Released WWE Star Drops HUGE AEW Hint
New trademark filings could hold the key to this ex-WWE wrestler's future.
Zack Ryder has filed trademark applications for the terms "Internet Champion" and "Alwayz Ready" for use in professional wrestling activities.
This is a story in itself, particularly with regards to the "Internet Champion" bit, but what makes it really interesting is his choice of attorney: Michael E. Dockins. This is the same professional that deals with trademarks for much of the All Elite Wrestling roster.
Ryder filed for these applications on 21 April 2020.
While this is speculative, Dockins' involvement could signpost Ryder's next move. Let go as part of WWE's mass releases on Black Wednesday (15 April), Zack was hailed almost immediately by his old friend Cody Rhodes, who made a lengthy Instagram post paying tribute to his old pal. Cody is, of course, an AEW Executive Vice President, and Ryder's previous use of YouTube and other social media platforms to get over organically means he'd be a good fit in a promotion that was essentially born from Being the Elite.
Reviving the old "Internet Champion" gimmick seems a particularly smart move on the midst of the ongoing global health crisis too, as there's nothing stopping Ryder from creating content similar to his old Z! True Long Island Story videos at home. Let's see where the future takes him.