The road to success in professional wrestling can be long and arduous, filled with twists and turns that can catch even the most seasoned veterans off guard. For Matt Cardona, being released by WWE in 2020 marked a turning point in his career, one that would ultimately prove to be a blessing in disguise.
During a recent appearance on Cody Rhodes’ What Do You Wanna Talk About podcast, Cardona shared his perspective on being let go by the company, revealing that the relief was almost instantaneous.
“I needed to get fired,” Cardona stated candidly. “It sounds crazy, but I needed the company to make a decision for me because I couldn’t make it for myself. I was stuck in a situation where I was turning down a five-year contract, and I just knew that wasn’t the right path for me.”
Cardona’s comments shed light on the complexities of his WWE tenure, which included a stint as part of the company’s developmental system and a short-lived run as part of the 205 Live brand. However, despite his efforts, he ultimately found himself at a crossroads, unsure of whether to commit to a long-term contract or take a chance on the independent circuit.
The WWE’s decision to release him, he revealed, provided a sense of clarity and freedom that he hadn’t experienced in years.
“When I got let go, it was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders,” Cardona explained. “I was able to focus on myself and my own career, rather than trying to force something that wasn’t working. It was a huge relief, and it’s a feeling that I’ve never experienced before.”
Cardona’s sentiments are echoed by those close to him, who attest to the toll that his WWE tenure had taken on his mental and physical health.
“I remember talking to Matt during that time, and he was just so burnt out,” said a source close to Cardona. “He was feeling trapped, like he was stuck in a never-ending cycle of matches and appearances. When he got released, it was like a breath of fresh air – he was finally able to break free from the pressure and focus on his own well-being.”
Since his departure from WWE, Cardona has experienced a resurgence of sorts, finding success on the independent circuit and earning a reputation as one of the most exciting and unpredictable performers in the business. His candor about his WWE experience serves as a reminder that even in the cutthroat world of professional wrestling, there is always a way forward – and sometimes, it’s exactly what you need.
As for Cardona, he remains committed to his craft, taking on new challenges and pushing himself to new heights. His WWE departure may have been a difficult pill to swallow at the time, but in hindsight, it was a necessary step in his journey towards becoming the wrestler he is today.
“I’m grateful for the experience I had in WWE,” Cardona reflected. “It taught me a lot about myself and about the business, and it ultimately led me to where I am today. I wouldn’t change a thing – not even the release.”
In the world of professional wrestling, where careers can be made and broken in an instant, Matt Cardona’s story serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the best thing that can happen to you is exactly what you need – even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.