Zack Ryder and No Way Jose were among the lengthy list of WWE employees who were released as part of the company’s latest budget cuts. In an effort to recover from the financial damages suffered due to the coronavirus pandemic, WWE laid off hundreds of employees without issuing any prior warning.
Soon after Ryder’s release was made public, Co-Executive President of AEW, Cody Rhodes took to social media to heap praises on his former colleague, thus sparking rumors of The Broski heading to Tony Khan’s promotion.
Now, Matt Cardona (fka Ryder) has filed for the “Internet Champion” and “Alwayz Ready” trademarks.
The trademarks were filed on April 21st through Michael Dockins, the same attorney who has registered plenty of AEW trademarks. Dockins previously registered trademarks for Cody Rhodes and Arn Anderson and has been handling the filings for The Revolt (fka The Revival) as well.
On the other hand, No Way Jose (real name Levis Valenzuela) is currently focusing on getting over with fans and re-injecting himself into the pro wrestling scene.
During a recent interview with Inside The Ropes, Jose teased a major character overhaul for himself – an aggressive and serious persona that’s exactly opposite to his comedic character from WWE.
“It’s tough not because now I have to either try to go back into that [character] or try to come up with something completely different.’ He added, “As good as the character was for me in terms of making a living, I don’t want to continue that character. I just feel like it did what it did and if people want to book me for that or whatever, it’s gonna be possibly one off or whatnot but I have so much more to show. I have a more serious side, I have an aggressive side.”
