Matt Cardona Praises Chad Gable: Recognizing a WWE Star’s Underrated Talent
Chad Gable, a former Olympian turned WWE superstar, has been making waves in the wrestling world with his impressive athleticism and charismatic performances. Despite his considerable talent and achievements, Gable has often been considered one of the most underrated wrestlers in WWE.1
However, recent praise from former WWE star Matt Cardona, known during his time in WWE as Zack Ryder, has brought renewed attention to Gable’s career and potential.
Table of Contents
Chad Gable’s Rise in WWE
- Chad Gable’s journey in WWE began in 2013, when he signed with the company and reported to its developmental territory, NXT.
- With a background in amateur wrestling and a stint on the United States Olympic team, Gable’s technical prowess and grappling skills quickly set him apart.
- He formed a successful tag team with Jason Jordan, leading to their eventual rebranding as American Alpha. The duo captured the NXT Tag Team Championships and gained a following for their intense and energetic matches.
- After moving to the main WWE roster, Gable’s career took a different direction. He teamed with Shelton Benjamin and later formed the tag team “Alpha Academy” with Otis.
- Despite his consistent performances and versatility, Gable’s talents often went underappreciated. He became a reliable tag team specialist, but his singles career struggled to gain traction.
A Turning Point: Memorable Feuds and the Intercontinental Championship
In the past year, Chad Gable’s career trajectory has seen a significant upward shift. He engaged in memorable feuds against top stars like Gunther and Sami Zayn, showcasing his in-ring skills and his ability to connect with audiences.
His rivalry with Gunther, in particular, highlighted Gable’s technical prowess and resilience, earning him respect from fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
Matt Cardona’s Praise for Chad Gable
Matt Cardona, who gained fame as Zack Ryder during his time in WWE, has always had a keen eye for talent. After leaving WWE, Cardona continued to make a name for himself in the independent wrestling scene, showcasing his versatility and creative flair.
His opinion carries weight in the wrestling community, and his recent praise for Chad Gable has sparked conversations about Gable’s potential.
Also Read: Matt Cardona Bio, Age, Career, Personal life And More
WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle Praises Chad Gable: The Modern-Day Angle
Chad Gable’s recent performances in WWE have garnered significant praise from fans and industry veterans alike. Known for his technical prowess and charismatic presence, Gable has drawn comparisons to WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle, leading to his moniker as the “modern-day Angle.”2
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These comparisons are not without merit, as Gable shares a similar background, attire, and wrestling style with the legendary Kurt Angle. Angle himself has noted these similarities, referring to Gable’s recent work as a “rebirth of Kurt Angle.”
The Olympic Connection: Gable and Angle’s Backgrounds
- Chad Gable’s journey in professional wrestling has strong parallels with Kurt Angle’s career.
- Both Gable and Angle have backgrounds in amateur wrestling and have represented the United States at the Olympic Games. Gable competed at the 2012 London Olympics, while Angle famously won a gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
- This shared Olympic pedigree has contributed to the comparisons between the two.
- The transition from amateur wrestling to WWE is not an easy one, but both Gable and Angle excelled in making this leap. Their technical skills and wrestling acumen set them apart, and their ability to adapt to the entertainment aspect of WWE has been remarkable.
Wrestling Style and Attire: Striking Similarities
Chad Gable’s wrestling style and attire further reinforce the comparisons with Kurt Angle. Gable’s technical approach, emphasis on grappling, and suplex variations evoke memories of Angle’s in-ring style. Additionally, Gable’s choice of singlet attire closely resembles Angle’s iconic look, adding to the sense of familiarity for long-time WWE fans.
Kurt Angle’s Praise for Chad Gable
Kurt Angle’s recent remarks about Chad Gable carry significant weight in the wrestling community. As a WWE Hall of Famer and one of the most respected wrestlers in history, Angle’s endorsement of Gable as a “rebirth of Kurt Angle” is a high compliment.3
Angle highlighted the similarities in character traits, noting that Gable’s recent performances captured the same energy, aggression, and showmanship that defined Angle’s career.
Matthew Brett Cardona: The Career and Legacy of Zack Ryder
Matthew Brett Cardona, born May 14, 1985, is a prominent American professional wrestler, widely recognized for his tenure in WWE under the ring name Zack Ryder from 2005 to 2020.
His career is characterized by its evolution from an underdog wrestler to a fan-favorite sensation, thanks to his charismatic personality and innovative use of social media to build a strong fan base.
Early Career and Teaming with Curt Hawkins
- Matthew Cardona began his professional wrestling career in 2004, teaming with Curt Hawkins (real name Brian Myers) on the independent circuit.
- The duo’s chemistry and talent caught the attention of WWE, leading to both men being signed by the company in 2005. Cardona and Hawkins became a tag team, initially known as The Major Brothers, and later renamed themselves as Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins.
- The team made their main roster debut in 2007 as part of WWE’s SmackDown brand, aligning themselves with Edge, a top star at the time.
- This partnership with Edge, known as La Familia, brought Ryder and Hawkins into the spotlight, as they played a supporting role in Edge’s high-profile storylines and feuds.
- The alliance helped establish their presence in WWE and laid the foundation for their careers.
Transition to Singles Competition
In 2009, Ryder and Hawkins split as a team, leading to Cardona’s transition to singles competition. He began making appearances on WWE’s ECW brand, adopting a unique look and character. Zack Ryder’s new persona, complete with his trademark spiked hair, sunglasses, and energetic charisma, quickly gained attention.
The Rise of Zack Ryder: Social Media and the Long Island Iced Z
Zack Ryder’s rise to fame in WWE can be attributed to his innovative use of social media. In 2011, Ryder launched his YouTube series, “Z! True Long Island Story,” where he showcased his humor, charisma, and passion for wrestling. The series became an instant hit, attracting a large following and drawing attention to Ryder’s underdog status within WWE.
Also Read: Who Is Undertaker (Wwe Star) ? Bio, Age, Career, Net Worth And More
Matt Cardona’s Professional Wrestling Career: The Early Days and NYWC Tag Team Championship
Matthew Brett Cardona, known for his time in WWE as Zack Ryder, began his professional wrestling career in 2004 after being trained by the accomplished wrestler and trainer Mikey Whipwreck.
Starting in the New York Wrestling Connection (NYWC), Cardona, then wrestling under the name Brett Matthews, quickly made a name for himself by forming a successful tag team with Brian Myers (later known in WWE as Curt Hawkins).
Training with Mikey Whipwreck and NYWC Debut
- Cardona’s journey into professional wrestling began with training under Mikey Whipwreck, a respected wrestler known for his time in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW).
- Whipwreck’s experience and knowledge helped Cardona develop a solid wrestling foundation, preparing him for his debut in NYWC in 2004.
- Wrestling as Brett Matthews, Cardona quickly established himself as a promising young talent in the promotion.
- NYWC, based in New York, is a well-known independent wrestling promotion that has served as a launching pad for many wrestlers seeking to make their mark in the industry.
- Cardona’s debut in NYWC marked the beginning of a successful career that would eventually lead him to WWE.
Teaming with Brian Myers and NYWC Tag Team Championship
In NYWC, Cardona began regularly teaming with Brian Myers, forming the tag team known as Myers and Matthews. The duo quickly gained traction in the promotion, showcasing their chemistry and in-ring abilities. Together, they set their sights on the NYWC Tag Team Championships, held by Dickie Rodz and Mason Raige.
Legacy of NYWC and Cardona’s Transition to WWE
The NYWC Tag Team Championship win was an important stepping stone for Cardona and Myers, providing them with valuable experience and exposure within the wrestling industry. The success they achieved as a tag team in NYWC played a role in attracting the attention of WWE, leading to their signing with the company in 2005.
Zack Ryder’s Intercontinental Championship Win and The Hype Bros
The career of Zack Ryder, also known as Matthew Cardona, experienced significant highs and lows between 2015 and 2018. During this period, he not only captured the Intercontinental Championship but also formed a successful tag team with Mojo Rawley, known as The Hype Bros.
This era was marked by both triumphant moments and challenging setbacks. Let’s explore the journey of Zack Ryder from winning the Intercontinental Championship to his partnership with Mojo Rawley and the evolution of The Hype Bros.
Return to NXT and Formation of The Hype Bros
In 2015, Zack Ryder was sent back to NXT, WWE’s developmental brand. Despite his previous success, Ryder’s position in WWE had become less prominent, and his return to NXT provided an opportunity to rebuild momentum. During this time, Ryder teamed up with Mojo Rawley to form The Hype Bros, a high-energy tag team known for their enthusiasm and dynamic performances.
The Hype Bros quickly became a fixture in NXT’s tag team division, with their charismatic style resonating with the NXT audience. The team combined Ryder’s experience and Rawley’s raw athleticism, creating an exciting partnership that helped both wrestlers gain visibility.
Zack Ryder’s Intercontinental Championship Win at WrestleMania 32
One of the defining moments of Zack Ryder’s career came at WrestleMania 32 in 2016. Ryder participated in a multi-man ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship, competing against several high-profile WWE stars.
Despite being a dark horse in the match, Ryder’s underdog story and fan support led to an unforgettable victory, as he climbed the ladder and captured the Intercontinental Championship.
The Hype Bros’ Transition to SmackDown and Setbacks
Following his WrestleMania moment, Ryder continued to work with Mojo Rawley as The Hype Bros. The team’s popularity in NXT led to their transition to the main WWE roster, where they were drafted to SmackDown during the 2016 WWE Draft.
This move provided Ryder and Rawley with new opportunities to compete in WWE’s tag team division and establish themselves as a credible team on the main roster.
FAQ’S
1. Who is Matt Cardona?
Ans: Matt Cardona is a professional wrestler best known for his time in WWE, where he performed as Zack Ryder. He gained popularity for his charismatic personality and was a fan favorite, known for his “Long Island Iced Z” persona and Internet Championship. Since leaving WWE, Cardona has become a prominent figure in the independent wrestling scene.
2. What does Matt Cardona mean by ‘underrated WWE talent’?
Ans: By ‘underrated WWE talent,’ Matt Cardona refers to wrestlers in WWE who may not receive as much recognition, screen time, or prominent storylines as some of the more established stars. These individuals often have significant skills and potential but might not be given the spotlight they deserve.
3. Who are some WWE talents that Matt Cardona considers underrated?
Ans: The specific talents Cardona considers underrated might vary based on his perspective and current WWE rosters. Generally, he might highlight wrestlers with unique abilities, strong performances, or significant fan followings that haven’t yet reached main event status or been given major storylines to showcase their talent.
4. Why is it important to highlight underrated WWE talent?
Ans: Highlighting underrated WWE talent brings attention to wrestlers who might not get much focus from the promotion. This recognition can lead to more opportunities, increased fan support, and potentially elevated status within the company. It also encourages WWE to diversify its storytelling and give rising stars a chance to shine.
5. How does Matt Cardona’s perspective impact the discussion around WWE talent?
Ans: As a former WWE star with a substantial following, Matt Cardona’s perspective carries weight among wrestling fans and industry insiders.
When he highlights underrated WWE talent, it can spark interest and discussions among fans and potentially lead to more recognition for those wrestlers. Cardona’s insights help broaden the narrative around WWE and draw attention to emerging talent.
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