AEW’s Chris Jericho pulled this former WWE man aside and guided his career.
Chris Jericho helped Matt Cardona’s career “in so many ways he might not even realise”.
Cardona told the Pro Wrestling Boom podcast that a well-meaning Jericho pulled him to one side when the then-Zack Ryder was working hard to improve his game on the old ECW brand. Jericho admired how Cardona had managed to drum up some interest in himself, but suggested he ditch the “one-legged tights” he was wearing on TV.
Jericho’s pitch? That Ryder start wearing standard trunks and “be taken more seriously” by everyone from fans to company higher-ups. The young prospect appreciated that, because he could see that the veteran was only trying to help him go up another rung on the WWE ladder.
Of course, Ryder got over with audiences seemingly in spite of WWE’s booking. Vince McMahon never seemed comfortable pushing the character, but Cardona has since carved out another niche for himself outside the promotion.
Now, rumours are rife that he’ll be returning to Raw or SmackDown shortly.
Looking back, Cardona is thankful that somebody the level of Jericho took some time out to give him advice – the legend was “always supportive” of Matt’s career.
Source: whatculture.com
