One big thing: Matt Cardona expresses respect for Cody Rhodes’ post-WWE success
Former WWE star Matt Cardona recently shared his thoughts on Cody Rhodes’ career trajectory, praising his former colleague’s bold decision to leave WWE and find success elsewhere.
Key points:
• Cardona questioned whether Rhodes’ initial WWE run was as bad as portrayed
• He expressed admiration for Rhodes’ risk-taking and subsequent achievements
• Cardona compared his own WWE experience, stating he “had it way worse
Why it matters:
Rhodes’ departure from WWE and subsequent success, including helping launch AEW, has become a blueprint for wrestlers seeking to reinvent themselves outside the WWE system.
By the numbers:
• Rhodes left WWE in 2016 and returned at WrestleMania 38 in 2022
• Cardona has been wrestling on the independent circuit for 4 years since leaving WWE
What they’re saying:
Cardona on Rhodes: “So much respect for him for that. He quit, you know, he walked out, he’s, like, ‘I know I can be better’ and he says it all the time, the undesirable to undeniable, and he did it.”
The big picture:
Cardona’s comments highlight the evolving landscape of professional wrestling, where success can be found beyond the confines of WWE. His own journey mirrors Rhodes’ in some ways, as he has become a prominent figure in independent wrestling promotions.
What’s next:
As both Cardona and Rhodes continue to shape their careers, their paths serve as inspiration for other wrestlers considering life after WWE.
Do you think more WWE stars should follow in the footsteps of Cody Rhodes and Matt Cardona? Share your thoughts in the comments below.