Although credit for creating All Elite Wrestling has historically been linked to those who formally founded the organisation, several others have also been linked to helping the company launch; among them is Matt Cardona.
Facing a similar situation to that of former AEW Executive Vice President Cody Rhodes in that he was consistently misused by WWE, despite a resounding reception from audiences, the then-Zack Ryder was released from WWE in April 2020. He’s since remained a free agent, moving from company to company, all while adding championships and maintaining relevancy.
Currently, he’s most known for his work in IMPACT Wrestling and Game Changer Wrestling. The former will see him and fellow WWE alum Brian Myers attempt to pry the World Tag Team Championships away from Heath and Rhino at IMPACT Over Drive on November 18.
Matt Cardona Claims Responsibility For AEW
In a new interview with NotSam Wrestling, Matt Cardona boldly declared that he carved the path for AEW’s formation. Explaining how his Z! True Long Island Story YouTube series ultimately led to subsequent series such as Being The Elite, Cardona claimed that it “changed the business”:
“It [Z! True Long Island Story] changed the business. Tell me that Z! True Long Island Story didn’t change the business. All these kids vlogging about BTE, you know, that started AEW. So, really, I’m responsible for AEW. Without Z! True Long Island Story, there would be no BTE and there would be no AEW.”
Matt Cardona’s first post-WWE appearance came for All Elite Wrestling, debuting on the July 29, 2020 AEW Dynamite to aid Cody Rhodes against The Dark Order. He remained with the company on a limited-appearance deal, concluding with an eight-man tag team match at that September’s All Out.
Cardona most recently competed in Ireland, debuting for Over The Top Wrestling as part of their Eighth Year Anniversary doubleheader. He lost a Wolverhampton Street Fight to Trent Seven on night one and subsequently lost to LJ Cleary the following evening in Dublin.