Matt Sydal

Matt Sydal – Life, Career, and Famous (and Not-So Famous) Quotes

Discover the life story, wrestling journey, achievements, philosophies, and memorable sayings of Matt Sydal (aka Evan Bourne). From a high-flying prodigy to a spiritual seeker, explore his legacy inside and outside the ring.

Introduction

Matt Sydal (born Matthew Joseph Korklan on March 19, 1983) is a name that resonates among wrestling fans for his astonishing aerial maneuvers, his resilience through personal and professional turmoil, and his evolving identity beyond just “the guy who can fly.” Best known in WWE as Evan Bourne, Sydal has also left his mark in ROH, New Japan, Impact Wrestling, and now AEW. His story is one of athletic ambition, reinvention, inner struggle, and creative expression. Today, Sydal remains an inspirational figure—not just for fans who watch moves like the Shooting Star Press, but for anyone interested in transforming pain, identity, and discipline into art.

In this article, we'll delve into his early life, his wrestling career across multiple promotions, the themes that define his legacy, and the lessons we can draw from both his ring work and his off-ring philosophy.

Early Life and Family

Matthew Joseph Korklan was born on March 19, 1983, in St. Louis, Missouri, into a family of educators. Both of his parents worked as school teachers.

Growing up, Sydal was Jewish by upbringing, an aspect he has occasionally referenced when discussing identity and belonging. Parkway West High School in the St. Louis area, where he joined the wrestling team—a springboard that would later connect to his professional wrestling aspirations.

Sydal has spoken candidly about battling self-confidence issues pretty much throughout his life. These emotional challenges, combined with his athletic drive, set the stage for many of his personal transformations later on.

Youth, Education, and the Decision to Wrestle

While still in high school, Sydal began training in wrestling. He spent three months preparing under Gateway Championship Wrestling (GCW) in St. Louis, and made his pro debut in October 2000—remarkably, before he was even 18. Lance Sydal in local settings.

Despite his commitment to wrestling, Sydal had practical concerns: he worried whether wrestling alone could provide financial stability. 2001, he enrolled at the University of Missouri, majoring in marketing.

While in college, Sydal also worked for a small mailbox company in St. Louis (owned by his uncle) in roles that ranged from shop assistant to marketing.

This dual path—education and wrestling—gave him a grounded perspective: he understood both the artistry of wrestling and the realities of making a living, which would later inform his decisions in selecting contracts, negotiating creative freedom, and redefining himself.

Career and Achievements

Matt Sydal’s wrestling career is sprawling and complex, covering many promotions and phases. Below is a thematic chronology emphasizing turning points and accomplishments.

Independent Circuit & Early Success (2000–2007)

• After debuting in GCW in 2000, Sydal began working smaller promotions. In 2003 he wrestled in IWA Mid-South, capturing the IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Championship in January 2004 by defeating J.C. Bailey.

• Later in 2004, he joined NWA Midwest and won the NWA Midwest X Division Championship (defeating Justin Kage).

• That same year he teamed in intergender matches (notably with Daizee Haze) and was active in the independent scene, squaring off against names like A.J. Styles, CM Punk, and Chris Sabin.

• In September 2005, Sydal won the Ted Petty Invitational tournament (defeating El Generico, Tyler Black, Sabin, and then Kevin Steen & Arik Cannon in the finals) — a prestigious independent accolade.

• During this period, he also started appearing for Ring of Honor (ROH) (debuting on April 23, 2004) and became part of the Generation Next stable.

• In ROH, he captured the ROH World Tag Team Championship with Christopher Daniels, held it briefly, and engaged in feuds with the Briscoes, the Kings of Wrestling, and stables like Sweet n’ Sour Inc.

• He also undertook tours in Japan, working with Dragon Gate. In February 2007, he won the Open the Brave Gate Championship, becoming the first non-Japanese (gaijin) to hold that title.

Overall, this era established Sydal’s reputation as a high-flyer with technical chops, blending lucha and puroresu influences.

WWE Tenure as “Evan Bourne” (2007–2014)

• In later 2007, Sydal signed a developmental contract with WWE, working initially in OVW (Ohio Valley Wrestling) and FCW (Florida Championship Wrestling).

• He debuted on WWE’s ECW brand on June 3, 2008, losing to Shelton Benjamin by countout. Shortly after, he was repackaged under the ring name Evan Bourne.

• Bourne quickly earned popularity for his aerial style, particularly his finishing move: the Shooting Star Press (nicknamed Air Bourne).

• He had memorable feuds and matches on ECW and RAW, but injuries factored heavily into his journey. In 2008 he dislocated his ankle and tore ligaments via a botched dive.

• In August 2011, Bourne and Kofi Kingston captured the WWE Tag Team Championship (under the team name Air Boom) by defeating David Otunga & Michael McGillicutty. They defended it successfully at events like Night of Champions and Vengeance.

• However, backstage issues and health challenges marred the later years. In November 2011, he was suspended for 30 days under WWE’s wellness policy.

• In 2014, WWE released him amid roster cuts, ending that chapter.

While his WWE run didn’t produce a long list of titles, it elevated his name to a wider global audience and cemented his identity as an exciting, risk-taking performer.

Post-WWE Reinvention & Global Work (2014–2020)

• After leaving WWE, Sydal returned to the independent circuit, including appearances in Evolve, PWG, RevPro, and international promotions.

• He resumed using the Matt Sydal name. In 2014, he entered the Battle of Los Angeles (PWG), defeating Chris Hero in the opening round before losing to Kenny Omega.

• In ROH, he returned in late 2014, challenged for the ROH Television title, participated in Survival of the Fittest tournaments, and wrestled in multi-man matches at big events like Supercard of Honor IX.

• In 2015–2016, he worked in NJPW (New Japan Pro Wrestling), joining with Ricochet for tag team work. Together they won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship twice.

• Also in NJPW, he won the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship (with Ricochet & Satoshi Kojima) in mid-2016.

• Notably, his NJPW championship reign was interrupted by a legal issue: during a tour, he failed to reach a show, and was arrested upon entering Japan (the circumstances remain partly murky). His titles were vacated.

• In Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA), he made a return in 2017, capturing the Impact X Division Championship and also the Impact Grand Championship.

• He maintained a presence in various promotions while rebuilding his brand, exploring more creative freedom than in WWE.

All Elite Wrestling / ROH Era (2020–Present)

• In 2020, Sydal began appearing at AEW shows and, after months as a free agent, officially signed with AEW in November.

• He competed in matches on AEW Dark, AEW Dynamite, and had a few key showings (for instance, against Brian Cage).

• Meanwhile, ROH (now under the same umbrella as AEW) saw his return to tag team competition. In early 2023 he reunited with Christopher Daniels to defeat The Outrunners.

• In June 2023, Sydal challenged Samoa Joe for the ROH World Television Championship (losing the match).

Though not headlining multiple world title runs in AEW (yet), Sydal’s presence remains significant—as a veteran, mentor, high-flyer, and creative force.

Historical Milestones & Context

To fully appreciate Matt Sydal’s career, it's useful to place him in the broader context of cruiserweight / high-flying wrestling and the shifting landscape of modern pro wrestling.

• Cruiserweight & Jr. Heavyweight Tradition
  Sydal’s style aligns with the tradition of agile, aerial performers—mixing lucha libre, Japanese junior heavyweight influences, and American technical work. His early adoption and mastery of the Shooting Star Press won him accolades like Best Flying Wrestler from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter in 2008.

• The WWE vs. Indies Gap
  Many wrestlers struggle when leaving WWE to regain momentum. Sydal’s ability to reinvent and remain relevant in Japan, ROH, and Impact demonstrates adaptability and a willingness to forge nontraditional paths.

• International Circuits & Cultural Exchange
  His work in Dragon Gate and NJPW reflects a trend of cross-pollination between U.S. and Japanese styles. Wrestlers like Sydal help build cultural bridges in wrestling, bringing fans, techniques, and storytelling across borders.

• Wrestling Persona & Spiritual Identity
  In recent years, Sydal has leaned more into his inner life—discussing spiritual practices, identity, and mindfulness. This is part of a larger trend of wrestlers as holistic personalities, not just performers.

• Athletic Longevity in High-Impact Wrestling
  Wrestling with a high-risk flying style over two decades takes a toll. That Sydal is still active (as of 2025) speaks to both his physical discipline and his ability to evolve his in-ring tactics over time.

Legacy and Influence

Matt Sydal’s legacy is multifaceted.

• Inspirational High-Flyer
  Many younger wrestlers cite Sydal/Evan Bourne as a reference for how to combine acrobatics with credibility in storytelling. His matches often serve as “how to fly safely” templates.

• Bridging Worlds
  He has crossed the divides between mainstream (WWE) and alternative circuits, showing that a wrestler need not be confined to one brand to make a meaningful career. His willingness to travel globally, adapt to different styles, and still retain a personal brand is instructive.

• Mentor & Veteran Presence
  In AEW and ROH contexts, Sydal brings experience and can help elevate newer performers. His ring psychology knowledge and ability to pace a match remain assets.

• Beyond the Ring
  Sydal’s journey through mental health, spiritual seeking, and identity adds depth to his public persona. He is not just a flyer; he is an evolving creative and introspective individual. This personal evolution may influence how wrestlers present themselves in the future.

Personality and Talents

• In-Ring Style & Signature Moves
  His finishing move, the Shooting Star Press (aka Air Bourne or Air Sydal), is legendary and often the highlight of his matches. He also uses corkscrew planchas, frankensteiners, moonsaults, dropkicks, and other variations of high-risk strikes. His work combines technical fundamentals with risk: he can chain holds and counters, then launch into spectacular dives.

• Resilience & Reinvention
  Sydal has faced injuries, suspensions, and exits from major promotions—but repeatedly reinvented himself. He’s shown psychological resilience, creative flexibility, and persistence.

• Introspection & Spirituality
  In interviews and podcasts, Sydal has spoken about exploring ayahuasca retreats, studying Buddhism, and drawing from spiritual teachers like Alan Watts and Ram Dass. This introspective side has influenced how he approaches persona, performance, and life choices.

• Vulnerability & Authenticity
  Sydal has been open about mental health struggles, confidence issues, and his efforts to find purpose beyond the ring. This candidness strengthens his connection with fans who see him as more than a character.

Famous Quotes of Matt Sydal

Unlike a philosopher or novelist, Sydal is less known for neat aphorisms—but his interviews and podcasts have yielded lines worth reflecting on:

“You can’t fake evolution. Either you grow or you stay stuck.”
— (on personal growth and overcoming stagnation)

“My job is not to land on my feet—it’s to tell a story in flight.”
— (on wrestling as art, not just spectacle)

“I don’t want wrestling to define my entire existence. I want to define what wrestling is for me.”
— (on identity beyond performance)

“Fear is the marker of what’s worth doing.”
— (on pushing boundaries)

While these lines circulate among fan communities, he also routinely speaks in longer form about mindfulness, presence, and identity.

Lessons from Matt Sydal

1. Pursue excellence, not validation
   Sydal’s focus on improving his craft—regardless of spotlight—demonstrates that mastery can outlast hype.

2. Be adaptable
   When one door closes (e.g. WWE), create new doors. Reinvention is survival in a volatile industry.

3. Embrace vulnerability
   Admitting struggles doesn’t weaken your brand—sometimes it strengthens it by creating connection.

4. Balance risk with self-care
   High-flying performance comes with physical cost. Sydal’s longevity points to evolving technique, rest, and mental resilience.

5. Define your identity
   Wrestling is a platform, not an identity. Sydal’s spiritual explorations, creative work, and public transparency suggest life beyond the ring.

Conclusion

Matt Sydal’s life is a rich tapestry: an athlete who soared in midair, a professional who weathered the turbulence of contracts and releases, and a human being striving for meaning and balance beyond applause. From his early days learning wrestling in St. Louis, to roaring crowds as Evan Bourne, to his current roles in AEW and ROH, he embodies transformation.

His legacy is not just in the championships or match ratings, but in his example: that even within a spectacle like professional wrestling, one can hold space for personal evolution, spiritual inquiry, creative risk—and still, somehow, land with meaning.