Zack Ryder: Former WWE Star makes AEW Debut. His first appearance in the promotion had him save his old friend Cody Rhodes from a post-match beating.
Cody Rhodes was scheduled to face Warhorse in a match with his TNT Championship on the line. The Challenger put in a good shift but failed to dethrone Cody as the Champion beat Warhorse via submission after locking in the figure-four lock.
After the match, Cody went to shake hands with his opponent as a sign of respect. The Dark Order made an appearance soon after. Warhorse attempted to push Cody out of the way but was soon overpowered by the pair who then launched a post-match beatdown on the TNT Champion.
Zack Ryder rescues Cody on AEW Debut
Former WWE Superstar Zack Ryder made his AEW Debut in the very same segment, coming out to the ring to save his friend Cody. After clearing out John Silver and Alex Reynolds, he ripped his shirt and yelled, “I’m here!” to the camera before checking on Cody.
.@TheMattCardona has come to the aid of @CodyRhodes.
Watch #AEWDynamite NOW on @TNTDrama or https://t.co/GdI7QAsxEP for our International fans. #AEWonTNT @AEWonTNT pic.twitter.com/161tf859LM— All Elite Wrestling (@AEWrestling) July 30, 2020
Say hey to @TheMattCardona! #AEWDynamite #AEWonTNT pic.twitter.com/LX2fdCvC9w
— TDE Wrestling (@tde_gif) July 30, 2020
Ryder, who is now known as Matt Cardona, helped the American Nightmare up on his feet, before Cody raised his rescuer’s hands to bring the segment to a close.
Cardona was a long servant of the WWE where he won numerous titles including the United States and the Intercontinental Champion. However, he could have been much more but the WWE failed to push him and ultimately brought his momentum to a halt.
He has since expressed regret over not speaking up to the management then.
Hopefully, he can still the career he once seemed destined to have in AEW. But we will have to wait and see, for now the fans can just sit back and enjoy the glorious debut.
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