Zack Ryder, now known by his real name Matt Cardona, has filed trademarks for the phrases "Internet Champion" and "Alwayz Ready".
WWE released more than 40 employees two weeks ago. Some of the names released included people who have been employed by the company for a very long time. The likes of Heath Slater, Zack Ryder, and veteran referee Mike Chioda. Hopefully, those three and everyone else will be able to find work elsewhere, even if it does mean waiting until the COVID-19 outbreak has passed.
As soon as names started to be officially announced, fans hypothesized that they would soon show up in AEW. However, even if they could, AEW picking up every single released star would be a mistake. It has to strike up the perfect balance so that its roster doesn't become filled with men and women WWE simply didn't want. It has done a good job of cherry-picking so far.
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Some of the people released from WWE on Black Wednesday will inevitably show up in WWE. Ryder is one fans expect to see there once his 90-day non-compete clause is over. Not just because of his talent and experience, but he also has a good relationship with Cody Rhodes. A couple of trademarks Ryder recently filed for would also suggest he is AEW-bound.
Ryder filed trademarks for the phrases "Internet Champion" and "Alwayz Ready". It's not the trademarks he has filed necessarily, but the lawyer he has been working with to do so. Michael E. Dockins who has helped other AEW stars with their trademark filings. Most recently, he helped the team now formerly known as The Revival become The Revolt. As for Ryder's new name, he may simply go by his real name Matt Cardona when he wrestles next.
The end of this outbreak and the culmination of the released WWE Superstars' non-competes will be a very interesting time, especially if the two happen to coincide. To see who shows up in AEW, who signs with Impact, which stars head to Japan, and maybe even which men and women manage to re-sign with WWE. Things might seem bleak for some of those released right now, but hopefully, the not-so-distant future is bright for all of them.
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