The former Zack Ryder files multiple trademarks following WWE release

Matt Cardona has been working with an attorney known for helping AEW talents secure trademarks.

April 27, 2020

Matt Cardona, known in WWE as Zack Ryder and to Major Wrestling Figure Podcast fans as Broski, has filed a number of new trademarks following his release from WWE earlier this month. Trademark filings made by Cardona target two terms: “Alwayz Ready”, a variation on the “Always Ready” term used later in his WWE career, and “Internet Champion”, familiar to those who know Cardona through his extensive social media presence, particularly the web series Z! True Long Island Story. Cardona declared himself WWE’s Internet Champion on the series, and had a belt fabricated, but was never allowed to use in on-air due to trademark protections for the Twitter, Facebook, and other logos used.

Cardona filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office to use the terms under two classes: merchandise and “entertainment services by a professional wrestler and sports entertainment personality” on April 21, shortly after his release along with a wave of other wrestlers from WWE due to COVID-19 related budget cuts.

Of particular note is the attorney who filed on behalf of Cardona — Michael Dockins — who has assisted a number of AEW-signed stars, including Cody Rhodes, with similar trademark filings. He is one of the quickest of the released Superstars to act, second only to Drake Maverick who is still performing in WWE’s Cruiserweight Champion tournament.

Cardona and MWFP co-host Brian Myers, previously known as Curt Hawkins in WWE, also interviewed AEW’s Chris Jericho on a recent episode of the podcast. They discussed not being able to disclose their connection to Ringside Collectibles due to their WWE agreement, celebrating the release of their podcast-specific figures with Jericho’s ‘A little bit of the bubbly’ champagne, and other industry-related changes, mostly through the lens of toy collecting.