Superstars recall Ribera Steakhouse, bring back Zubaz

On the WWE’s recent tour of Japan, several Superstars took
part in a very special sports-entertainment tradition. They have the jacket and
full stomachs to prove it.

The Ribera Steakhouse is a landmark in the Land of the
Rising Sun. For years, Superstars have made pilgrimages to this small
steakhouse in Tokyo, where their predecessors have wined and dined.

Photographs of those who have passed through for a meal line
the tiny restaurant from floor to ceiling. Superstars sit down for a king-sized
helping of steak, rice and corn. When they’re finished, they become members of
an exclusive group when the restaurant’s proprietors present them with a satin coat
emblazoned with its bull’s head logo.

For some, like WWE Champion CM Punk, it’s a chance to follow
in the footsteps of their heroes. “I always remember looking at early wrestling
magazines when I was a wee little Punker and seeing guys in these Ribera
Steakhouse jackets and it became this elite group,” he told WWE.com.

“If you knew a guy that had a Ribera coat, that meant he did
a tour of Japan. It’s a coveted thing.”

While satin jackets are no longer trendy or part of mainstream
fashion, having been relegated to the retro lines of athletic clothing companies,
Ribera’s garments are a badge of honor in the world of sports-entertainment.

“It’s a milestone,” said Divas Champion Beth Phoenix, who
received hers during her first trip to Japan in 2009. “I’ve worn it several
times. It’s not the most Diva-esque of jackets, but it is something you wear
with pride. If you are in this business, you know exactly what that means.”

The Glamazon’s photo also got unique placement at the
establishment. “I [was] smiling like a cheeseball and they placed my picture
[on the awning outside the restaurant]. So, when you drive up, there’s Goldberg
and Beth Phoenix side-by-side.”

Getting a Ribera Steakhouse coat may have also driven a
wedge between Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins. Long Island Iced-Z tweeted a picture
of his new black and hot pink jacket, setting The Party Starter off.

“I just find it silly that he’s bragging about it when he
doesn’t even know what it is or the significance of it,” Hawkins said. “I’ve
known Zack longer than anyone in this company and he’s not a fan of Japanese
wrestling. He never watched it before in his life, so I find that tweet he put
out with [the jacket] very ironic.”

Even more upsetting to Hawkins was another fashion staple of
sports-entertainment’s past that was presented to several Superstars in addition
to the jackets: Zubaz pants.

“They brought us steak and then they brought us Zubaz. It
was awesome,” Punk said.

The brightly colored, baggy zebra print pants were made
famous, in part, by WWE Hall of Famers The Road Warriors in the early 1990s and
became an essential part of a Superstar’s wardrobe, along with, yes, fanny
packs.

Today’s Superstars mostly joked about the loud pants,
thinking they would remain a relic of the past. Then, they put them on.

“They’re really, really comfortable,” The Straight Edge
Superstar admitted.

Hawkins agrees. Though he didn’t get them from Ribera, The
Party Starter bought a pair of Zubaz and wore a fanny pack as part of his
Halloween costume. “Zubaz pants are so comfortable, the fanny pack is so
convenient, all your stuff is right there,” he explained. “I get what [former
Superstars] were thinking at the time. Convenience and comfort.”

During the last show of the tour, John Cena may have
officially signaled the return of Zubaz to sports-entertainment. Wearing his
Ribera Steakhouse jacket to the ring, the leader of the Cenation did battle in
a pair of red and white Zubaz.

“The tour was exhausting, I wanted to do it to pick up
morale and give everyone something to talk about,” Cena said.

For Punk, it may become a part of his regular attire.
“Zubaz, fanny packs, Ribera jacket, maybe sunglasses indoors, high tops untied.
It’s an homage to my elders,” added the WWE Champion.

A broski's sacrifice

The WWE Universe will say what they will about John Cena, but on WWE Raw SuperShow, the 10-time WWE Champion proved that if he is one thing, it is selfless.

After defeating Zack Ryder to earn a spot in the WWE Championship Match at WWE TLC, a visibly distraught Long Island Iced-Z couldn’t believe he lost a U.S. Title opportunity. With his friendship in question, Cena marched to Interim Raw General Manager John Laurinaitis’ office and relinquished his spot in WWE TLC’s main event for Ryder to have another chance to earn a U.S. Title bout. The reason is simple, Cena sees a great deal of potential in the young Superstar and wants him to have his fair chance.

“Zack Ryder is one of those Superstars that has the drive to either go down swinging or be noticed,” Cena said. “He’s the first Superstar in a long time, along with CM Punk, that will do anything to show people they have the passion for this business.”

Ryder’s second chance to earn a U.S. Championship Match seemed to be too daunting a task for the Long Island native. World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry was beyond prepared to induct Ryder into the Hall of Pain. However, Cena again proved his loyalty and selflessness by helping Long Island Iced-Z secure the victory.

The self-proclaimed Internet Champion’s rise in popularity can be attributed to his use of social media and the fan-favorite YouTube show “Z! True Long Island Story.” There’s no denying his impact when legions of followers amongst the WWE Universe all exclaim “Woo! Woo! Woo!” in unison with Ryder. Long Island Iced-Z’s also spearheaded a ground-breaking Twitter petition topped off at nearly 25,000 names, one of them being Cena himself.

Cena understood what was being asked of him when Mr. Laurinaitis presented the possibility of Ryder receiving another chance to face U.S. Champion Dolph Ziggler. An accomplished ring warrior, the Cenation leader knows the support of other WWE Superstars is crucial in being successful.

“No one has thrown Ryder a lifeline,” Cena explained. “I am participating in one of the biggest matches in history on April 1, with or without the WWE Title.  I’m confident I’ll get another chance, but Zack may not.”

When he debuted in WWE in 2002, a rookie Cena answered an open challenge from Kurt Angle. While Angle came out victorious, Superstars took notice of the young and ambitious West Newbury, Mass., upstart and went out of their way to show their approval of what at the time the future Cenation leader referred to as “ruthless aggression.”

“I was fortunate enough to have individuals stick up for me early in my career,” Cena explained. “I wouldn’t be where I am if it was not for those opportunities.”

Of course, Ryder’s U.S. Title Match at WWE TLC came after Cena helped Long Island Iced-Z defeat the World Heavyweight Champion. But the 10-time WWE Champion does not live in fear of being inducted into Henry’s Hall of Pain when they battle at the special three-hour WWE Raw SuperShow.

“Mark’s a big boy, but I wouldn’t get into any business that I didn’t think I could handle,” Cena said.

Love him or hate him, thanks to the Cenation leader’s sacrifice, the WWE Universe will see Zack Ryder finally challenge Dolph Ziggler for the United States Title at WWE TLC. Will Cena’s effort be for naught, or will the Internet Champion become the U.S. Champion? Find out at WWE TLC, Sunday Dec. 18 at 8/7 p.m. CT only on pay-per-view.