With a little time to compose himself after making his official return to WWE after five years as a freelancer, Matt Cardona composed a message to the world about that return. The man previously known
in WWE as Zack Ryder reflected on an indie run that saw him win the NWA Worlds Heavyweight and GCW World titles, among many others (he still holds a few, including the Juggalo Championship Wrestling Lunacy World Heavyweight belt). He offered thanks and love to those who assisted him and supported him, and shared what he believes is the key to his success:
April 15, 2020…Zack Ryder was released from @WWE. It had to happen. Being a WWE Superstar was my lifelong dream. I had been signed for 14 years…on TV for 13. I traveled all over the world, had action figures, won championships, and experienced everything else that came with living the dream. I experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. While it was a heartbreaking day, I was grateful for my time in WWE.
I knew I had 3 options. I could feel sorry for myself, become bitter, and fade into obscurity. I could coast off my WWE name and make some money for the rest of my life playing the greatest hits. OR I could reinvent myself, work my ass off, try to outwork every motherfucker out there, and create my own path. I chose option 3.
These past 5 years on the indies have been the greatest time of my career…so far. I have to thank every promotor who booked me, every opponent I wrestled, and every fan who supported me in some way. There’s way too many people to thank. I love you all. There’s no way to wrap up these 5 years in a social media post…it’ll have to wait for the book.
From the moment I got released, I knew I couldn’t focus on proving people wrong. I wanted to prove myself and my fans right…and I believe I did that.
I’m often asked for advice. My advice is don’t quit. You might make it if you don’t. You definitely won’t make it if you do. I took my own advice. I never quit.
My goal was to get back to WWE. And as of last night, January 2, 2026, I am back in WWE…MATT CARDONA is in WWE. I am Alwayz Ready and I’M NOT FINISHED! (Buy my new shirt on http://WWEShop.com 😉)”
Cardona, and his equally impressive wife Chelsea Green, also got a shout out from the recently retired John Cena. I imagine there will be a joke or two made about Cena respecting Matt and Chelsea for never quitting in the wake of lingering hard feelings over Cena’s tapout loss in his final match last month, but… here’s the Never Seen 17’s message to the Cardonas, sent while reposting Triple H’s message to the former Long Island Iced Z:
Persistence and preparation tend to help manufacture luck. I couldn’t be more proud of both @TheMattCardona and @ImChelseaGreen. They stand as a tremendous example of making luck through effort. Welcome home Matt. ☕️🍸
