Matt Cardona Hails Danhausen as a 'Self-Made Superstar' Amidst His Rapid WWE Ascent
Veteran wrestler Matt Cardona offers insights into Danhausen's unique appeal and surprising mainstream success within World Wrestling Entertainment.
Sports·

World Wrestling Entertainment personality Matt Cardona recently sought Danhausen's assistance to reverse a perceived run of bad luck, visiting the enigmatic wrestler's laboratory. During the segment on a recent episode of "Friday Night SmackDown," Cardona was taken aback after touching one of Danhausen's tools, seemingly reverting to his previous persona, Zack Ryder, for a brief moment. This incident followed similar occurrences involving The Miz and Kit Wilson on the program over the past month, where they experienced comparable transformations.
Danhausen has quickly emerged as one of WWE's most prominent figures since his debut at Elimination Chamber in February. His merchandise has seen significant demand, and he has gained a reputation for "uncurseing" teams, reportedly aiding them in securing championships, as observed with the New York Knicks and Carolina Hurricanes.
Danhausen's Unprecedented Impact
Cardona expressed that he had a strong premonition that Danhausen's popularity would skyrocket once he joined WWE.
"I knew he would be in WWE. I followed Danhausen’s independent career. I wrestled him on the independents," Cardona stated. "This guy is a self-made superstar just like myself and I knew if he ever had the opportunity in WWE that he would excel. I did not anticipate that it would be at this level. He’s mainstream. I’m absolutely thrilled for him."
Danhausen brings a distinctive vaudevillian-inspired character to the wrestling arena, famously describing himself as "very nice, very evil." He also issues a clear warning: if someone wrongs him, they "are, cursed."
The "Very Nice, Very Evil" Persona
Cardona elaborated on what makes Danhausen such a compelling presence in the world of professional wrestling.
"Because, at the end of the day, this is entertainment – World Wrestling Entertainment – and Danhausen is entertaining," Cardona explained. "He’s entertaining for people of all ages – kids, adults. He can do it all. And he’s not just, you know, a comedy act. He also wrestles. He really can do it all."
Despite his recent return to WWE earlier this year, Cardona has not accumulated many victories, which motivated his initial visit to Danhausen.
Cardona's Personal Quest and Future Ambitions
Nevertheless, Cardona affirmed that his primary objective remains to re-enter contention for the WWE title.
"I’ll be honest. I haven’t been doing that great," he admitted. "Check my win/loss record. It has not been the best. That’s why I asked Danhausen to ‘uncurse’ me. It worked for the New York Knicks. How about another New Yorker? I’m grateful to be back.
"When I was on the independents, it was the best time of my career up to that point, but at the end of the day, the goal was to be the WWE champion, and you can’t be the WWE champion unless you’re in WWE. So, that’s why I had to come back."
Related Stories

Tampa Bay Rays Secure American League Pennant, Advance to World Series Against Milwaukee Brewers
The Tampa Bay Rays have clinched the American League pennant, besting the Cleveland Guardians 7-3 in Game 6 of the ALCS. They will now compete in the 2026 World Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, who swept the Los
Oct 20

San Francisco 49ers Edge Commanders 23-17 Amidst Significant Washington Injury Concerns
The San Francisco 49ers maintained their undefeated record with a 23-17 win over the Washington Commanders on Monday night. However, Washington's struggles deepened as star receiver Terry McLaurin was carted off with a
Oct 20

WNBA Finals: Dream and Valkyries Again Skip National Anthem, League Rulebook Mandates Presence
The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries once again missed the national anthem before WNBA Finals Game 2, mirroring their Game 1 absence. This occurs despite a clear WNBA rulebook provision requiring players and
Oct 20

NFC East Faces Second Consecutive Winless Week as Packers Defeat Struggling Cowboys on Sunday Night
The NFC East is on the brink of a second straight winless week after the Dallas Cowboys fell to the Green Bay Packers. This outcome highlights a sharp contrast with the NFC North, where teams are enjoying strong starts
Oct 19