Posts Tagged ‘Matt Cardona’

Chelsea Green Is ‘Patiently Waiting’ For Matt Cardona’s WWE Return

WWE released a lot of talent during the pandemic, and some of them were already brought back by Triple H. Matt Cardona has not returned to WWE yet since Zack Ryder’s release, but his wife, Chelsea Green, is waiting for it.

Chelsea Green on Matt Cardona’s Possible Return

Cardona and Green have a very happy life at home, but she probably misses having him on the road. Although they keep different schedules, it appears that she isn’t losing hope on both of them operating under a WWE schedule again someday.

While speaking to Chris Van Vliet, Chelsea was asked about Cardona’s potential WWE return. This is something that she is also patiently waiting on.

“I would also love to know that, I’m waiting. I am patiently waiting. Because not that I want to be partnered up with him in WWE. That would be great. I think we could have an amazing mixed match, tag team division, whatever it is. But I don’t know. I don’t know why, I would love to know why I would love to be a fly on the wall of kind of like the meetings of the top guys in WWE. But I do feel like in my heart of hearts, it’s only a matter of time, it feels crazy that he wouldn’t be.”

Matt Cardona Reinvented Himself on the Indies

Chelsea Green also addressed how Matt Cardona was able to reinvent himself after his WWE release. She saw the evolution into indie death match wrestling God, and she seems to be all for it, although she called it insane to witness.

“Oh my gosh. He’s doing amazing and I know that he always says I knew that this is what I had in me. I didn’t know because I didn’t care about him in wrestling when we got together. So for me to see the evolution of Zack to Matt has been insane. I just had no idea that he had that in him to totally change and evolve and, and become this entirely new persona.”

“But let me tell you a little story about that. Because when he first was released from WWE, and this, I get so angry with him, because guess the whole world is like, Oh, I’m Matt Cardona. He’s the only person to walk through the forbidden f*cking door and all he does all these amazing things. Let me tell you something. Okay. When he got released, you know what I told him to do? I said, I don’t think you should sign anywhere Matt, I think that you should contact every single company. I have all their information, I’ve been on the Indies for, seven years. And I think you should do all of them. And you should do them all sporadically. So that each week people don’t know where you’re going to be. It paints a picture of you are literally everywhere and you’re unstoppable. And guess what? He laughed at me. He laughed at me and he was like, No, I don’t think so. And he pursued one thing, and it was like, one thing. And then he ended up doing what I said to him a year later, and it and it’s amazing. That why he is the indie Wrestler of the Year or whatever, because he’s everywhere. So you’re welcome. [Did Matt give you credit?] No, he never does. So that’s why I’m giving myself credit. And like, we should clip that and then make him retweet it.”

What’s Next

Triple H decided to bring back a number of Superstars that Vince McMahon released. As of this writing, Matt Cardona hasn’t had his name called, but he is also very busy on the indies as he continues to carve out a place for himself outside WWE.

AEW only had Cardona in for a handful of appearance, thanks to Cody Rhodes. He hasn’t been back to the land of All Elite since their Daily’s Place era. Only time will tell where Cardona appears next, but WWE may have a ready-made storyline with Chelsea Green waiting on him.

SE Scoops will have more coverage of this story, just in case Matt Cardona’s path finds him back in WWE. 

Posted February 12th, 2024 in WWE. Tagged: , , .

Matt Cardona Is Sick Of Part-Timers Taking Spots, Wants to Finish His Story… in GCW

Matt Cardona won’t sit idly by while he watches some popular wrestler with a movie to his name take a spot from deserving talent, in Game Changer Wrestling. 

At GCW’s Coldest Winter event, Cardona shared the ring with his former WWE nemesis Nic Nemeth. Cardona was feeling nostalgic for their 2011 program, as he was wearing Zack Ryder-themed attire for the face-to-face. Before their match, Cardona 

“I am the face of GCW! I can’t just let some part-timer come in here and steal my spot! You think you’re The Rock or something, bro? So why don’t you do yourself a favor and just lay down, let me get the 1-2-3, so I can finish my story?”

After this pre-match promo, Cardona and Nemeth would have an excellent match. During the bout, the former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion hammered his point home by hitting Nemeth with a Rock Bottom. 

The Rock’s Controversial Return

Cardona’s comments are of course about The Rock’s return to WWE this week. Fans have taken issue with the Brahma Bull’s comeback, given that it has cost Cody Rhodes a rematch with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40. WWE’s YouTube video of The Rock’s return has scored a record number of dislikes. Despite this, The Rock has said that his connection with the People can’t be broken. 

What’s Next? 

The Rock and Roman Reigns will appear at an upcoming WrestleMania 40 press event, though there’s no word on whether Cody will be a part of the show. Cody will be at the Elimination Chamber: Perth event this month, a show neither The Rock nor Roman Reigns are expected to appear at. Logan Paul has also been confirmed for the event.

Posted February 4th, 2024 in GCW, News. Tagged: , .

Matt Cardona Set For Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling Event on Feb. 8

Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling, founded by the late great Dusty Rhodes, is set to hold its first event in over two decades and will feature the ‘The Indy God’ Matt Cardona.

Previously, TCW had announced that they would host an event on February 8 in Atlanta, Georgia from the Nightmare Factory school in McDonagh. Now, the massive announcement comes that Matt Cardona will be gracing the ring at the event.

Cardona has embarked on an impressive independent wrestling run following his tenure with WWE. His journey in the independent circuit has been nothing short of a resurgence to his career and has gained quite the success, boasting himself as ‘The Indy God.’

Moreover, his in-ring skills have shone brightly in the independent scene and helped him prove that he is a top-tier talent capable of delivering memorable matches. TCW dropped a graphic hyping Matt Cardona’s upcoming appearance on the show.

“We are happy to announce that the “Indy God” @TheMattCardona is coming back to McDonough for TCW!”

Turnbuckle Championship Wrestling

It has come to light that Rhodes’ daughter Teil and QT Marshall are heavily involved with the promotion. WWE Superstar and Dusty’s son, Cody Rhodes, alongside Marshall filed a trademark for the company’s name, which led to the belief that a revival was in the pipeline.

In 1999, Dusty Rhodes began planning for TCW and would open offices in Georgia’s East Cobb County. When he first proposed the new promotion, Rhodes called it “old school but with modern ideas.” In July 2000, TCW held its inaugural event, where Glacier emerged victorious in a competition to hold the title of TCW Heavyweight Champion.

TCW would hold its inaugural pay-per-view and start airing on television the following year. The first TCW Tag Team Champions were Scott “The Clap” Anton and Erik Watts (“The Extreme Dream”), who defeated Glacier and Jorge Estrada in March 2001.T

The original TCW saw several notable names compete, including Scott Hall, ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan, New Jack, Leilani Kai, Daffney, and Steve Corino. Before making it big in TNA Wrestling, James Storm would compete during the latter stages of the company.

Posted January 31st, 2024 in News. Tagged: .

Paul Walter Hauser references Matt Cardona, Get The Tables, nWo & More in Emmys Acceptance Speech

Matt Cardona has been making his name ever since his release from WWE, and now the ‘Indy God’ had his name mentioned during the Emmy Awards. 

The 75th annual Emmy Awards took place this week from the Peacock Theater in Downtown Los Angeles, California. The awards covered programming from June 2022 to May 2023, with nominations announced in July of 2023.

Paul Walter Hauser took home the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his role as Larry Hall in Apple TV+’s Black Bird. 

Hauser’s acceptance speech included several name-drops and references from the world of pro wrestling, including Matt Cardona and ‘get the tables!’

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Paul Walter Hauser brings pro wrestling to the Emmy’s

If Hauser’s name sounds familiar, it’s because had a match for Pro Wrestling REVOLVER last November. 

During his acceptance speech, Hauser name-dropped Matt Cardona, saying he’s going to beat the ‘Indy God’ at the upcoming Ready or Not event on March 16. 

It wasn’t just Matt Cardona that Hauser referenced during his rap-based acceptance speech. The actor also gave a shoutout to Kota Ibushi and referred to the ‘Wolfpac’, a nod to the NWO off-shoot faction.

WWE Hall of Famer ‘Diamond’ Dallas Page was among the lengthy list of people that Hauser wished to thank. Hauser ended his speech with a “get the tables”, a nod to the legendary tag team the Dudley Boyz. 

Paul Walter Hauser won his Emmy award in a category that also included Murray Bartlett (Welcome to Chippendales, Nick De Noia), Richard Jenkins (Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, Lionel Dahmer), Joseph Lee (Beef, George Nakai), Ray Liotta (Black Burd, James ‘Big Jim’ Keener), Young Mazino (Beef, Paul Cho), and Jesse Plemons (Love and Death, Allan Gore).

Posted January 16th, 2024 in News. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

Steph De Lander: Matt Cardona & I Are Equal Partners, We’re Always Thinking Up Big Plans

Steph De Lander is excited for what’s to come in the coming year and has big plans for herself and Matt Cardona. 

The 26-year-old wrestler has become a force to be reckoned on the independent scene following her release from WWE NXT in 2021. Currently, she holds the Premier Women’s World Championship and has been dubbed the Women’s Internet Champion by Matt Cardona. 

Steph De Lander on Working with Matt Cardona

De Lander and Cardona are often a double act on the independents and can often be found aiding the other in matches. Speaking on the Insight podcast, De Lander revealed how she and Cardona came to be working together. 

“We were on a tour in Australia, I think in March of this year, for World Series Wrestling and he came up to me. We’d met each other once before but it was a hi and bye. But he came up to me and said ‘Hey, I have a question to ask you.’ And instantly, I’m going I’ve done something wrong. I’ve s***-talked someone, I’ve buried myself somehow. I’m about to get yelled at. Instantly it was like, this is negative.

“And he goes ‘Do you want to work with me on the indies? Do you want to be my heater?’ Are you serious? [Chelsea Green had recently re-signed with WWE] and he’s going what’s next? Actually, before he said that, he asks ‘Question, are you signed anywhere?’ I said no and he said ‘Perfect.'”

Cardona was willing to give De Lander time to think it over, but the Australian wrestler wasted no time in answering. 

“[I tell him] Yes, 1000% yes. He goes ‘You can take some time to think it over.’ There’s nothing to think about. What are you talking about?”

What’s Next for Steph De Lander? 

After a banner 2023, which saw De Lander become the first independent act to grace PWI’s cover in decades, the young wrestler is excited for what’s next. On the show, De Lander explained how she and Cardona aren’t planning on resting on their current success. 

“Winding down the year and going into the next year, it’s common for everyone to get kind of reflective. We’ve both been sitting here going ‘Wow, we had such an amazing year. What are we doing next year?’ Because if you’re not going up you start going down. So we’re already brainstorming. Certain places we want to go that we haven’t wrestled at yet. Different countries we want to go to. What can we add to our act? What can we maximize for our social media? What can we be doing more of?

“Him and I are always thinking of what’s next and what we can be doing more of and we’re never getting complacent. I think that’s why this pairing has worked so well. It’s not one person steering the ship and dragging the other person along. It is a very equal [partnership]. We’re both super motivated.”

De Lander’s most recent match saw her work an MLW Reload taping, where she defeated Good Brother #3 (Mance Warner.)

For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops. 

Posted January 11th, 2024 in News. Tagged: , .

Matt Cardona Was Against GCW Feud with Nick Gage. Then It Changed His Career

The landscape of the career of Matt Cardona was dramatically changed by his role with GCW, despite the ex-Superstar being against the idea at first.

Cardona’s 15-year career with WWE ended in April 2020 when he was released from the promotion. The former Zack Ryder captured the WWE & Raw Tag Team Championships in WWE, and had reigns as United States and Intercontinental Champion. 

Matt Cardona on GCW Run

With his WWE career over, Cardona reinvented himself on the independent scene, ditching his fun-loving face persona into a despicable heel who thrived in riling up audiences. Cardona’s new character was never on more display than during his GCW feud with Nick Gage, which saw Cardona refer to Gage’s past legal problems. On the Insight podcast, Cardona shared how the match came to be and admitted he was against the idea at first. 

“So John Carlo, my friend John Carlo, who was working for GCW at the time. Worked for WWE, now works for AEW, he pitched it to me. I said ‘Absolutely f***ing not!’ I am not wrestling, because Nick Gage was just on Dark Side of the Ring. He almost killed David Arquette in the ring, criminal, drug addict, I’m not wrestling this guy!

“And then I took a step back and said ‘Wait a minute. People are going to watch this.’ People are going to talk about this. They’re going to want to see Zack Ryder carved up by Nick Gage. So let’s do it. And it was only a three-shot deal. Three shows: go in [and] attack Nick Gage. Have the match, and the one show after.”

The altercation and subsequent match with Gage would go viral on social media, which came as the world of wrestling was still being rocked by COVID. On the show, Cardona argued that the match helped change independent wrestling as it showed that smaller shows could still do big business. 

“I think we changed independent wrestling. I say we because GCW needed to be GCW, I needed to be me and Nick Gage needed to be Nick Gage. We needed all of those ingredients.

“It’s an independent show in Atlantic City, New Jersey. But it trended number one over the UFC pay-per-view that night and the Olympics. Which is nuts. We had captured lightning in a bottle, I use that expression all the time. We had it and I just ran with it. 

Cardona would dethrone Gage to win the GCW World Heavyweight Championship. In his efforts to rile up the fans, Cardona would introduce a ‘Spinner’ version of the GCW World title and attempt to bring ‘Sports Entertainment’ to the violent promotion. 

A Possible WWE Return? 

While Cardona is killing it outside of WWE, the former Superstar has previously said he’d consider an offer to return. On the podcast, Cardona made it clear that he still has a lot of appreciation for what WWE did for him. 

“[I’m] so, so grateful to WWE for Zack Ryder. That was my dream, I lived it. Highest of highs, lowest of lows, I’m forever grateful for that time. It set me up for who I am today, but it’s over. Zack Ryder is dead. If I ever were to go back to WWE, if it was up to me, it’d be as Matt Cardona.” 

For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops. 

Posted December 19th, 2023 in GCW, News. Tagged: , .

Impact Wrestling Results (2/9/23): Joe Hendry vs. Matt Cardona, Steph De Lander Debut & More

The Feb. 9 episode of Impact Wrestling aired on AXS TV at 8 PM EST/5 PM PT.

This episode featured a title match between Joe Hendry and Matt Cardona for the Digital Media Championship. The feud has lasted for several weeks, as both have traded insults in “diss songs.” Also on the show, Steph De Lander has her debut match against former Impact Knockout Champion Jordynne Grace.

This week’s episode also aired on their Youtube channel for Impact Insider subscribers. Impact Wrestling offers a monthly subscription to watch weekly episodes on Youtube for $1.49. However, it aired at 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT.

If you would like more results for this week’s events in wrestling, please check back on our results section.

Impact Wrestling Results (2/9) Results

The show opened with a video package from last week’s episode of Impact Wrestling. We also get a video package showing the feud between Hendry and Cardona. After it ends, we get Cardona trying to get to his locker room but gets stopped by a backstage staff. He gets shown to his private locker room, which is an equipment room.

Dirty Dango vs. Brian Myers- No Surrender Number One Contender’s Qualifier Match

The match starts with the two locking up. Dirty Dango pushes Brian Myers to the corner but back away. They exchange holds again, but Myers takes Dango down with a Shoulder Block. Myers tries to capitalize, but Dango takes back control of the match. Myers tried to go for a Sunset Flip Pin, but Dango countered with a leg drop for a failed pin attempt.

Myers goes outside and hides under the ring. Dango goes after him, but Myers hurts him when he pulls his shoulder into the ring apron. Myers brings Dango back into the ring and controls the match for several minutes. However, they clash heads when Myers tries to Irish Whip Dango into the ropes. The match returns to Dango’s favor as he takes control of the match. Dango landed a Falcon Arrow for a two-count on Myers.

Before Dango can go after Myers, his opponents go to the outside. He tried to go after Myers on the outside of the ring but got caught with the Roster Cut. Myers puts Dango back in the ring and hits the move again for the win.

We get a backstage segment with Gisele Shaw ruining people’s meals in catering. Deonna Purrazzo confronts her and throws food at her. Santino Marella comes to the scene and announces that they will have a match at No Surrender.

Good Hands(Jason Hotch & John Skyler) vs. Mickie James & Tommy Dreamer

The match starts with Jason Hotch and Mickie James exchanging holds. James controls the wrist and gets Tommy Dreamer in the match. Dreamer works on the arm before tagging James back in as she jumps from the top rope on Hotch’s arm. Skyler tags into the match, but James catches him with an Arm Drag. She tags Dreamer back in, and they land a Drop Toe Hold and Running Elbow combo move.

Skyler rolls to the outside. Hotch tries to run after Dreamer but gets thrown to the outside on top of his partner. Dreamer goes to the outside and does a dive on his opponents. James also does a Top Rope Crossbody on the outside. Dreamer brings Skyler back in the ring to put him in a Texas Cloverleaf, but Hotch hits Dreamer from behind. The Good Hands start to control the match working on Dreamer. However, Dreamer catches Skyler with a Cutter, and both tag out.

Before Hotch can go after James, She catches him with several Clotheslines. He tries to go after her again, but She lands the Flapjack on him. She does a Top Rope Lou Thesz Press for a pin on Hotch but gets stopped by Skyler. While Skyler is grabbing her hair, she counters and lands the Mick Kick. Dreamer gets in the ring, and they both land a DDT simultaneously on their opponents. James gets the pin on Hotch for the win.

After the match, Bully Ray comes out to attack Dreamer from behind. He goes after James, but Masha Slamovich attacks James from behind. Slamovich takes out James with the Snowplow.

We get a backstage segment with Marella, Johnny Swinger, Zicky Dice, and Dango. Swinger is looking for an opponent he can beat, and Dice says he has an opponent in mind as we go to the commercial break.

We get a video package of Rich Swann talking about getting an opportunity to win the Impact World Championship at No Surrender.

Steph De Lander vs. Jordynne Grace

Before the match, Lander cuts a promo about how it’s a “fall from grace” as she lost her title and how she will defeat Grace in her debut.

The match starts with Lander and Grace locking up. Lander puts Grace and the corner but back away to kick her in the stomach. She tries to go after Grace again, but her opponents put her in the corner and Knife Edge Chop Lander. Grace takes the fight outside the ring but gets caught with a Big Boot. Lander rolls her back in the ring for a two-count. She starts to control the match by keeping Grace on the ground for a few minutes.

Lander tries to Irish Whip Grace to the corner, but Grace lands a hard elbow strike. Her opponent responds with a Suplex, but it fires up Grace. The former Impact Knockout Champion starts to rally back in the match. However, Lander hits Grace with the Snake Eyes and a Big Boot for a near fall. The finish comes when Grace lands the Grace Driver for the win.

We get a backstage segment as Cardona demands a different locker room. Instead of changing in the equipment room, he has to change in the parking lot.

We get a backstage interview with Impact World Champion Josh Alexander as he talks about defending his title against Swann at No Surrender. He says that they are friends, but he will defeat Swann. Kenny King interrupts the interview. King says Alexander is scared of him and challenges him to a match.

Swann interrupts their argument and hits King in the face. He wants to face King. However, King says that he will see Swann when he sees him.

The Death Dollz (Taya Valkyrie & Rosemary) with Jessicka vs. Taylor Wilde & Killer Kelly)

Taya Valkyrie and Killer Kelly start the match. Kelly tries to go after Valkyrie and Rosemary but is outmatched. Valkyrie tags in Rosemary and lands a Sliding German Suplex as Kelly is on the ropes. Rosemary goes for the pin but gets a two-count. Rosemary starts beating down Kelly.

She puts Kelly in Upside Down in the corner. After the move, Rosemary goes on outside the ring, and Kelly tags in Taylor Wilder, who is looking at tarot cards. Rosemary enters the ring and starts to control Wilde but gets caught with a Backbreaker. The momentum if the match begins to go in favor of Wilde and Kelly as they tag in and out to dominate Rosemary.

Wilde tags in to work on Rosemary. She Irish Whips her into the ropes, but they both land Clothesline. They tag out the match, but Valkyrie gets the better of Kelly. She lands a Blue Thunder Bomb on Kelly for a two-count. Valkyrie tries to follow up the move but gets caught with a kick to the face. Kelly tries to tag out, but Wilde reads her tarot cards.

Wilde turns on Kelly, and Valkyrie lands Road to Valhalla for the win.

After the match, Father James Mitchell returns and confronts The Death Dollz. Mitchell says that Rosemary hasn’t spoken to his Boss(her father), and he puts a Hex on her. The Hex (Sienna & Marti Belle) enters the ring from the crowd and attacks The Death Dollz from behind.

We get a backstage segment with Eddie Edwards asking Shera to take out PCO for him.

Impact Wrestling gives another backstage segment with Chris Bey and Ace Austin challenging KUSHIDA and The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) at No Surrender. Bey and Austin reveal that KENTA will be their partner for the six-man tag match.

PCO vs. Shera with Raj Singh- No Surrender Number One Contender’s Qualifier Match

Shera tries to rush in to attack PCO but gets caught with a kick to the stomach. He tries to get his offense back but gets caught with a strike to the throat. Shera rolls to the outside, but PCO does a running dive on Shera and Raj Singh.

PCO tries to choke Singh and Shera, but they push him into the ring corner. Shera brings PCO back into the corner and starts the control the match. PCO is bleeding from hitting the ring corner. Shera lands a Suplex, but it just makes PCO mad. Shera Irish Whips PCO to the corner, but PCO counters with a Clothesline. PCO follows up the move with a Reverse DDT and a Top Rope Moonsault for the win.

We get a backstage interview with Cardona in his wrestling gear. He says he’s ready to fight Hendry.

We get a backstage segment with Frankie Kazarian and Sami Callihan. He tries to talk to Callihan about his recent action. However, The Design interrupts, and Kazarian challenges Kon to a match at No Surrender.

(C)Joe Hendry vs. Matt Cardona- Digital Media Championship Match

Before the match, Hendry cuts a promo and calls Cardona Edge’s B*tch. Hendry declares that he will be victorious in the match.

The match starts with Cardona landing Radio Silence for a near fall. Cardona tries to follow up on the move, but Hendry throws him to the outside. Hendry lands a Knife Edge Chop on Cardona and puts him back in the ring. However, Cardona hits Hendry with a knee as he tries to enter the ring.

Cardona tries to run at Hendry but gets caught with a scoop slam. Hendry tries to continue his offense, but his opponent keeps leaving the ring. Hendry tries to go after Cardona but gets caught with a Neckbreaker outside the ring as we go to a commercial break.

We come back from break with Cardona controlling the match. He locks in a jumping Guillotine on Hendry, but the champion counters with a Suplex. Hendry gains the upper hand as he catches Cardona with a Fallaway Slam. Cardona goes to the corner. The champion tries to go after Cardona, but the referee stops Hendry. Cardona pulls the referee in the way, and as the official moves, he lands a kick to the stomach, followed by a DDT on Hendry for a near fall.

Cardona tries to land a Running Boot to the face of Hendry in the corner, but the champion stops him. He lands the Trust Fall on Cardona for a two count. The champion Irish Whips Cardona to the corner, followed by a Running Cutter for another near fall. Hendry tries to follow up on the move but gets caught with another Radio Silence for a near fall.

The challenger tries to land a Radio Silence for the middle rope but gets caught with a Powerbomb for a two count. Myers tries to interfere in the match and throws the Digital Media Championship in the ring. The referee goes after the title, and Myers runs into the ring to try to hit Hendry with the Roster Cut. However, he accidentally hits Cardona, and Hendry throws Myers out of the ring. The finish comes when Hendry lands the Standing Ovation for the win.

After the match, Moose enters the ring and accidentally hits Cardona with a Spear. He tries to go after the champion but gets thrown to the outside. Hendry escapes up the ramp and plays his “diss song” on Cardona. The show ends with the crowd chanting that Cardona is Edge’s B*tch.

Posted February 9th, 2023 in Results. Tagged: , , , .

Matt Cardona: “Zack Ryder is Dead” After WWE trademark Dispute

Matt Cardona, best known to wrestling fans as Zack Ryder in WWE, is a master of branding and self-promotion. When WWE creative didn’t have anything for him in the early 2010’s, Cardona took it upon himself to create the groundbreaking Z! True Long Island Story digital series. He generated so much organic popularity that the company had no choice but to feature him more prominently on television.

He’s been wrestling independently since leaving WWE in 2020, with appearances for Game Changer Wrestling, All Elite Wrestling, Impact and more. Throughout his career, Cardona has proven to be creative and innovative.

Necessity has been one of the main reasons Cardona has been forced to get so creative. When WWE wouldn’t push him, he took matters into his own spray-tanned hands and made them push him. When he saw that WWE let the “Zack Ryder” trademark lapse, he jumped at the chance to secure the name and monetize it himself. According to the Long Island Broski, that was not a smooth process.

Zack Ryder Trademark Battle

Cardona recently spoke with Jason Powell of ProWrestling.net for the Pro Wrestling Boom podcast. During his discussion with the veteran journalist, Cardona explained that he had big plans for a “Matt Cardona vs. Zack Ryder” cinematic match. That would have led to all sorts of merchandising opportunities, including a “Ryder & Cardona two-pack” of wrestling figures produced by his very own toy company, Major Bendies.

Unfortunately, WWE lawyers fought Cardona’s attempt to secure the Zack Ryder Trademark. He knows a legal battle with WWE would be costly, so decided to abandon his effort. As a result, he’s officially closing the book on that portion of his career.

“I applied for [the Zack Ryder trademark] knowing there’s a chance [WWE] could fight it and they have so that’s it, I’m letting it go,” he said. “… I’m not gonna fight — because at the end of the day, it’s their intellectual property. They would win if we ever went to court over it so I tried, they fought it so that’s it, I’m backing down.”

“Zack Ryder is dead, in my opinion … It’s over, it’s dead, it was great. I’m grateful for that time but it’s done.”

– Matt Cardona

There’s always a chance we could see ‘Zack Ryder’ make another run in WWE, but he’s moving on from ever owning that character himself. Cardona’s wife, Chelsea Green, recently returned to WWE at the Royal Rumble.

Check out our exclusive interview with Matt Cardona (June 2022):

Posted February 9th, 2023 in WWE, News. Tagged: , .

Matt Cardona Continues Teasing WWE Return with Trademark Filings

Will Matt Cardona be returning to WWE, possibly as soon as this weekend’s Royal Rumble?

Cardona spent over a decade with WWE under the name Zack Ryder, and previously worked as Brett Major.

The former Intercontinental, U.S., and Tag Champion was released in April 2020 as part of one of WWE’s ‘budget cut’ mass layoffs.

Trademark

In recent months, Cardona has teased a return to WWE following the comebacks of names like Karrion Kross, Johnny Gargano, Bray Wyatt, and others.

Over the past week, Cardona filed a trademark for the term ‘WOO WOO WOO. YOU KNOW IT,’ a line synonymous with his Zack Ryder character.

The trademark was filed with Michael E Dockins, who has assisted dozens of wrestlers with their trademark filings.

The term has been filed for the use of merchandise, including clothing and action figures.

It has been reported that Cardona’s wife Chelsea Green is set to return to WWE, and that both sides are just waiting on a creative decision for her TV comeback.

On His Own Terms

After spending much of his WWE career as little above an enhancement talent, Cardona has become a main eventer on the independent scene.

Speaking to Sportskeeda Wrestling last November, the former NWA World Champion said that it would have to be on his own terms.

“I said Zack Ryder is dead because, and listen, never say never, right, but if I were to ever go back, it has to be as Matt Cardona.”

In addition to the NWA, Cardona has competed for Impact, Game Changer Wrestling (where he is also a former World Champion) and had a brief appearance in AEW.

Matt Cardona’s Advice For Young Talent: “Slow The F*ck Down”

Posted January 25th, 2023 in WWE, News. Tagged: .

Matt Cardona’s Advice For Young Talent: “Slow The F*ck Down”

Matt Cardona has successfully rebuilt himself after his WWE release in 2020. He is one of the stars that has helped fill the gap in the independent circuit left by people like The Elite and others after they signed exclusive contracts. His advice for anyone wanting to replicate the success is very simple – to get good at the basics and let things breathe.

The former WWE star recently spoke to Chris Van Vliet. Talking about his advice for young talent on the indies, Cardona mentioned how it’s important to have moments in your match that can go viral. At the same time, you need to get good with the basics and know how to tell a story in a match. The former IC Champion then revealed what he learned during his time in WWE that has helped him get over in the indies:

“Slow the fuck down. Seriously. You gotta imagine, this is what I tell guys too. Let’s say you do a move and you’re both selling and it seems like you’re selling for eternity but in TV land, the commentators are telling the story, the cameras are going from one facial expression to the other guy. So relax a little bit. [It] doesn’t have to be like move, move, move, move, move, move move. There’s a time and a place to go balls to the walls, but you also gotta let the people digest what they just saw.”

‘People Have Given Up On Impact’: Matt Cardona

Matt Cardona on Impact

Matt Cardona also talked about his time with Impact Wrestling and said that he doesn’t know what his future with the company is. The former Digital Media champion put over the promotion for their storylines and roster but agreed with the criticism that their product is hard to find:

“I think it’s great. I think that the roster is awesome. I think that [the] actual show if people watch it, it’s an awesome show, where things make sense in the storylines. They actually have a beginning, middle and end. I just think a lot of people have given up on impact and they don’t want to give it another chance and it’s a shame because it’s a great, great product. It’s another problem, it’s fucking impossible to find it. Like I’m on the goddamn show. I can’t watch it.”

You can check out Matt Cardona’s full interview below:

If you use any quotes from the article, please credit SEScoops with an H/t for transcription

Posted December 16th, 2022 in News. Tagged: .

Matt Cardona Reacts to Nick Aldis Leaving NWA

After going public with his announcement that he would be leaving the company once his contract expired on January 1, 2023, the NWA has suspended Nick Aldis. 

The former World Heavyweight Champion has been the face of the promotion for the last five years as he was the top champion for over 1000 days during that time.

Matt Cardona, a former NWA World’s Heavyweight Champion himself and set to face Aldis at NWA Alwayz Ready before he suffered a bicep injury, has given his thoughts on Aldis leaving the promotion. 

Matt Cardona on Nick Aldis

Matt Cardona as the NWA champion
Matt Cardona as the NWA champion

“That’s unfortunate. Nick and I, we have some unfinished business, we were supposed to wrestle at Alwayz Ready, but obviously, I got injured. I feel he’s a great opponent of mine. I don’t think he liked when I came to NWA because it was his baby and he did such a great job representing the NWA, being the face of NWA, he’s got all the tools and I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors,” he said while appearing on This Is Pro Wrestling.

At this Saturday’s NWA Hard Times 3 event, Cardona will challenge for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship in a triple threat bout against Trevor Murdoch and Tyrus. 

Billy Corgan Details Issues With Nick Aldis

H/T to Fightful for the transcription 

Posted November 10th, 2022 in NWA, News. Tagged: .

Matt Cardona’s WWE Return Will Be On Unprecedented Terms

Matt Cardona appears to be open to a WWE return, but it will have to be on his terms.

Since Triple H has assumed responsibilities for heading WWE’s creative after the departure of Vince McMahon, many familiar faces have been brought back to the company. Many have speculated as to whether or not Cardona could be one of those names brought back.

Speaking in an interview with Kevin Kellam of Sportskeeda Wrestling, Cardona discussed a potential return to WWE. While he’s certainly open to the possibility, he has one term that he seems to be sticking to.

He does not want to return as Zack Ryder, but rather, Matt Cardona. Cardona seems to be ready to put the Ryder character behind him.

“It’s certainly exciting. Every week, it seems like, maybe not every week, but it seems like someone’s coming back or debuting or re-debuting it’s fresh, it’s exciting,” Cardona said. “It’s must-see TV, and I think that’s what wrestling should be.

“Yeah, I said Zack Ryder is dead because, and listen, never say never, right, but if I were to ever go back, it has to be as Matt Cardona. Zack Ryder, it was what it was. I’m so grateful for that run. It has set me up for this run. Without being Zack Ryder in WWE, I wouldn’t be Matt Cardona talking to you right now. So it set me up for everything.

“But the ‘Woo, woo, woo’, the headband, the sunglasses, it’s dead. I was trying to get away from stuff while I was still Zack Ryder in WWE, but you can’t write the show. So if I’m trying to be more serious, but you’re booked to be not so serious, it is what it is.

“That’s why, when I was let go, it was like, oh my god. Not that I had any handcuffs on, but the handcuffs were off, and I was able to just become the new version of me, whatever that was going to be.”

Matt Cardona NWA Champion

During his run with WWE, Cardona went by the ring name Zack Ryder from 2005 to 2020. Throughout that run, Cardona earned himself both a United States and Intercontinental Title run. He also won the RAW Tag Team Titles with Curt Hawkins twice.

Unfortunately, in 2020, Cardona was victim to WWE’s COVID-19 budget cuts, and was released from his contract. After leaving WWE, Cardona has worked for a variety of promotions; such as All Elite Wrestling (AEW), IMPACT Wrestling, Game Changer Wrestling, and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA).

Posted November 7th, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: .

Pro Wrestling Social Media is a Double-Edged Sword

Can you imagine what the world of pro wrestling would be like had social media been around in the 1980s or even the 1990s? In the glory days of the Four Horsemen, Dave Schultz, Roddy Piper, Iron Sheik, the “Monday Night War,” Brian Pillman, DX, ECW…The list goes on and on. 

Today platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have become an important piece of the business for better or worse. A proven double-edged sword in which pro wrestlers and personalities must walk a tightrope. They are in a unique position compared to an actor or athlete. Do they stay in character or not? Many times it’s a hybrid where the lines of reality are muddled, which can help advance a storyline. Then there are the missteps where a single Tweet can make or break someone. 

We’ve seen shoots, work shoots, and instances of being worked into a shoot. Among those who I think manages the waters of social media well is Becky Lynch. She’ll chime in at the right time, knowing what will get people talking. The popular performer has also been known to clap back with receipts like a recent interaction with Vince Russo or shutting down body-shaming attacks on boyfriend Adam Cole. Another good one is Britt Baker, who brings a similar approach. They’ve each grown their popularity, even when they aren’t on TV. 

MJF is known for his outspokenness on AEW shows. It’s this authenticity and confidence that has made him must-watch each week. The same can be seen on social media in which the much talked about star will provide entertainment sparring with the likes of Dionne Warwick. Though he’ll also use the space to draw awareness to some really serious issues.

MJF has called out antisemitism including comments made by Kanye West. Even when tweets are deleted, they live on in cyberspace and headlines. It’s an interesting position to be in when MJF is considered a “heel” on television delivering some pretty harsh and controversial promos.

Social media can be a slippery slope. A back-and-forth between Sammy Guevara and Andrade got heated on Twitter regarding comments Andrade made about Guevara being stiff in the ring to  Más Lucha. A war of words boiled over into reported physicality backstage at Dynamite, which led to Andrade being sent home. 

Unfortunately, social media has also given attention to trolls who like nothing more than to rile someone up. Cyberbullying and body shaming are real problems, and the pro wrestling world is not immune. Hateful things are said just to get a reaction when in actuality it only does harm to your mental health. Imagine getting inundated by these horrible messages on a daily basis.

That doesn’t make you feel good. After all, deep down these figures, we watch in the ring are human beings just like anyone else. There is a reason Jade Cargill took a break from Twitter and Toni Storm just left it altogether. It got so bad for Stardom athlete Hana Kimura, she took her own life. If that doesn’t get you thinking twice about sending a message with the intent of making someone feel bad, I don’t know what will.

Matt Cardona knows how to use social media to help grow his brand. That can be traced all the way back to Cardona’s YouTube show. He has used it as a way to spread the word about everything he has going on and selling. A tool and means to an end. Making money.

Social media can be a powerful way to get a message across and create awareness for a cause. Nobody knows that more than Mick Foley, who has raised thousands of dollars over the years through many fundraisers. Drake Maverick’s emotional reaction to losing his job after being released in 2020 went viral. So much, John Cena took note and WWE couldn’t ignore the groundswell of support. Triple H presented him with a new contract down the line on NXT. 

The pro wrestling community has also mobilized on a number of occasions, coming together to help. When the shocking news broke that Tough Enough alum Sara Lee passed away at age 30, a GoFundMe was set up for her family by friend Bull James. Thanks to wrestling stars and others spreading the word more than $103,000 were generated. A heartwarming response to a sad story. 

Social media isn’t going anywhere. And if you’re a pro wrestler it can be a blessing or curse. The ones who find success are those who maintain a level of authenticity and a genuine voice. They also practice a rule we should all be following. Think before you post.  

Who is your favorite follow? Why? Let me know in the comments or by tweeting me @smFISHMAN. 

Posted October 19th, 2022 in News. Tagged: , , , , , , .

Matt Cardona Not Trying For WWE Return, But Would Answer Call

Matt Cardona doesn’t have a WWE return on his radar right now, but would definitely answer the phone if they called.

Cardona has been doing great on the independent circuit since leaving WWE in 2020, and isn’t necessarily seeking out a return to the company at the moment. However, as he tells Metro, he’d definitely answer the call if it came in.

“I’m not trying to get back to WWE. But I’d lying if I said I never wanted to have a WrestleMania moment again, or I never wanted to wrestle at Madison Square Garden – of course I would.

“If Triple H called me right now, if I had that 203 – that’s the area code for Stamford, Connecticut – of course I’d pick up.

“But right now, I’m focusing on being the best me possible, and having the most fun possible, and making the most money possible.”

Matt Cardona NWA Champion

Matt Cardona first ran with WWE from 2005 to 2020. During that time, Cardona earned one run each as Intercontinental and United States Champion. He was also a two-time RAW Tag Team Champion alongside Curt Hawkins.

However, in 2020, Cardona fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic budget cuts, as he was released from his contract with the company.

Since, he has gone on to do work for promotions such as All Elite Wrestling (AEW), IMPACT Wrestling, Game Changer Wrestling, and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA).

Posted October 12th, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: .

Matt Cardona vs. Bully Ray Announced For Legendary Arena

A match between Bully Ray and Matt Cardona has finally been announced. It will be taking place from a legendary arena.

The two wrestling stars have been trading shots on Twitter and other places for the last few weeks, teasing a match between them.

Cardona had claimed that he is an ECW original and the Deathmatch King, a title he earned by defeating Nick Gage for the GCW championship at Homecoming 2021.

Bully Ray fired back at the former WWE star saying that Cardona wouldn’t have lasted a day in the original ECW.

Matt Cardona vs. Bully Ray

Matt Cardona then confirmed earlier today on Twitter that he will be facing the Attitude Era star at an upcoming event of Battleground Championship.

The event, dubbed as ‘A Tribute to the Extreme’ will be held at the former home of ECW in the 2300 Arena in December this year. Ray’s legendary tag team partner D-Von Dudley will be in his corner for this bout:

Matt Cardona had been on the shelf with a torn bicep for a few months. He returned to the ring at NWA 74. Since then, he seems to be on the mission to once again become the hottest free agent in the indie circuit.

Posted September 13th, 2022 in News. Tagged: , .

Matt Cardona Comments on Whether He’s Interested In a WWE Return

In April 2020, as part of company-wide budget cuts, Matt Cardona was released from his WWE contract.

Cardona, a 15-year veteran of the company, had worked for much of his run as Zack Ryder, having captured the Intercontinental and United States Championships during his run.

Since his release, Cardona (now working under his real name) has reinvented himself as a dastardly heel, a far cry from his WWE character.

A Possible Return?

Since Vince McMahon retired from WWE, the company has seen a series of returns approved by WWE’s new Head of Talent Relations: Triple H.

Dakota Kai, Karrion Kross, Scarlett, Dexter Lumis and Hit Row have all returned to WWE so far, with more names expected.

While speaking to Wrestling Inside The Ropes, Cardona addressed whether he would return to WWE now with the change of management (via ITR Wrestling.)

“With Triple H is calling everybody back supposedly, if he called me back, of course I’d have a conversation. But, I don’t know if I’d go back. I don’t know. I mean, of course ‘never say never’ but I mean, my schedule now is pretty great, I’m making a lot of money and I’m having a lot of fun so it’s hard to trade that in for just to be a name on a roster. I already did that.

“I don’t know if I’d go back. I don’t know. I mean, of course ‘never say never.'”

Matt Cardona on whether he’d return to WWE.

Cardona suffered a torn biceps injury earlier this year that forced him to vacate the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.

He will return to the ring at NWA 74 on August 27.

Chelsea Green Discusses Possibility of the Cardonas in WWE or AEW

Posted August 14th, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: .

Chelsea Green Discusses Possibility of the Cardonas in WWE or AEW

During a recent discussion with SEScoops correspondent Steve Fall for NBC Sports Boston, Chelsea Green spoke about what her and Matt Cardona’s characters would look like in WWE or AEW. 

Chelsea & Matt On The Independents

Chelsea Green and her husband Matt Cardona have been everywhere on the independent scene after their releases from WWE. On April 15, 2021, Chelsea Green was released from her WWE contract. Matt was released exactly one year before Chelsea on April 15, 2020.

Chelsea and Matt have been regulars in promotions like Impact, NWA, GCW, and many other indy promotions. Matt is currently injured, but prior to his injury, he was the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion.

The National Wrestling Alliance actually named a pay-per-view titled ‘Alwayz Ready’ after Matt because of all of his recent success. Chelsea and Matt have proven themselves to be valuable commodities with them receiving multiple bookings every weekend, even with Matt injured.

The Cardonas In WWE Or AEW?

Chelsea spoke about the possibility of going back to WWE or heading towards AEW, and the changes that they would need to make to become PG,  “I think that that’s exactly it. Go out there, let’s see the reaction. Let’s see the ideas that you have and what you want to do because we’re not doing things that are necessarily PG.

“This is the struggle that I have going from GCW to Impact and NWA, the chants that people have at GCW. I mean it’s hilarious, we get such a kick out of them, but those are not chants you can hear on TV. So, there would have to be some tweaking, I mean, no matter what there would have to be some tweaking.

“I still think the idea, the general idea, of what we want to bring to the table which is very much like a package of 90’s, early 2000’s like sexy and defying, like stick it to the man, stuff like that. I think that you can still do that in WWE and AEW, but it just has to be a little more PG. Boring, but I mean you can still figure it out.”

Chelsea In Impact

Mrs. Cardona can still be seen on Impact Wrestling as she recently competed, in a losing effort, for the Knockouts World Championship in a first-ever Queen of the Mountain match at the Slammiversary pay-per-view.

Green was able to have a memorable moment with Deonna Purrazzo when they both fell off of a tall ladder to the outside of the ring and through two tables.

Watch Steve Fall’s interview with Chelsea Green:

If you use the quotes above, please credit the original course with a h/t and link back to SEScoops for the transcription. 

Posted July 5th, 2022 in News. Tagged: , .

New NWA World Champion Crowned At Alwayz Ready

Trevor Murdoch has become the NWA World Heavyweight Champion again.

Matt Cardona had defeated Murdoch to become the new NWA world champion during the NWA PowerrrTrip event in February this year.

However, in late May it was revealed that Cardona has suffered a torn bicep and he will require surgery that will keep him out of action for sometime.

During the Alwayz Ready PPV, the NWA champion confirmed that he will be out of action for 3 to 5 months. President Billy Corgan then came out and told Cardona that he must relinquish the title.

Nick Aldis made his way to the ring next and he told Matt that he is a typical ex-WWE parasite. Aldis then issued a challenge to anyone for the championship.

Trevor Murdoch, Thomas Latimer, & Samuel Shaw all answered this challenge. Corgan booked a fatal four-way match for the vacant title.

The ending of this match saw Trevor Murdoch escaping a cloverleaf from Aldis. He then caught Nick with a top rope bulldog and pinned him to become the new NWA world champion.

This wasn’t the only title change of the night as Doug Williams & Harry Smith won the NWA tag team championships while Pretty Empowered became the new NWA women’s tag champions during the show.

Posted June 12th, 2022 in NWA, News. Tagged: .

Matt Cardona Speaks About The Timing Of His Injury (Exclusive)

Matt Cardona recently suffered a torn bicep at GCW Downward Spiral back on May 28th. The following Tuesday, Matt Cardona confirmed on Twitter that his bicep was torn after an MRI. He also revealed that he would be getting surgery and that he will be canceling upcoming dates.

Cardona was set to defend the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship at NWA Alwayz Ready on June 11 against Nick Aldis. The title of the pay-per-view is a nod to Matt Cardona and his branding.

Steve Fall of SEScoops recently spoke with ‘Alwayz Ready’ Matt Cardona before NWA’s Alwayz Ready pay-per-view this Saturday to give an update on his injury. 

Cardona Speaks About The Timing Of His Injury

Cody Rhodes recently competed at Hell In A Cell with a torn pectoral muscle. Cardona spoke about his mindset when he originally found out about the injury.

The NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion said, “It’s not my choice. I didn’t walk into that GCW show, last Saturday in Vegas, [saying] ‘I can’t wait to tear my bicep tonight.’ You know, that wasn’t part of the plan. Stuff happens. Life happens. There is no good time to get injured. Certainly, this is the absolute worst time to get injured. I saw two doctors, one surgeon. I told myself, ‘Hey. Let’s see what the majority says.’ All three said surgery of course. Old school thinking had me [saying], ‘I want to tape it up and just go out there.’ It’s just not worth it. It’s not safe. I want to be doing this for a really, really long time. 

It’s unfortunate that it’s near Alwayz Ready, a pay-per-view named after me. It’s my show. I was supposed to defend the Worlds Heavyweight Championship on it, and I will not be able to compete. I will be there, I will walk down that aisle, I will have the ten pounds of gold in my hand. Will I walk out with the ten pounds of gold? That’s up to Billy Corgan. I can’t make a decision for him, I don’t know the plan. I don’t have the pencil. We’ll see what happens. I’m always ready, even with this injury.”

Matt Cardona’s Injury Time Frame

Cardona provided a possible time frame for his injury, “I’ve been told three to five months. I’m obviously shooting for three months, but I don’t want to rush before I’m ready. I want to make sure that I’m 100% before I get in the ring. It’s not like I’m just taking this three or five month vacation. I’m still making towns. Last weekend, I did two shows. I didn’t wrestle, but I made appearances and signed some autographs. I’ll continue to do that all summer long. Whether it be conventions or wrestling shows, NWA, IMPACT, GCW, I’m still going to be everywhere, just not lacing up those boots.”

On June 11, Matt Cardona will make an appearance at the NWA Alwayz Ready pay-per-view. At that pay-per-view, we will find out the fate of the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, as well as Matt Cardona’s reign with the championship.

SEScoops would like to wish Cardona a speedy recovery. SEScoops will work to keep fans updated on the status of Matt Cardona, the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, and his injury. 

If you use the quotes above, please credit the original course with a h/t and link back to SEScoops for the transcription. 

Posted June 8th, 2022 in NWA, News. Tagged: .

Matt Cardona Defends Not Facing Nick Aldis At NWA Alwayz Ready (Exclusive)

Matt Cardona recently announced that he suffered a torn bicep on May 28 at GCW Downward Spiral. The following Tuesday, Matt Cardona confirmed on Twitter that his bicep was torn after an MRI. He also revealed that he would be getting surgery and that he will be canceling upcoming dates.

Cardona was set to defend the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship at NWA Alwayz Ready on June 11 against Nick Aldis. The title of the pay-per-view is a nod to Matt Cardona and his branding.

Steve Fall of SEScoops recently spoke with ‘Alwayz Ready’ Matt Cardona before NWA’s Alwayz Ready pay-per-view this Saturday. 

Matt Cardona Will Sue Nick Aldis If He Touches Him

When first speaking with Cardona about the aggression Nick Aldis has shown recently, Cardona repsonded, “First of all, you know, Nick Aldis is so upset that he can’t get his hands on me. I know he just wants to punch me right in the mouth. He won’t be able to do it at Alwayz Ready.

If he does, he’ll be sued. I will get Michael Dockins on him, Mark Sterling, my two lawyers on him. This will not be a match. There will be no match.”

Cardona Speaks About Being The Face Of The NWA While Unable To Compete

Cardona continued by speaking about what his injury means for his NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship title reign, “I don’t know what’s going to happen. I don’t know if there is going to be some sort of match for the title. I don’t know if I’m going to have to give up the title. I’m prepared to do so. I am a fighting champion, and I will not be able to defend it all summer. I get it.

I’ve been saying all along, ‘I want to be the face of the company. I want to be the face of the NWA. I want to bring this title all over.’ While I still can bring it all over the place, I won’t be able to defend it. So, we’ll see what Billy says, but I’ll tell you what.

When I got that NWA title, when I beat Trevor Murdoch, that thing was brand spanking new. Not a scratch on it. You look at it now, scratches, dents, the gold is fading, because I bring it everywhere. I’m a proud champ. I bring it out with me to all my shows. I bring it to all my conventions. It’s in my sweaty gear bag. It stinks. It’s disgusting. That’s how the NWA Worlds Title should be. We’ll see what Billy wants to do with it.”

Matt Addresses The NWA Locker Room

“I walk in, and I just take the title. I go right into that main event scene. It wasn’t just him that I annoyed. It was all the boys in the back. They’re thinking I was there to take their spot, and I took their spot. I had my own damn spot. They can have their spots. I don’t want your spot. I have my own damn spot.

It’s not my fault that the people gravitate towards me, whether they love me or hate me. Whether they wanna see me get my a*s kicked or see me kick a*s, the people are invested in me. Nick is smart to want to wrestle me, to leech off me, to get some of my buzz,” Cardona addressed those speculating that the injury was a ‘work.’

On June 11, Matt Cardona will make an appearance at the NWA Alwayz Ready pay-per-view. At that pay-per-view, we will find out the fate of the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, as well as Matt Cardona’s reign with the championship.

SEScoops would like to wish Cardona a speedy recovery. SEScoops will work to keep fans updated on the status of Matt Cardona, the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, and his injury. 

If you use the quotes above, please credit the original course with a h/t and link back to SEScoops for the transcription. 

Posted June 8th, 2022 in NWA, News. Tagged: , .

Matt Cardona: “I Want To Have Ric Flair’s Last Match for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship”

Matt Cardona has a dream match in mind.

The current NWA world’s champion recently spoke with Phil Strum on his Under The Ring program about a potential showdown with the Nature Boy, one that Cardona not only wants, but is willing to put the Ten Pounds of Gold on the line.

“Would it be too cheap to say that I want to have Ric Flair’s last match for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship? I mean that’s the talk of the wrestling business right now, Ric Flair having one more match.”

News broke last month that Flair, at 73, would be returning to the ring for one final matchup on July 31st in Nashville, Tennessee. His opponent has yet to be revealed. Speaking on that…Cardona states that while that bout will be great, a title match with him would be better, especially since Flair’s name is forever linked to the NWA.

“I’ve heard the rumors of what the match will be. I’m sure it’s gonna be a great match. I’m sure it’s gonna be fun for everybody. But don’t you think his last match ever should be for the Ten Pounds of Gold. You think of NWA, you think of the Ten Pounds of Gold, you think of Ric Flair, ‘The Nature Boy.”

Cardona later adds that Flair has the opportunity to become a 17-time world champion, and that because of that, their matchup is likely to sell-out an arena.

“Does he want to be a 17-time champ? If he does, I got the Ten Pounds of Gold. I could put Sweet Charlotte on the line. Think about it. ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair vs. ‘Always Ready’ Matt Cardona for the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship. Tell me that does not sell out an arena.”

Unfortunately for Cardona, he is currently dealing with an injury and will be out of action for up to five months. He was scheduled to face Nick Aldis for the NWA championship at the June 11th Alwayz Ready pay-per-view, but it has not been determined how the promotion will move forward due to the injury.

(Thanks to WrestleZone for the quotes)

Posted June 7th, 2022 in News, NWA. Tagged: .

Matt Cardona: ‘When I Was Unhappy In WWE, I Didn’t Walk Out Mid-Raw’

Matt Cardona faced many ups and downs during his WWE career. Though he didn’t walk out of Raw mid show when he was frustrated and he did something about it.

The former WWE star recently appeared on Under The Ring podcast of Phil Strum. He discussed things such as the upcoming Alwayz Ready PPV and more.

Sasha Banks and Naomi walking out of WWE has been a hot story recently. Cardona mentioned how he too was unhappy with his position in 2011, but instead of walking out he did something different:

“The Z! True Long Island Story, 2011, I wasn’t happy with my position in WWE. I didn’t walk out, mid-Raw, I did something about it. I changed my future, I worked my ass off, I took a chance, and I started that show.

That YouTube show was all me. Editing it, writing it, filming it, putting it out.” said Matt Cardona, “The fans took to it because this is organic.”

The current NWA champion mentioned how the production quality of his show was not good because he was the only one working on it.

However, fans saw his hard work and appreciated his efforts. Per Matt Cardona, he formed a bond with a lot of fans during that time that he still has to this day.

Quotes via Fightful

Posted June 7th, 2022 in WWE, News. Tagged: .

Matt Cardona Will Need Surgery For Torn Bicep, Will Appear At Alwayz Ready

NWA Worlds Champion Matt Cardona has confirmed his injury.

Matt Cardona’s Injury

On May 28 at GCW Downward Spiral, Cardona faced Blake Christian. During the match, he, unfortunately, injured his arm. Due to the injury he sustained, Cardona had to miss his scheduled afterparty. He revealed that he needed to take a ‘redeye’ to Orlando to get the injury checked out. Cardona noted before the confirmation that he ‘thought’ that he has suffered a torn bicep.

On Tuesday, Matt Cardona confirmed on Twitter that his bicep was torn, following an MRI. He also revealed that he needs surgery and that he will be canceling upcoming dates.

Cardona’s Upcoming & Scheduled Events

Cardona is set to defend the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship at NWA Alwayz Ready on June 11 against Nick Aldis. The title of the pay-per-view is a nod to Matt Cardona and his branding.

Cardona also is the reigning AIW Absolute Champion, AIW Intense Champion, and the ASW Heavyweight Champion. Cardona also competes regularly in IMPACT Wrestling and Game Changer Wrestling.

Cardona Injury Update

Cardona recently appeared on Busted Open Radio to reveal that he will still be at the NWA Alwayz Ready show in some way.

Cardona shared, “The doctor is suggesting surgery, which I will be getting on Tuesday, but there is no way I’m not coming to a pay-per-view named after me. I will be there. I don’t know what exactly is going to happen and what exactly is going to go down. I’m going to be there, I’ll have the Ten Pounds of Gold with me. It’s really Billy’s [Billy Corgan] decision on what he wants to do.”

“Part of me wanted to tape it up and work through it, but I want to be doing this for a long time. It’s probably better that I get it taken care of right now. There is no good time to get hurt and this certainly isn’t it. NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion, having a pay-per-view named after me, just being the King of Indies, the Deathmatch King, we have (IMPACT) Slammiversary coming up. It’s not a good time to get hurt, but shit happens,” Cardona continued.

It is unclear how long Cardona will be unable to complete. There is not yet an announcement on how the NWA will handle the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship situation.

H/T to Jeremy Lambert Fightful for the transcription

SEScoops would like to wish Cardona a speedy recovery.

There are results from GCW Downward Spiral included in our Saturday Night Results wrap-up here.

Posted May 31st, 2022 in TNA, News, NWA. Tagged: , , .

NWA Powerrr Results (4/12)

The Apr. 12 episode of NWA Powerrr took place at the Skyway Studios in Nashville, Tennesse.

The main event saw NWA World Heavyweight Champion Matt Cardona defend his title against The Pope. The episode also had the debut of Kilynn King, who challenged Natalya Markova. Besides the main event, NWA promoted King’s debut as an important part of the show. The episode is available on video on demand on FITE and will premiere on Youtube on Friday.

NWA Powerrr Quick Results

  1. The show opened with Nick Aldis discussing the main event. He shared that regardless of the result, he still has intentions of challenging Cardona.
  2. The Commonwealth Connection defeated The Dirty Sexy Boys
  3. Austin Idol did a backstage promo. Idol revealed that he is Cyan’s father.
  4. Kilynn King defeated Natalya Markova
  5. Mims did a backstage promo shared that he wants to challenge Tyrus to the bodyslam challenge. He was also asked about the main event and felt confident about The Pope chances of winning.
  6. La Rebellion did a promo at the podium to call out the Briscoes. However, The Briscoes didn’t appear. Mecha Wolf expressed that The Briscoes will have to kill them to win to NWA Tag Team Championships.
  7. Aron Stevens appeared in a backstage sitdown segment called Heart 2 Heart. He was asked about how he felt about getting attacked by Trevor Murdoch last week. Stevens expressed that he was hurt by Murdoch actions and discussed how close they were.
  8. The Miserable Faithful with Father James Mitchell defeated Colby Corino & The Fixers
  9. Jennacide did a backstage promo to reveal that she is going to be a singles wrestler moving forward in NWA, after her split from Taryn Terrell and Paola Blaze on Mar. 22.
  10. Matt Cardona defeated The Pope to retain the NWA World Heavyweight Championship

The show ends with NWA Commentator Velvet Sky expressing displeasure at Cardona’s win as he leaves with his title.

Posted April 12th, 2022 in Results. Tagged: , .

NWA Powerrr Results (3/29)

The Mar. 29 episode of NWA Powerrr took place at the Skyway Studios in Nashville, Tennesse.

The main event saw the NWA Tag Team Champions defend their titles against The End. The episode also had Nick Aldis in action and Matt Cardona challenging Tim Storm to a match. The episode is available on video on demand on FITE and will premiere on Youtube on Friday.

NWA Powerrr Quick Results

  1. The episode opened with a backstage promo with NWA World Heavyweight Champion Matt Cardona. He called out Tim Storm for interfering in his match against Nick Aldis at The Crockett Cup Night Two. He challenged Storm to a match and said he’d request that Storm get an NWA World Heavyweight Championship match if he won. Storm accepts the match on the broadcast.
  2. Kamile defeated Madi in a non-title match
  3. The Pope does a backstage promo and shared that teased going after the NWA World Championship. He also was asked about Trevor Murdoch recent behavior. He shared that he hopes Murdoch doesn’t forget who he is and that people support him .
  4. Magic Jake Dumas defeated Rodney Mack
  5. The Cardona Family defeated Ill Forgotten
  6. Chris Adonis did a promo about his split from Thom Latimer. He also shared that he’s going after The NWA National Championship
  7. Cyan does a backstage promo and accepts Tyrus bodyslam challenge. He vows to slam Tyrus and win the NWA Television Championship.
  8. Nick Aldis defeated Deonte Marshall
  9. La Rebellion defeated The End to retain the NWA World Tag Team Championship

The show ends with La Rebellion and The Briscoes teasing a feud.

Posted March 30th, 2022 in Results. Tagged: , , .

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