In a brief cameo with AEW in 2020 and a reappearance on the episode of AEW Collision from March 30, 2024, Matt Cardona has returned to the ring in AEW and ROH programming. He has been confirmed as the challenger for Chris Jericho’s ROH World Championship title at the ROH Final Battle 2024.
In the recently aired “Gabby AF” podcast, questions were raised about whether Mat Cardona could be a valuable addition for AEW, should Tony Khan decide to sign him for the ROH Final Battle 2024.
Jericho’s response was, “He definitely has. He’s been successful in revamping himself and transforming into a star, much more so as Matt Cardona than as Zack Ryder. If you consider Jon Moxley and juxtapose him with Dean Ambrose, the differences are stark. No doubt, he’d be a valuable addition. I believe he’s greatly excelled since his AEW debut, and with his work on Ring of Honor. Matt has done exceptionally, holding great matches with Bryan Keith. His surprise promos and reactions have been exceptional. I’m expecting a showstopper from our match [at ROH Final Battle], and would be taken aback if something doesn’t transpire after it. Regardless, he’s already done what was required to make himself more relevant and a major star than ever before, which is why he’s even in this position.”
Furthermore, Matt Cardona announced how his latest stint with AEW/ROH came into being on a recent episode of“The Takedown” podcast.
According to Cardona, “I answered a phone call inquiring about my availability for a few AEW and Ring of Honor events. I responded, ‘I’m always prepared’. That’s the beauty of not just being a free agent, but the agent. I can be ready to face anyone, anywhere, anytime. That’s what has made these past five years incredibly fun. I’m still honouring all my weekend bookings, while adding Ring of Honor and AEW to my schedule. All my life, my aspiration has been to rise to the top and become a world champion. Now, that opportunity has arrived. The biggest opportunity of my career. Matt Cardona vs Chris Jericho, Hammerstein Ballroom at Ring of Honor Final Battle. I am thrilled.”