Matt Cardona has made significant progress since his departure from WWE, where he was known as Zack Ryder. Despite his failed attempt to trademark his former ring name, Cardona continues to pursue his passion in the independent wrestling scene, with no intentions of returning to his former employer where he spent a decade. In a recent interview with the Pro Wrestling Boom podcast, Cardona clarified that he is focused on his independent career and not actively seeking a WWE comeback, although he wouldn’t decline another chance to compete at WrestleMania.
“I’ve been saying since I got released from WWE, it’s not my goal to get back there. I’m not doing things, ‘oh what can I do to get WWE to notice me,’ no. I’m trying to create my own path but at the same time, I’d be lying if I said I never wanted to have another WrestleMania moment or wrestle in Madison Square Garden, of course, I do.”
“I lived my dream for over a decade and I wouldn’t be where I am today without WWE,” Cardona said. “I said it before, that WWE was my developmental and that’s not a shot at WWE. They truly taught me how to be a superstar and that is why I’m thriving in places like NWA, Impact, GCW, and all these other independents.”
It remains to be seen whether Matt Cardona will return to WWE, as he has a devoted fanbase who supports him regardless, evident by the rapid sell-out of his limited-edition collectibles. While WWE is a popular goal for many independent wrestlers, Cardona has already had the experience of being there before. The future will reveal if his current trajectory leads him back to WWE.
