Matt Sydal Bio
Early Life and Background
Matthew Joseph Korklan, born on March 19, 1983, in St. Louis, Missouri, is better known by his ring name Matt Sydal. Growing up in a family of educators, he was exposed to various disciplines early on, including wrestling, where he participated in his high school wrestling team. He also practiced Taekwondo during his youth. Korklan began training with Gateway Championship Wrestling while still in high school, becoming the first person under 18 to receive a wrestler’s license in Missouri.
After graduating from Parkway West High School, Korklan enrolled at the University of Missouri in 2001, where he studied marketing. Balancing his studies with his wrestling career, he graduated in 2005 and worked as a sales and marketing vice president for a family-owned business while continuing to pursue wrestling.
Path to All Elite Wrestling
Korklan’s professional wrestling journey began in 2000 when he debuted in Gateway Championship Wrestling. He initially wrestled under the name Lance Sydal in backyard promotions before adopting the name Matt Sydal. His early career saw him competing in various independent circuits, where he achieved notable success, including winning the IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight Championship in 2004. His talent caught the attention of larger promotions, leading to opportunities in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and Ring of Honor (ROH).
Sydal’s career continued to flourish as he transitioned to WWE in 2008, where he wrestled under the name Evan Bourne. He became a one-time WWE Tag Team Champion and gained recognition for his high-flying style and dynamic performances. After leaving WWE in 2014, Sydal returned to the independent circuit and later signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he continues to showcase his skills.
Matt Sydal Career
Early Career (2000–2007)
Sydal’s early career was marked by his participation in various independent promotions, including IWA Mid-South and Ring of Honor. He won his first championship in January 2004 and quickly established himself as a rising star. In 2005, he won the Ted Petty Invitational tournament, defeating several top independent wrestlers. His time in ROH saw him form alliances and rivalries that would shape his career, including a notable partnership with Daizee Haze and later with Austin Aries in the Generation Next stable.
WWE Breakthrough (2008–2014)
Sydal made his WWE debut in 2008 as Evan Bourne, quickly gaining popularity for his high-energy performances. He won the WWE Tag Team Championship with Kofi Kingston and was recognized for his signature move, the shooting star press. Despite facing injuries and setbacks, Bourne remained a fan favorite, competing in various high-profile matches, including the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania XXVI. However, his tenure with WWE ended in 2014 after a series of wellness policy violations and injuries.
All Elite Wrestling Era (2020–Present)
After a period on the independent circuit, Sydal made his surprise debut in AEW at All Out in 2020. Despite a rocky start, including a botched shooting star press during his debut, he quickly found his footing in the promotion. Sydal has since participated in several matches, showcasing his agility and technical skills. He officially signed with AEW in November 2020 and has continued to compete actively, including appearances in Ring of Honor, which is now under AEW’s umbrella.
Professional Wrestler Style and Strengths
Sydal is known for his dynamic technical style, blending elements of lucha libre and puroresu. His agility and high-flying maneuvers make him a formidable opponent in the ring. He has a reputation for executing complex aerial moves with precision, earning accolades for his athleticism and creativity.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Throughout his career, Sydal has achieved significant milestones, including championships in various promotions such as WWE, Impact Wrestling, and ROH. He is recognized for his contributions to the wrestling industry, particularly in the cruiserweight division, and has been named the Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Best Flying Wrestler.
Matt Sydal Career Wins
Matt Sydal has accumulated numerous wins across various promotions, showcasing his talent and versatility as a professional wrestler. His career highlights include championship victories and memorable matches that have solidified his status in the wrestling world.
Current AEW Series Highlights
As of 2025, Sydal has continued to compete actively in AEW, achieving several wins and participating in high-stakes matches. His agility and experience have allowed him to remain a competitive force in the promotion, contributing to the dynamic roster of AEW.
Previous WWE Series Achievements
During his time in WWE, Sydal, as Evan Bourne, won the WWE Tag Team Championship and was recognized for his high-flying style. He participated in several key matches, including the Money in the Bank ladder match, and earned accolades for his signature moves, particularly the shooting star press.
Matt Sydal Family
Family Background and Wrestling Lineage
Matt Sydal comes from a family of educators, with both of his parents working as school teachers. He has a younger brother, Mike, who is also involved in professional wrestling, continuing the family’s connection to the sport.
Personal Life
Sydal resides in Clearwater, Florida. He has openly discussed his spiritual journey and personal growth, highlighting the influence of Buddhism and meditation in his life. He has also faced challenges, including legal issues related to substance possession, which have impacted his career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Matt Sydal has continued to make an impact in AEW, participating in various matches and storylines that showcase his wrestling prowess. His experience and agility have kept him competitive, and he remains a fan favorite. As the season progresses, Sydal aims to secure more victories and potentially challenge for championships, solidifying his legacy in professional wrestling.
