"I learned from him"- 18-year wrestling veteran credits Cody Rhodes for his success outside WWE

​

Cody Rhodes led a post-WWE path to inspire any independent talent

Cody Rhodes in WWE always felt like a story of what could have been. He had the pedigree, the ability, and the mentors, but the grandson of a plumber seemed forever tethered to the lower midcard before his 2016 departure.

The half-decade since has seen the American Nightmare take the independent circuit by storm and eventually return to national television with AEW, a promotion he helped found with Tony Khan and the Elite.

Rhodes has crafted a template of success for those in a similar situation, as has been recognized by current NWA World Heavyweight Champion Matt Cardona.

Cardona responded to a Twitter user praising his post-WWE run, expressing pride at the strides Cody made to improve not only his own career but the state of wrestling altogether.

​

Matt Cardona

@TheMattCardona

What @CodyRhodes did for his career/pro wrestling is incredible. Undesirable to undeniable. As a friend, I’m extremely proud of what he’s accomplished/what he’ll continue to do.

I learned from him…then did it my way. I hope the next does the same. And so on and so forth. twitter.com/hateyokids/sta…

Wrestle Crow 🔰

@HateYoKids

in the 2 years since @TheMattCardona was released by the Fed, he has had more of an impact on wrestling and how to position yourself for the next step - than anybody. He "Cardona-ized" Cody's game plan and made it work for him.

TBH, he should be Wrestler Of The Year.

6:50 AM · Feb 26, 2022

261

16

in the 2 years since @TheMattCardona was released by the Fed, he has had more of an impact on wrestling and how to position yourself for the next step - than anybody. He "Cardona-ized" Cody's game plan and made it work for him.

TBH, he should be Wrestler Of The Year.

What @CodyRhodes did for his career/pro wrestling is incredible. Undesirable to undeniable. As a friend, I’m extremely proud of what he’s accomplished/what he’ll continue to do.

I learned from him…then did it my way. I hope the next does the same. And so on and so forth. twitter.com/hateyokids/sta…

Much like Cody Rhodes before him, Matt Cardona had an underwhelming WWE career despite capturing the Intercontinental, United States and tag team titles. He has since evolved into an independent wrestling rockstar, winning championship titles with GCW, NWA, AIW, and IMPACT Wrestling.

Matt Cardona made his AEW debut alongside Cody Rhodes

Matt Cardona

@TheMattCardona

I’m here...#AlwayzReady @AEWrestling

2:46 AM · Jul 30, 2020

18445

1504

I’m here...#AlwayzReady @AEWrestling https://t.co/APj8udavRS

A far cry from the Zack Ryder persona he donned in WWE, Matt Cardona has transformed into one of the biggest stars on the independent circuit. Following his WWE departure, Cardona made his return to wrestling with AEW. He appeared as an ally for Cody during his feud with Brodie Lee and the Dark Order.

They would tag together against John Silver and Alex Reynolds, securing the win on Dynamite. The pair teamed again alongside Dustin Rhodes, QT Marshall and Scorpio Sky at All Out 2020 against Brodie Lee, Colt Cabana, Stu Grayson and Evil Uno.

Despite winning on both occasions, Cardona was never announced as officially signing with the company, leaving his star to grow outside of the two North American heavyweights.

​