The world of professional wrestling has experienced its fair share of ups and downs, with wrestlers coming and going from various promotions. One such wrestler who has been making waves lately is Matt Cardona, formerly known as Zack Ryder in WWE. In a recent episode of Cody Rhodes’ podcast, “What Do You Want To Talk About?”, Cardona opened up about his time in WWE, revealing that he had considered leaving the company before his 2020 release.
Considering a Departure
According to Cardona, he was feeling undervalued and unappreciated in WWE, which led him to contemplate leaving the company. This decision was reportedly influenced by the lack of creative opportunities and the limited screen time he was receiving. Cardona shared his concerns with Cody Rhodes, stating, “I was feeling like I was stuck, and I was feeling like I was getting to a point where I was going to leave, and it wasn’t because I wanted to leave, but because I had to leave.”
A Decision Made for Him
Cardona’s frustration ultimately led to a decision that was made for him. The WWE released him in 2020, citing budget cuts as the reason. However, Cardona revealed that this decision was not entirely unexpected, as he had already been considering a departure before his release. As he put it, “They made the decision for me. I didn’t have a choice in the matter.”
The Fallout
Cardona’s departure from WWE marked the beginning of a new chapter in his wrestling career. He would go on to sign with Major League Wrestling (MLW) and later join Impact Wrestling. The experience, although difficult at the time, seems to have had a positive impact on Cardona’s career. He has been open about his growth and development as a wrestler, crediting the challenges he faced in WWE as a catalyst for his success.
A Look Back at His Time in WWE
Cardona’s time in WWE was marked by both highs and lows. He rose to fame as part of the “WWE Tag Team Champions” and was a fan favorite among audiences. However, his creative output dwindled over the years, and he found himself relegated to a lesser role. Despite this, Cardona remained committed to his craft, honing his skills and perfecting his character.
What’s Next for Matt Cardona?
Now a staple in the independent wrestling scene, Cardona continues to make waves with his charismatic performances and engaging personality. With a renewed sense of purpose and a fresh start, he is poised to take his career to new heights. As one source close to Cardona revealed, “Matt has been working tirelessly to rebuild his brand and establish himself as a top talent. He’s more focused than ever, and his passion for wrestling is evident in every performance.”
Backstage Reaction
When asked about Cardona’s decision to leave WWE, sources close to the company expressed a mix of emotions. Some felt that the company’s decision to release him was a necessary step, given the budget constraints and the need to revamp their roster. Others, however, felt that Cardona was an underutilized talent who deserved more opportunities. As one WWE insider put it, “Matt was a talented wrestler who deserved better. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors, but we’re not surprised he’s doing well for himself outside of the company.”
Conclusion
Matt Cardona’s story serves as a reminder that even the most successful wrestlers face challenges in the cutthroat world of professional wrestling. His decision to consider leaving WWE before his 2020 release highlights the importance of taking care of oneself in the industry. Cardona’s perseverance and dedication to his craft have ultimately led to his success, a testament to the power of hard work and determination. As he continues to make waves in the independent wrestling scene, one thing is clear: Matt Cardona is a force to be reckoned with, and his story is far from over.