The Matts Who Defined the Squared Circle
Professional wrestling has seen dozens of performers bear the name Matt, but few have managed to leave a permanent mark on the industry. This list ranks those who shaped the business through innovation, longevity, or pure star power. We are looking at impact, drawing ability, and historical significance.
The current state of the industry remains volatile, much like the recent discourse surrounding The New Day's WWE pay cut situation. Understanding how these individuals handled their own business is vital to gauging their place in history.
The Ranking
- Matt Hardy: A tag team pioneer who redefined the TLC match alongside his brother. His evolution into the Broken character injected life into TNA when the brand needed it most. He remains an active voice on industry trends, recently arguing that a wrestling union is something that could be feasible for major promotions. Hardy earns the top spot for his longevity and his constant reinvention.
- Matt Borne: The original Doink the Clown changed how technicians approached gimmick work. He could have been a technical wrestling titan, but he chose the theater of the absurd and executed it perfectly. His portrayal of the sadistic, sinister clown remains the gold standard for mid-90s villainy.
- Matt Morgan: The Blueprint was a physical anomaly who brought legitimacy to the TNA heavyweight scene. While he never captured the WWE championship, his presence in the ring during his peak years was rare for an athlete of his stature. He lacked the high-end consistent booking needed to climb higher, but his impact on the 2000s era is undeniable.
- Matt Sydal: A high-flyer who forced main eventers to speed up their repertoire. His run as Evan Bourne in WWE gave fans the Shooting Star Press they had been craving for years. He paved the way for the smaller, agile wrestlers who currently populate the top of most cards.
- Matt Cardona: The master of the internet era who built a career without the backing of a major creative team. He used YouTube to force WWE’s hand into putting the Intercontinental title on him. Cardona now defines the modern independent icon by monetizing his own name and likeness.
- Matt Striker: A polarizing figure, but a man who understood the mechanics of a teacher-gimmick better than most. His transition to the commentary booth was rocky, often becoming the focus instead of the match. While talented, his tendency to talk over the action made him a frequent target for fan criticism.
- Matt Taven: A centerpiece of Ring of Honor during its later years. Taven carried the world title with a gritty, work-rate focus that appealed to purists. However, his rise coincided with the decline of ROH's national footprint, limiting his mainstream exposure.
- Matt Capotelli: His career was tragically cut short, but his time in Tough Enough and OVW showed immense promise. He was an intense worker with a genuine passion for the craft. His loss to cancer remains one of the more heartbreaking stories of his generation.
- Matt Jackson: One half of the Young Bucks and a key architect of the modern tag team style. He and his brother changed how matches are laid out and promoted. He ranks lower due to his divisive nature among older, traditionalist fans who reject his hyper-kinetic approach.
- Matt Cross: The journeyman who kept the spirit of indie wrestling alive across the globe. He is the ultimate workhorse of the 21st century. While he never touched the bright lights of a major corporate promotion, he held the industry together during the dark years of regional decline.
The Big Picture
The name Matt has graced some of the most influential performers of the last three decades, ranging from innovators like Hardy to the hustle of individuals like Cardona. Their collective efforts show how individual brand power now often outweighs corporate push. The industry is currently shifting toward more labor advocacy, and veterans like Hardy are currently leading that charge with frank comments on wrestling unionization. Whether they are tearing down tag team divisions or building their own independent brands, these Matts have all moved the needle.
Honorable Mentions
Matt Bentley (Michael Shane), Matt Riviera, and Matanza Cueto. Bentley had the talent but lacked the consistency to break through to the top of the card. Riviera maintains a strong presence on the regional circuit, while Cueto provided some of the most intense television moments in Lucha Underground history before the show folded. All three contributed significantly within their specific corners of the business.
