WrestleZone.com reader Andrew Mitchell sent a link to the following USA Today article on WWE Superstar Zack Ryder.
Ryder harnesses Web to boost his career
By Jefferson Graham, USA TODAY
WWE wrestler Zack Ryder is the self-proclaimed “Internet Champion of the World,” thanks to the success of his YouTube Z! True Long Island Story videos. Created to lobby WWE to give him more TV airtime, the gamble paid off with a vocal fan base, 11 million online views and attention from the front office, which now features him more regularly on its USA Network WWE Raw TV shows.
Friday, Ryder’s web show moves to WWE’s revamped YouTube channel, part of the Google owned company’s $100 million gamble to beef up original programming. The show features Ryder making silly jokes and talking to the camera about his life, as well as behind-the-scenes footage from wrestling arenas.
We met with up with Ryder, whose real name is Matthew Cardona, during rehearsals for a WWE Live event in Anaheim, Calif. Among the things we discussed were YouTube, his gear, and his “Woo, woo, woo” and “Broski” catchphrases.
Check out the complete article online at USAToday.com.
