“I want to end as Matt Cardona, Zack Ryder is dead.” - Former WWE Star Opens Up About His Final Chapter

After recently returning to TNA Wrestling, free-agent star Matt Cardona has expressed a desire to finish his wrestling career with WWE. Cardona, formerly known as Zack Ryder, was released from WWE in 2020 amid budget cuts.

Since then, he has made a name for himself on the independent circuit, capturing titles like the GCW World Championship and the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Cardona recently discussed his hopes of returning to the company where he spent over a decade.

Let’s explore what Matt Cardona has revealed about his desire to return to WWE

In 2020, Matt Cardona, previously known as Zack Ryder was released from WWE. Since then, Cardona has taken the wrestling world by storm, claiming the GCW World Championship and the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, while becoming one of the most electrifying and influential stars on the independent scene.

In a recent interview with Fernando Quiles Jr. of Sports Illustrated, Matt Cardona discussed the potential of making a WWE comeback.

Matt Cardona Responded:

“I think right now in summer 2024, being released from WWE for four years, I honestly feel like I’m closer to the WWE world title than I was when I worked for WWE,”

“I’m proud to be the ‘Indie God,’ I’m proud to be the face of GCW. But when it’s all said and done, I want to end my career in WWE.”

“I want to have another WrestleMania moment, I want to be in Madison Square Garden, but as Matt Cardona. Zack Ryder is dead.”

“I am so fortunate for Zack Ryder for the highs and the lows, the good and the bad because it set me up for this. It prepared me for this.”

Matt Cardona, proud of his independent wrestling achievements, expressed his desire to finish his career in WWE. Cardona wanted another WrestleMania moment, leaving Zack Ryder behind. Cardona acknowledged that his past as Zack Ryder prepared him for his current huge success.


Matt Cardona’s wife, Chelsea Green, returned to WWE in 2023 and has been advancing her career there. Meanwhile, Cardona has been sidelined with an injury for the past few months but is scheduled to make his return to the ring during the GCW Homecoming weekend.




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