10 Things You Didn't Know About Rosey
3. He Wrestled Dark Matches For WWE In 2007, Then Went To OVW
Matt Anoa'i may have been released from his WWE contract in 2006, but that wasn't the end of his involvement with the company. He actually competed in a pair of dark matches for the company the following year, falling short in bouts against Johnny Jeter on August 20 and August 21 of 2007 - one before Heat, and one before Smackdown.
That didn't turn into another run with the company, so Anoa'i started wrestling for developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling - albeit not under a developmental deal with WWE. Anoa'i only wrestled a handful of matches with the promotion, but he teamed with cousin Afa Anoa'i, Jr. - who would later have a run on the main roster as Manu of The Legacy. They competed as the Sons of Samoa and took on the likes of The Major Brothers, who would eventually join the main roster and rename themselves Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins.