Former WWE Superstar Chelsea Green recently spoke to Inside The Ropes. The former NXT performer discussed a number of topics during the interview, including the recent angle between her partner Matt Cardona/Zack Ryder and GCW Champion Nick Gage.

Matt Cardona and Nick Gage had been feuding online and teasing something in-ring for quite some time. It was an interesting angle for Cardona to take; as he wouldn’t usually be associated with the deathmatch style of wrestling that Gage is known as the King of.

Nick Gage defended his GCW Championship at the recent Zombie Walk event, and after the bout he was attacked by someone dressed as a ‘druid’ type of character. It turned out to be Matt Cardona, but he adopted some of Jon Moxley’s mannerisms and even hit the Paradigm Shift DDT, fooling the fans in attendance.

Chelsea Green on Matt Cardona vs Nick Gage

“I mean, I loved it! I was REALLY excited for it” Chelsea Green said of the angle and Matt Cardona’s involvement. “And I’m mostly excited because I do feel like he was put in a box in the WWE; and maybe it was him that wanted to be in that box, maybe it was him that never pushed to get out of that box – but this is his chance to show the world SO much more.”

“He’s been wrestling for so long – since he was 18, he’s now 36″ Green continued. “I mean, he’s really been a wrestling fan since he was, like, three years old.”

“But I just feel like this puts a little bit more validity behind his name and I love that for him. I think he deserves that” Chelsea Green would finish.

Matt Cardona vs Nick Gage is scheduled to take place at GCW Homecoming for the Game Changer Wrestling Championship. The show will be available to purchase on FITE TV.

Former WWE Superstar and independent performer Matt Cardona recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. The former WWE United States Champion discussed a number of topics during the interview, including his current feud with deathmatch king Nick Gage.

“I don’t know how it started on social media” Cardona began, discussing the genesis of the feud. “Whether a fan tweeted it and I responded? And then it got kind of personal at first. I was like ‘dude, I don’t want to do this death match stuff. That’s not my style at all.’”

“But he [Gage] just kept calling me out and calling me out” Cardona continued. “And they (GCW) even promoted me for one of their shows, when I clearly had a booking somewhere else.”

Matt Cardona on Nick Gage

“And they had the whole crowd, like I can’t even say what they were chanting at me. So it’s like, at one point I had to stand up for myself” Cardona stated. “Because I can’t take that. I just got to be a man and shut them up.”

Cardona appeared at the Zombie Walk PPV event earlier this month, attacking Gage following a GCW Championship match. Matt Cardona was dressed as a ‘druid,’ and started doing Jon Moxley mannerisms and even hitting the Paradigm Shift DDT. Cardona then took off the hood to reveal himself, sending the hardcore GCW ‘Universe’ (as Cardona calls them) into a frenzy.

Matt Cardona is currently scheduled to be taking on Nick Gage for the GCW Championship at GCW Homecoming in July.

Well, you can now add Matt Cardona’s name to the list of people who want a piece of Nick Gage. Cardona stunned the crowd at the recent GCW Zombie Walk show, attacking Gage after the match. What made the altercation even more interesting is how it all transpired.

Matt Cardona came to the ring, covered from head to toe and gave the crowd his best Moxley swagger. Hitting Gage with a paradigm shift before removing his mask. The nod to Mox is understandable give the feud running between Mox and Gage. However, it does make you wonder if there is something else running.

With the recent news of show titles such as Battle of the Belts being trademarked by AEW, the concept of cross-promotion fights is interesting. The crowd certainly went wild, both when they assumed it was Mox in the ring, and after Matt Cardona unmasked himself.

A hardcore promotion like GCW might not be the place you instantly think of when discussing Matt Cardona. Yet, it seems as if this is something legit. Cardona took to Twitter after his appearance to share some thoughts before calling out Nick Gage from a steakhouse.

You would be hard pushed to find any bigger wrestling fan than Matt Cardona. He lives and breathes the business. Should a match go down between him and Gage, or him, Gage and Moxley, it will be a headline event. This looks likely, especially given how Cardona picked up the GCW title belt and held it aloft.

The build-up to Matt Cardona’s match with his long-time best friend Brian Myers ended on a controversial and sour note. After trying to hit his Radio Silence finisher Cardona landed badly in the ring and his left knee buckled beneath him.

Matt Cardona has a history of knee injuries having lost 18-months of his career to a previous knee injury. However, it was not just the injury but the way the match ended that left a sour note in everybody’s mouth.

Despite the referee throwing up the X, Myers continued to fight. Hauling his best friend to his feet to hit the Roster Cut lariat. Myers then pinned Cardona for the three in the middle of the ring without a shred of remorse.

If this is a worked angle to build heat for the already hated Myers, it worked well. However, how close can you come to crossing the line between real injuries versus storytelling?

Injuries are serious business in wrestling. Whatever the story is behind the ending of this match, IMPACT is surely looking to milk this feud a little longer. Myers and Cardona are no strangers to the friend-enemy storyline, having played out the same before their departure from WWE.

After the PPV Cardona took to social media to confirm the injury but also to allay fears over its seriousness.

Matt Cardona is a hardcore wrestling fan as is documented on his social media accounts. His love for the sport extends beyond his own acts in the ring. Here’s hoping this latest setback isn’t a bad one and we see him get his redemption against Myers soon.

Impact Wrestling’s Matt Cardona recently told a story of a time in WWE when he was dressed down by the Undertaker backstage. Cardona had been on his phone during a show, something Taker was not pleased about. He detailed the story during an interview with Metro UK.

“I once got in trouble by The Undertaker for being on my cell phone backstage at a show whereas now, it’s encouraged to be on your phone – tweet, post, I don’t even know all the apps you can do!”

“That’s just evolution and that’s how it should be. And you know, The Undertaker was right back then – I should have been watching the match, I should have been focused. It’s crazy how times change!’”

Cardona would continue to say that Taker is someone who was always giving back to the business.

“I even wrestled The Undertaker one-on-one and I remember he was asking me what I wanted to do and then afterwards sat down with me to give me pointers and what I could have done different, what I did good.”

“Undertaker is somebody who’s always looking to give back to the business. All these years later, we’re still talking about The Undertaker, he’s still going. I respect the hell out of The Undertaker. You’ve gotta listen to what he has to say.”

Following his release from WWE last spring, Matt Cardona wrestled two matches in AEW. He teamed with Cody and defeated John Silver & Alex Reynolds on the August 5th edition of Dynamite and then teamed with the Natural Nightmares and Scorpio Sky at All Out 2020 and defeated 4 members of the Dark Order.

Cardona is now with Impact Wrestling and appears to be building a feud with his former longtime tag partner and friend, Brian Myers. He spoke to Chris Van Vliet recently about why he is no longer in All Elite Wrestling.

“After the release day, I was in contact with so many people and promotions. The AEW thing worked out first, and that was only for a couple of dates,” Cardona said.

“AEW was awesome, it was fun, it was great but I was in such a long-term relationship, I didn’t want to jump into another relationship with anybody, really. To be honest, I was enjoying the free time at home, building the podcast, and time just kind of flew by.”

“Before I knew it, I got a text, it was the Friday before Hard to Kill, saying ‘hey, do you want to come to work tomorrow?’ I was like ‘you know what?'”

“I like to be able to bounce around and do whatever I want to do right now,” he continued.

Cardona’s comments can be heard in the player below:

Former WWE and AEW performer Matt Cardona appeared in shock fashion on IMPACT Wrestling’s Hard To Kill event last night. The Major Brother would appear during the show to face Ace Austin in an un-advertised match that took place during the event.

The match would end when Madman Fulton interfered and Cardona would win via DQ. Matt Striker on commentary would not confirm if Matt Cardona had signed with the company; or if it was a one-night only appearance. Cardona however would look as if he was there to stay. The former Zack Ryder made gestures after the match as if IMPACT was going to be his new home.

PWInsider recently reported that Matt Cardona is scheduled to appear at the IMPACT tapings that will be taking place this week. Reportedly the company are looking to film a number of weeks of television, meaning that Cardona could be on AXS TV going forward for some time.

Cardona tweeted following the show to say thanks to Scott D’Amore. “I needed tonight. Thanks @ScottDAmore for the opportunity. Thanks @IMPACTWRESTLING, thanks to all my fans! I’m #AlwayzReady…I’m #HardToKill…and I’m NOT DONE with @The_Ace_Austin & @FultonWorld!”

Matt Cardona last appeared on television for All Elite Wrestling. Cardona signed a short term deal with AEW and he fulfilled those dates last year before moving on. With the ongoing feud between elements of IMPACT and AEW it will be interesting to see if the former Zack Ryder will be inserted into the storyline.

IMPACT Wrestling presented Hard To Kill Saturday night on pay-per-view. During the show the X Division Championship would be defended in a triple threat match with Chris Bey and Rohit Raju challenging Manik for the Championship.

Before the match, Ace Austin would appear and demand that he be added to the match, making it a fatal four way. Company Executive Scott D’Amore would appear and tell Austin that he wouldn’t be getting a shot in the X Title match, but he would be facing a man who was Alwayz Ready…Matt Cardona.

The match would end when Madman Fulton interfered and Cardona would win via DQ. Matt Striker on commentary would not confirm if Matt Cardona had signed with the company or if it was a one-night only appearance. Cardona however would look as if he was there to stay, making gestures after the match as if IMPACT was going to be his new home.

• Update on Matt Cardona’s Status with IMPACT Wrestling

Matt Cardona last appeared on television for All Elite Wrestling. With the ongoing feud between elements of IMPACT and AEW it will be interesting to see if the former Zack Ryder will be inserted into the storyline.

The official replay for IMPACT Wrestling Hard To Kill will be available to view via FITE TV.

Watch Matt Cardona’s Impact debut here:

WWE has put out an official announcement asking fans with unique collections of “prized wrestling possessions” to get in contact. It didn’t take long for former WWE Superstar, and memorabilia collector, Matt Cardona to respond.

The official @WWEUniverse account shared the message, informing fans that WWE is on a “quest to find lost, but not forgotten wrestling memorabilia!”

It urged the WWE Universe to “unearth” their collections and contact them with a photo. It also requested information about the collection itself and their memorabilia. According to WWE, “the rarer the treasure, the better the story!”

At the time of writing, there is no indication of what these collections may be used for. With the WWE Network continually looking to create new content, there is a chance the collections could be featured on a new documentary series.

However, it’s worth noting that WWE and A&E are working on a series entitled “The Quest for Lost WWE Treasures.” This series will feature Triple H and Stephanie McMahon as they go on the “ultimate hunt” to find rare, iconic, lost WWE memorabilia. The pair will be joined by collectors and a range of WWE Superstars and Legends on their journey across the United States.

Matt Cardona Responds To Memorabilia Request

Former WWE Superstar Matt Cardona soon responded to the call out. A toy collector of rare merchandise and memorabilia, Cardona hosts The Major Wrestling Figure Podcast alongside co-host Brian Myers. The two discuss wrestling figures and often share videos of themselves hunting for elusive wrestling collectibles.

His one-word answer was succinct and to the point given his release and obvious passion for toys: “Lol”.

Cardona was cut from WWE along with Myers earlier this year. WWE cited budget cuts due to the coronavirus pandemic’s impact on business. He recently appeared in All Elite Wrestling, but has since fulfilled his limited-date agreement.

While Matt Cardona does not have an active contract with AEW at the movement, he is hopeful about making a return to the company and the former WWE star recently revealed the names from AEW roster which he wants to face.

The former US Champion recently joined Pro Wrestling Junkies for a virtual Q & A where he talked about things like how his AEW deal came to be, what he wants to do in future and more.

Talking about AEW, Cardona revealed the names from the promotion he wants to face, mentioning people like Chris Jericho and Darby Allin:

“There’s so many people, I made a list and I don’t want to leave people off by accident. I look at it like I look at wrestling toys, you know? There’s just so many that I want to play with.

Whether it’s guys that I’ve wrestled before, like Brodie Lee or Cody or Jericho.” said Matt Cardona. “There’s so many that I haven’t wrestled before, like Darby Allin, The Young Bucks, and Kenny Omega. I’m already forgetting people, but that’s what’s so cool about it, and it’s a lot of fun to think about wrestling again.”

• Also Read: Robert Roode On James Storm Possibly Joining WWE

Matt Cardona formerly known as Zack Ryder was one of the stars released by WWE this past April as part of the coronavirus budget cuts.

He made his AEW debut during the July 29th episode of Dynamite and went on to wrestle in an 8 men tag team match at All Out in September. Though his short term contract with AEW expired at All Out and Cardona hasn’t made any appearances for the promotion since.

Matt Cardona says he is no longer under contract with All Elite Wrestling. The wrestler best known as Zack Ryder appeared on the Pro Wrestling Junkies show this week to discuss his brief run with company.

Cardona was released from WWE back in April. He debuted for AEW on the July 29th episode of Dynamite. This came after the expiry of his 90-day non-compete clause. Cardona was working under a limited-appearance deal. He fulfilled the agreement after AEW’s All Out pay-per-view and is now a free agent once again.

Cardona told Pro Wresting Junkies that he is open to working with AEW again.

“That’s the place to be right now,” he said of AEW. “To be there even for a month, and do a couple of matches, was a lot of fun. It was great to just be out there and be myself again. Hopefully, we’ll do it again soon.”

Cardona says he’s love to wrestle for New Japan Pro Wrestling or work some independent dates. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has seriously limited the amount of shows being held. He is looking ahead to when things settle down and he can get back to entertaining wrestling fans.

“It’s a weird situation and weird time in the world. I’d love to go to New Japan, or even go back and main event a few indie shows at my home promotions in New York.
When the world opens up, it’ll be the best time in wrestling. Fans and wrestlers will both be so excited and we’re gonna have some kickass shows.” 

Matt Cardona hosts the Major Figures Wrestling Podcast along with childhood friend Brian Myers. WWE fans know Myers as Curt Hawkins. He currently wrestles for Impact, which could be an option for Cardona if things don’t work out with AEW.

You can listen to the full interview with Matt Cardona in the player embedded below:

Matt Cardona finally made his AEW debut after months of rumors during the July 29 episode of AEW Dynamite and he has since made his in ring debut for the company as well.

However, reports that have come out since then have revealed that the former WWE star has not signed a long term contract with the company and his current deal is only for five appearances.

Cardona talked about his status with AEW during his recent appearance on the Not About Wrestling show and when asked about his future plans, the former IC Champion said that he didn’t get into AEW just to get a new t-shirt:

“Yeah, so I only have a couple of dates signed, but I didn’t go there just to get a new t-shirt, you know? I’m there for the long haul. That’s the goal. That’s the plan. To show the world what I can do. To win some championships, have some fun and it’s a great environment there.”

Cardona continued by saying that the past couple of weeks at AEW were great and even though some people didn’t like his performance, he can’t wait to do more work with the company.

Cardona formerly known as Zack Ryder was one of the stars who were released by WWE as part of their budget cuts in April earlier this year, ending his 15-year long stint with the promotion.

• AJ Styles On Who Is His Best Friend In WWE After Departure Of Gallows And Anderson

Matt Cardona, formerly WWE Superstar Zack Ryder, recently appeared on Busted Open Radio. During their conversation, Cardona shared who amongst AEW’s locker room has stood out to him and grabbed his attention. 

Cardona admitted that his answer is somewhat generic as he replied, “I’ll be honest. Like, there’s so many people. I would say everybody on the roster. I know it’s a generic answer, but if you want me to pick out a couple of guys, like, Darby Allin. Of course you look at this guy and you just see a star, you know?”

Cardona explained how there’s something undeniably “different” about Darby Allin. He pointed to the matches Allin has had and his willingness to do “unorthodox” things that help him stand out. 

Allin isn’t the only talent to have caught Cardona’s attention, however. 

“And somebody like Joey Janella – he’s crazy with that hardcore stuff that he does. I would love to get in there and do stuff like that because I’ve never really done it before and, you know, I feel like in AEW I can show a different side of me.”

Matt Cardona teamed up with Cody Rhodes on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite. They successfully defeated Dark Order members, Alex Reynolds and John Silver.

This week’s episode of AEW Dynamite saw the in-ring debut of Matt Cardona, better known to WWE fans as the former US Champion Zack Ryder.

The former WWE star teamed up with the TNT Champion Cody to face John Silver and Alex Reynolds of the Dark Order, after setting up this tag team match during his debut for the promotion last week.

The match was won by the faces and Cardona picked up the victory for his team after hitting his finisher Radio Silence on Reynolds.

Matt Cardona’s long career with WWE ended back in April when he was released as a cost-cutting measure. He had been with the organization for 15 years.

• Also Read: WWE Reveals The Name Of New Faction

After the conclusion of his 3-month “no compete” period, he showed up in AEW last week on Dynamite to save Cody from an attack by the Dark Order.

Though Cardona’s himself has confirmed that he is currently on a short term deal with the company and while he has said that he plans to stay with the promotion, we will have to see what the future brings for the newest AEW star.

Matt Cardona had this to say following his AEW in-ring debut:

One of All Elite Wrestling’s newest signings is Matt Cardona, formerly WWE Superstar Zack Ryder. In an interview with Busted Open Radio, Cardona spoke about his recent debut in AEW after saving Cody during last week’s episode of Dynamite.

Cardona confessed he was nervous leading up to his debut. He recalled how he felt as though he was “walking in there like the new kid in school.” He shared how he was familiar with so many of the talent backstage through their work or social media. That being said, he “didn’t really know them.”

“It was weird introducing myself to these people who I know. Some people I watched wrestle for years, Cardona said. “Everyone was very welcoming and very inviting. They made me feel like I was there the whole time.”

Cardona then spoke about his continual love for pro wrestling. He explained how there had been times when it has “sucked and there was no light at the end of the tunnel.” He stressed that it’s during those times you “really have to love it.”

“It is so easy to love it when you are on TV every week and in a great spot. Who wouldn’t love that. You have to love it when you are sitting in catering. You have to love it when you are not booked. You have to love it when things aren’t going your way.”

Pointing to his Dynamite experience last week, Cardona explained how moments like that feel “so much better and sweeter” because of his previous frustrations.

Matt Cardona teams up with Cody tonight on AEW Dynamite. They face off against Dark Order’s Alex Reynolds and John Silver.

Although Matt Cardona has joined AEW that doesn’t mean that he’s under a long term deal. 

Cardona, formerly known as Zack Ryder, is currently working on a five appearance deal with the company, according to Wrestling Inc.

It appears to be a tryout situation for the former WWE Intercontinental Champion with the possibility of him signing a longer deal should he impress AEW executives including AEW President Tony Khan. 

Ryder had been on the sidelines while he awaited his WWE non-compete deal to expire from April through July 15th. Of course, he was let go during the company’s massive layoffs and furloughs. 

The public reason given at the time was that the cuts were due to budget cuts related to the coronavirus. It turns out that the firings came during the same quarter that WWE had its most profitable time to date. 

Cardona made his promotional debut this past Wednesday night when he saved  Cody Rhodes from an attack by the Dark Order. This came right after Rhodes had successfully retained the AEW TNT Title over Warhorse. 

Cardona will team with Cody to face John Silver and Alex Reynolds next Wednesday night on Dynamite in Jacksonville, Florida at Daily’s Place on TNT.

• Matt Cardona (Formerly Zack Ryder) Makes AEW Debut

Matt Cardona (Zack Ryder) was a recent guest on Chris Jericho’s Talk Is Jericho. The Z! True Long Island Story creator mentioned the massively successful YouTube series and how it helped push him to one of the biggest moments of his career.

WWE Survivor Series 2011 took place at Madison Square Garden, an area that holds special meaning to the New York native. The opening match of the night saw Dolph Ziggler defend his United States Championship against John Morrison, with the NYC crowd demanding throughout the match, ‘We want Ryder.’

Matt Cardona in MSG

Matt Cardona would appear after the match to an absolutely huge reaction and laid out Ziggler. “It was the fall time where I think eventually they [WWE] said, ‘we gotta shut these people up'” Cardona began, talking about how WWE were never fans of his own organic attraction to the fanbase.

“Finally I think they had to just put me on to the shut everybody up” Cardona continued. “But now the chants were getting louder and louder and especially the Ziggler and John Morrison match. I don’t want to toot my own horn but like I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about Madison Square Garden. Not only is it a home arena? But it’s the GARDEN, you know, right?”

Matt Cardona would then describe how he went backstage feeling elated and he got completely the opposite reaction behind the curtain.

“I go out there and the place is going nuts. I get to the curtain and like Triple H is like ‘come here.’ I’m thinking like ‘finally, he’s gonna say good job kid, this is what I’ve been waiting for,’ How can you deny this? It’s Madison Square Garden.”

The former Zack Ryder elaborated further, saying “He [Triple H] pulled me aside and I just like got fresh frosted tips in my hair that week. So he asked me like, ‘Why did you dye your hair!?’ I’m like ‘MSG is chanting my name and you’re asking me why I dyed my hair!?'”

Cardona would then reveal that WWE were not happy that he made a decision to change his appearance before going to WWE management.

WWE seemingly did everything they could to derail Matt Cardona’s push in the months following, trying to use his popularity to aid an already divisive top star in John Cena.

Do you think that Zack Ryder/Matt Cardona could’ve been a bigger star in WWE? Let us know in the comments

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Former WWE Superstar Zack Ryder/Matt Cardona recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. The creator of Z True Long Island Story would discuss a number of topics from his time in WWE and subsequent release.

During the interview Matt Cardona would make impassioned comments about languishing backstage at WWE. The former Zack Ryder made it clear that he was in professional wrestling to be at the top of the mountain, to be a World Champion.

“I don’t have a family, I don’t have kids to feed. If I was in that situation, maybe I’d be thinking differently, right?” Cardona began. My dream, my goal was to always be a professional wrestler. Not just be any professional wrestler but be one of the top ones.”

Matt Cardona Wants To Wrestle

Matt Cardona would then go into his time ‘sitting in catering,’ a phrase often used by fans to describe someone under contract to WWE but sparingly being used on RAW, SmackDown or NXT. “I don’t go to work to just sit in catering and eat that sh*tty salt and pepper chicken” Cardona would proclaim.

“I want to wrestle, I want to be creative,” he continued. “I want to do something. I’m so excited about it [the release] and it’s just like, it really does feel like Christmas. I have those 90 days [release clause] and right now this world is so messed up I couldn’t even work anyway.”

Cardona finished by using a metaphor to describe his time waiting for the 90 clause to finish. “There’s no way to work right now, but that’s why it’s like Christmas gifts! You just turn the corner, and your dad has set up the cameras, you can’t go get them yet and I just see those those Christmas gifts and I want to rip them open and wrestle and just have fun. It’s, I have goosebumps right now just talking about it.”

You can check out Matt Cardona’s Pro Wrestling Tees store here.

Where do you think the former Zack Ryder will end up? On the indies or AEW, IMPACT, NWA? Let us know in the comments

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Former WWE Superstar Zack Ryder/Matt Cardona recently appeared on SiriusXM’s Busted Open Radio. The creator of Z True Long Island Story would discuss a number of topics from his time in WWE and subsequent release.

Mass Text

Talking directly about the day of release, Cardona said “we all got this mass text to watch his Vince McMahon video, explaining that the cuts would be happening. So, I can’t say it was unexpected.”

Matt Cardona Being Anxious

Matt Cardona would elaborate further, saying this WWE contract was actually coming up for renewal, and that he had felt anxious about what direction his career would take. “I never re-signed my contract so my deal was going to be up in August” Cardona revealed. “I had been dealing with contract negotiations for over a year. The anxiety that I had about it, like do I stay? Do I go? It was really eating me up. So when that call was made and I was released the decision was made for me, instantly, I was relieved. You know what I’m saying? Because the anxiety I had for over a year. Subconsciously, Consciously, it anxiety was instantly gone.”

14 Years

The former Zack Ryder would then discuss the potential opportunities that he has ahead of him on the independent scene, having been with WWE for 14 years. “I felt so excited because I want to work. I want to do stuff, I want to be creative, you know? To now be able to do whatever I want. I’ve been fortunate that I was with WWE for 14 years, that’s when I signed, I was was 20 years old, I grew up there.”

“I grew up as a as a wrestler, I grew up as a man, but It’s time. It’s time for me to go out and do it my way. To do my things, to fail on my own, to succeed on my own. Even having like a pro wrestling tees store! Thinking of ideas, I just love the hustle. I love being creative and I love wrestling so I cannot wait for the future.”

You can check out Matt Cardona’s Pro Wrestling Tees store here.

Where do you think the former Zack Ryder will end up? On the indies or AEW, IMPACT, NWA? Let us know in the comments

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Matt Cardona is no stranger to social media. The man formerly known as Zack Ryder is a pioneer in utilizing the Internet to connect with (and build) his fan base.

Cardona held a Q&A session on Instagram over the weekend. He answered a wide variety of questions from fans, including his time in WWE and the next chapter of his wrestling career.

WWE released over 20 wrestlers last month. Among the talent let go were Cardona and longtime partner Brian Myers (Curt Hawkins). The duo wrestled together on-and-off for many years. They continue to host the Major Figure Wrestling Podcast together.

Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins achieved championship success together in WWE, but Matt Cardona says he plans to venture out on his own in the months ahead.

Matt Cardona Flying Solo

When asked about the possibility of keeping their team together, Cardona says he and Myers have already agreed to go their separate ways. He would consider reuniting with Myers as a special attraction, but he’s looking forward to resuming his singles career.

“We are not teaming,” he said. “We are not teaming anywhere unless one of the things we want to do is … e’d like to put on live wrestling shows. I would love to team with him in that environment. Or I’d love to wrestle like the Rock N’ Roll Express or the Headbangers. But other than that, we’re going our own separate ways.”

Check Out: Cody Rhodes Says Matt Cardona’s Best Days In Wrestling Are Still To Come

Cardona revealed that he already has new ring gear and theme music ready to go, as soon as he’s able to wrestle again. “I’m always ready,” he said. “That’s not just a catchphrase. Not just a hashtag. Always ready.”

Internet Championship

Back in 2011, not many pro wrestlers were using the Internet to connect with fans. WWE’s creative team did not have much for Zack Ryder, so Matt Cardona took it upon himself to develop the character independently. Before Being The Elite, we had Zack Ryder’s Z! True Long Island Story.

The show was groundbreaking. WWE had no choice but to feature Zack Ryder more on television due to the show’s popularity. To commemorate the success, Zack Ryder created his own championship belt: the Internet Championship.

Cardona saw opportunity and merchandise dollar signs – if only WWE would allow him to wear the belt on television. Unfortunately, those requests were repeatedly denied.

“I was denied and I was told that I’m a mark for myself, which isn’t true,” he said. “I explained. Just like the Million Dollar Championship, right? It’s an accessory. It’s cool because with a gimmick and you could have sold these things. You could have made a killing selling these things, the foam, the replicas. But that did not happen.”

The belt did appear in video games and as an accessory to some of his action figures. But he never got to wear in on TV. Cardona bemoaned, “I think there was some money lost, a lot of money lost.”

Matt Cardona called the Internet Championship, “definitely my most prized possession.”

• Matt Cardona Teasing The Return of the Internet Championship

Follow Matt Cardona on Instagram and check out his store at Pro Wrestling Tees.