Former WWE star and current GCW general manager Matt Cardona recently discussed his influence on the current wrestling landscape, specifically highlighting how his pioneering use of social media may have paved the way for Drew McIntyre’s modern online persona. Cardona, who became a cult hero among WWE fans through his “Z! True Long Island Story” YouTube show, shared his thoughts on Freddie Prinze Jr’s “Wrestling With Freddie” podcast.
The self-proclaimed “King of the Deathmatch” was one of the first wrestlers to leverage social media to enhance his storylines and connect with fans. Despite not being prominently featured on WWE television, Cardona’s innovative approach earned him a dedicated following and significantly impacted how wrestlers engage with their audience today.
“I don’t want to say I’m the first person to incorporate social media into my storylines, but I’m definitely one of the first people, with my YouTube show back in the day,” Cardona explained. “Me and [Dolph] Ziggler, we took this ‘midcard story’ and added so much to it because of our back-and-forth tweets, he stole my girlfriend on my YouTube show, or he attacked me in my hotel room. This was stuff that wasn’t done before, but now it doesn’t have to be week-to-week and that’s it.”
Cardona’s creative use of online platforms set a new standard for how wrestlers could engage with fans outside of traditional television programming. His success demonstrated that a compelling online presence could build fan interest and develop storylines in ways that were previously unexplored in the wrestling industry.
Turning his attention to the ongoing feud between Drew McIntyre and CM Punk, Cardona highlighted how the two superstars are utilizing social media to add depth to their rivalry. “Look at what Drew McIntyre and CM Punk have been building on social media. They’ve made the story so much more intriguing and you want to see the eventual match because of all the trash-talking they’re doing, not just on Monday nights.”
Cardona pointed out that McIntyre and Punk’s feud has garnered significant attention online, with their interactions on social media enhancing the storyline beyond what is shown on WWE programming. This modern approach keeps fans engaged throughout the week and builds anticipation for their eventual in-ring confrontation.
Cardona’s reflections on his career underscore the evolving nature of professional wrestling, where digital platforms play a crucial role in storytelling and fan engagement. His pioneering efforts with “Z! True Long Island Story” not only boosted his own career but also influenced how future stars, like Drew McIntyre, approach their personas and feuds.
As wrestling continues to evolve, the integration of social media into storylines becomes increasingly important. Cardona’s innovative spirit and willingness to embrace new methods of fan interaction have left a lasting impact on the industry. His legacy is evident in the way modern wrestlers utilize social media to enrich their narratives and connect with their audience on a deeper level.
Stephen’s Value:
Matt Cardona’s commentary provides a fascinating insight into the transformative power of social media in professional wrestling. His pioneering efforts with “Z! True Long Island Story” demonstrate how digital platforms can elevate a wrestler’s career and storyline, offering fans a more immersive and engaging experience. Cardona’s influence on stars like Drew McIntyre highlights the importance of innovation and adaptation in the ever-evolving landscape of sports entertainment.