Opinion

DeMarco: Can The Former Zack Ryder Do It On His Own?

Now free to work anywhere he pleases, Matt Cardona seems to be staying independent. Greg DeMarco looks at the potential for the former Zack Ryder to excel on his own.

Published

5 years ago

July 24, 2020

Greg DeMarco

Zack Ryder Internet Championship Matt Cardona Chairshot Edit

Now free to work anywhere he pleases, Matt Cardona seems to be staying independent. Greg DeMarco looks at the potential for the former Zack Ryder to excel on his own.

April was a crazy month for WWE fans, and all wrestling fans around the globe. WrestleMania, the indisputable pinnacle for anyone in the business, took place from the WWE Performance Center. “The Granddaddy Of ‘Em All” was hosted at a warehouse, converted into a training facility with seven wrestling rings, meeting spaces, and a gym. The building was the polar opposite of an arena or stadium the company would usually run–so much so that Stephanie McMahon shared they are using “augmented reality” to cover-up two industrial fans adorning the ceiling.

April also saw the release of a multitude of WWE names–staff, producers, and most notably talent. While some have popped up in companies such as AEW, Impact Wrestling and Ring Of Honor, one most notable name is seemingly staying independent: Zack Ryder.

Zack Ryder’s Improbable 14-Year WWE Run

Matt Cardona, better known to WWE fans as Zack Ryder, started his time with the company in 2006. He hit television in 2007, teaming with longtime friend and partner Brian Myers as the Major Brothers (a name that lives on with their podcast today), they’d be repackaged and win the World Tag Team Championships in 2008 as Cur Hawkins and Zack Ryder.

From there Ryder would go on to have some singles success across all WWE brands, including a month-long run as United States Champion and a second Raw Tag Team Championship win at WrestleMania 35. But Ryder’s biggest moment in WWE came at WrestleMania 32, when he captured the Intercontinental Championship in front of over 101, 000 fans at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, winning a 7-person ladder match in a finish that almost no one predicted would happen. The “reign” would last only a day, as The Miz would capture the championship the next day and go on a run that many can credit with the championship’s return to prominence. While Ryder could have had a longer run, there was no way to avoid his reign peaking on day one with the magnitude of his win.

Even though he won a singles championship in front of the largest crowd in wrestling history, the likely proudest accomplishment of Ryder’s WWE career should be the development and leveraging of his internet following–before it was “cool” in the eyes of WWE. In 2011 he created “Z! True Long Island Story,” a web series that promoted his character while he was off of television. It was so successful that he sold out his t-shirts without appearing for the company, and had notable names like John Cena on his show. You think Being The Elite is a huge success? It’s nothing if not for Z! True Long Island Story.

Of course, he also developed his own Internet Championship, that the WWE never acknowledged as an actual championship.

Release In April 2020

Cardona was among the bevy of talent released this past April, and along with Rusev, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows, was among the most prominent names to go. Now, I humbly say that as a person who hasn’t been kind to Zack Ryder in the past. I haven’t always felt like he would be a huge loss for WWE, but he’s also a prime example of not knowing what you have until they’re gone.

And while some talents don’t bring anything to the table creatively and simply blame the company for not knowing how to use them (when they don’t know how to use themselves), Matt Cardona has proven himself to be creative many times over. But that creativity simply wasn’t harnessed by WWE in any effective fashion.

Even in a potential Internet Champion comeback, Zack Ryder was not able to catch-on.

The Next Evolution: Matt Cardona, Internet Champion

Matt Cardona is now looking to work again, and is bringing his Internet Championship with him. With several top names signing with Impact Wrestling (and elsewhere), Ryder is charting his own Cody Rhodes course, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see Rhodes helping him. He has a new theme courtesy of Downstait, who also made Cody’s theme (to be fair, Ryder’s “Radio” theme was also Downstait). Cody has said before that if anyone could do what Cody did, it was Zack Ryder.

Who wants a shot? #AlwayzReady #StillHere pic.twitter.com/tmK0K5U5V5

— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) July 21, 2020

But there is a larger question here…can this work? Matt Cardona find success on his own? I have my thoughts, but I also sought out some feedback from my trusted Chairshot colleagues: PC Tunney, Andrew Balaz, Miranda Morales, and Patrick O’Dowd.

Most seemed keen on the idea, including Tunney who said “I don’t see why wrestling fans that go to indie shows wouldn’t be interested in something as fun and recognizable as Ryder and the Internet Championship.” O’Dowd sees this gelling perfectly with the world outside of major promotions in saying “I think it’s built for independent wrestling.”

Miranda thought this can work, but does it have a shelf life? “It will get old after awhile, especially since he will win all his matches. He will need to keep each challenge fresh and interesting, and eventually I think should actually drop it to someone.” And Balaz can only see it working on the independent scene: “Indie scene would make enough sense, since indy fans really enjoy gimmicks and recognizing talent. But anywhere bigger than actual Indy would be seem a bit pathetic.”

I tend to agree, this can definitely work. Personally, here is what I would recommend Matt Cardona do:

Film these, and put them on his YouTube channel, website, and all social media platforms. Use what got you to the dance in the first place.
Take any sized booking possible by managing your rate, even taking a little less to own your footage and booking plans. It’s mutually beneficial.
Make a long term plan so you can lose the title, and maybe have one or two people trade it before winning it back. Make this believable.

What’s The End Game?

I gotta be honest with you, I think Matt Cardona sees more Zack Ryder in his future. Sure, taking off could land him a great AEW deal after he has a load of fun on the independents, but at the end of the day I think this skyrocketing could land him back in WWE. Given WWE’s reliance on the 24/7 Championship, and their flexibility in NXT (where Cardona lives by the way, in Orlando), this could have legs on a certain level.

Also, in leaving Matt Cardona is more likely to go back to WWE and be happy with his role. It’s easy to complain when you’re there, but after you leave, and you’re having to hustle to replicate that $250k minimum, you suddenly hate creative a little bit less.

Personally, I think this can work out, and I want it to work out. Matt Cardona is a fan who made it, but he made it the right way. He’s a grown ass man who is taking matters into his own hands–betting on himself–and I have mad respect for that. Good for him, and good luck to him. Make this shit work, Ryder!

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

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SATURDAY – The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY – Keeping the news ridiculous… The Oddity / The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1