WWE RAW on **January 23, 2012**, delivered one of the most shocking and devastating moments in WWE history. **Kane, known as “The Big Red Machine,” unleashed his fury on Zack Ryder in a brutal display of dominance.** In the early moments of the match, Kane delivered a **bone-crushing chokeslam**, leaving Ryder completely broken in the ring. But this wasn’t just another attack—this was **personal, ruthless, and unforgettable**.
Was Kane sending a message? Why did he target Zack Ryder so viciously? And did he go too far? Let’s relive this chaotic night and analyze the fallout from one of the most **brutal chokeslams in WWE history**
## **1. The Build-Up: Kane’s Path of Destruction**
In early 2012, Kane had returned to WWE with a **new mask and an even darker, more sadistic persona**. He wasn’t just looking for competition—he wanted to **inflict pain and suffering**. And his main target? **John Cena.**
However, Zack Ryder found himself **caught in the crossfire** of Kane’s wrath.
🔥 **Key Events Leading Up to the Attack:**
✅ Kane had been **tormenting John Cena**, trying to make him “embrace the hate.”
✅ Zack Ryder, who was close friends with Cena, became **an unfortunate victim of Kane’s path of destruction**.
✅ Kane had already attacked Ryder in previous weeks, leaving him vulnerable and injured.
✅ On **January 23, 2012**, Ryder stepped into the ring—but he never saw what was coming next.
With **Ryder already in a weakened state**, Kane **seized the opportunity to send a violent message to Cena**.
## **2. The Devastating Chokeslam: Kane Destroys Zack Ryder**
The moment the bell rang, it was clear that **Zack Ryder stood no chance** against Kane’s overwhelming power.
💀 **Match Highlights:**
🔥 **Kane’s Unstoppable Force:** From the start, Kane **dominated Ryder**, showing no mercy.
🔥 **Pure Brutality:** Kane **grabbed Ryder by the throat** and, in one swift motion, lifted him high into the air.
🔥 **A Crushing Impact:** Kane **slammed Ryder down with a chokeslam so powerful that the entire ring shook**.
🔥 **Ryder Left Motionless:** The impact left Ryder completely **helpless and lifeless** in the ring.
💬 **Commentators’ Reactions:**
📢 _“Oh my God Kane just chokeslammed Ryder straight to hell”_
📢 _“Someone needs to stop this Zack Ryder might be seriously injured”_
It wasn’t just a move—it was **an execution**.
## **3. The Aftermath: Was This the End for Zack Ryder?**
After the devastating chokeslam, **Kane wasn’t done yet**.
🔥 **The Attack Continued:**
✅ Ryder, already struggling with injuries, was left completely broken in the ring.
✅ WWE officials **rushed in** to check on him, fearing serious damage.
✅ Ryder was **stretchered out of the arena**, marking **one of the most humiliating and painful nights of his career**.
💀 **Did Kane Go Too Far?**
While WWE is known for its **high-impact action**, Kane’s relentless assault **crossed the line into pure brutality**. Fans questioned whether Ryder would even be able to continue his career after such **a merciless beatdown**.
## **4. How Did John Cena React? The Rivalry Intensifies**
John Cena had been **the primary target of Kane’s mind games**, and when he saw **his friend Zack Ryder completely destroyed**, his anger **exploded**.
🔥 **Cena’s Immediate Reaction:**
✅ He rushed to the ring, but Kane had already left, having made his statement.
✅ The look on Cena’s face showed **pure rage and frustration**.
✅ This **fueled his growing hatred for Kane**, pushing their rivalry to even greater heights.
💬 **Cena later said:**
_”Kane didn’t just attack Ryder. He tried to end his career. This has gone too far.”_
From this moment forward, **Cena and Kane’s war was personal**.
## **5. Fan Reactions: Outrage, Shock, and Controversy**
As expected, **the WWE Universe erupted with reactions** after Kane’s shocking attack on Ryder.
📢 **What Fans Were Saying on Social Media:**
🔥 _”That chokeslam was absolutely brutal Kane is a monster”_
🔥 _”Poor Zack Ryder. He didn’t deserve that kind of beating”_
🔥 _”Kane is the most dangerous force in WWE right now.”_
🔥 _”Cena better watch out—Kane is only getting started”_
The attack **divided fans**. While some admired Kane’s **dominance and destruction**, others felt that **he had gone too far** in attacking a weakened Ryder.
## **6. The Fallout: What Happened Next?**
Following this **devastating night**, the impact of Kane’s attack was felt across WWE.
🔹 **Zack Ryder:**
✅ **Sidelined due to injuries**—his career momentum was completely halted.
✅ **Humiliated and broken**, it took months before he could recover and return to action.
✅ **His feud with Kane ended, but the scars remained.**
🔹 **Kane:**
✅ He had **cemented himself as one of the most dangerous superstars** in WWE history.
✅ His feud with **John Cena intensified**, leading to **brutal battles in the weeks to come**.
✅ His reign of terror continued, proving that **no one was safe**.
## **7. Did This Chokeslam Change WWE Forever?**
While Kane had delivered **countless chokeslams throughout his career**, this one **stood out** for its sheer brutality.
💀 **Why This Moment Was So Impactful:**
✅ It showcased **Kane’s most sadistic side**, reinforcing his **unstoppable monster** persona.
✅ It **marked a turning point in the Cena-Kane rivalry**, pushing Cena into a more aggressive mindset.
✅ It **devastated Ryder’s career**, setting him back significantly.
Even years later, **this moment remains one of the most unforgettable beatdowns in WWE RAW history**.
## **Conclusion: Kane’s Wrath Leaves a Lasting Scar**
🔥 **January 23, 2012, will forever be remembered as the night Kane sent Zack Ryder straight to hell.** His brutal chokeslam not only **shattered Ryder physically** but also sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe.
With **Cena seeking revenge**, Kane **growing more monstrous**, and Ryder left in ruins, this moment was a defining chapter in WWE history.
💥 **Final Thought:** Was this the most devastating chokeslam in WWE history? Or has Kane delivered even worse destruction?
💬 **Drop your thoughts in the comments below** 👇🔥