback, Popcorn slept on his shoulder every night. Her sudden deterioration made the loss especially difficult because he had not expected to lose her at such a young age.

Popcorn was just four years and four months old when she died. Ryback also explained that his other French bulldog, Sophie, had never experienced myelomalacia, meaning he had not anticipated facing the same condition with Popcorn.

The sudden nature of the medical emergency left him with little time to prepare emotionally. His account highlighted how quickly Popcorn’s condition had changed and how difficult it was to accept that she would not recover.

Ryback reflects on losing his mother earlier this year

Popcorn’s death came during an already painful year for Ryback, who had also lost his mother earlier in 2026. He explained that his mother had helped take wonderful care of Popcorn, making the two losses particularly difficult to process.

Ryback said that although losing his mother had been devastating, he had some time to prepare for that loss. Popcorn’s deterioration, by contrast, happened so suddenly that he had no opportunity to come to terms with what was happening.

Reflecting on the emotional impact of losing both his mother and Popcorn within six months, he wrote:

“Losing my mom earlier this year, who helped take such wonderful care of Popcorn, broke my heart. With that loss and others, I had some time to prepare. With Popcorn, I had none. This has been the hardest death I’ve ever experienced with half of the most important things in my life suddenly gone 6 months apart.”

The former WWE star’s words conveyed the depth of his grief and the importance Popcorn had held in his life. Her death was not simply the loss of a pet but the loss of a companion who had been part of his everyday routine and emotional support.

Former WWE star says a part of him is gone

Despite the pain, Ryback said he found some comfort in knowing that Popcorn was no longer suffering. However, he acknowledged that her absence would leave a permanent emotional void.

“I’m at peace knowing she is no longer suffering, but a piece of me will forever be gone with her.”

Ryback also thanked everyone who had offered support, prayers and messages during Popcorn’s medical emergency and following her death. His update gave fans an opportunity to understand what had happened during the final hours of her life.

The former wrestler had previously turned to his followers for support when doctors were investigating Popcorn’s condition. Their messages continued as he shared the heartbreaking outcome.

Ryback also directed followers to his Instagram post, where he shared his personal account of Popcorn’s illness, final hours and the impact of losing her.

Ryback’s WWE departure in 2016 ended an 11-year run

While Ryback is currently receiving attention for his personal loss, the former WWE star also had a notable career in Professional Wrestling. WWE officially announced on August 8, 2016, that it had parted ways with him, bringing an end to his 11-year run with the company.

The announcement came days after Ryback had indicated on social media that the two sides would no longer be doing business together. His final WWE match had taken place on May 1, 2016, when he faced Kalisto in a United States Championship match on the Payback kickoff show.

Ryback had been one of WWE’s prominent performers during his time with the company, earning recognition for his strength, physical presence and powerful in-ring style. His run included opportunities in major championship matches and a reign as Intercontinental Champion.

Ryback won the Intercontinental Championship in 2015

One of the biggest achievements of Ryback’s WWE career came in May 2015, when he won the vacant Intercontinental Championship inside the Elimination Chamber. The victory marked a significant moment for the wrestler, who had spent years trying to establish himself as a major championship contender.

Ryback held the title for 112 days before Kevin Owens defeated him at Night of Champions. Although he successfully captured the Intercontinental Championship, the WWE Championship remained an elusive target.

In 2012, Ryback had pursued the WWE Championship in a rivalry with CM Punk but did not win the title. His championship challenge became one of the notable chapters of his earlier WWE career.

Ryback has not wrestled since 2018

Following his departure from WWE, Ryback continued his professional wrestling career outside the company. However, his last wrestling appearance anywhere came in August 2018.

He has also said that he is still not medically cleared to return to wrestling. As a result, his in-ring career has remained inactive since that appearance.

For now, the former WWE Intercontinental Champion is dealing with a deeply personal loss. His tribute to Popcorn has shown the close bond they shared and the emotional impact of losing her so unexpectedly.

As messages of support continue to reach Ryback, his focus remains on remembering Popcorn and finding comfort in knowing that she is no longer suffering.