From a Ryze enthusiast - how to nerf Ryze

Whenever a champion is too strong in high elo and meh in low elo, the problem isn't numbers, it's utility. If you nerf the numbers and keep the utility, then the champion just ends up gutted: .

The shield and movement speed nerf were a step in the right direction. Another nerf or two should put him in a decent spot, but only if they're against his utility and not his numbers. Turning his W into a projectile (not a skillshot, just making it slightly reactable) is currently being tested and/or considered. That would be nice, but I don't think it would make a huge difference.

I think he needs a change to his e-e-q combo. Right now, his waveclear is insane, and he's too safe in teamfights. I've done half the carry's HP just because their tank (who had flux on them) strayed a bit too close to them. Simply reduce his Q damage on bounce. Meaning his Q would do, say, 60% damage to anything that wasn't the primary target.

I won't say I'm a Ryze main, but he's my best champion in ranked and I understand why he's so strong. The Q-bounce nerf could help a ton.