On a recent edition of the “Insight” podcast, Matt Cardona discussed a myriad of pro wrestling topics, including not receiving a call about a WWE return last year when the company started to bring back talents who had been released in the previous year or so.
Those returning WWE talents included Cardona’s real-life wife, Chelsea Green.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On rejecting a contract offer from WWE in 2019: “I didn’t take the deal because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to stay or go. It weighed on me every single day. Like what am I going to do? Am I going to stay? Am I going to go? And ultimately, the decision was made for me, thank God. Because I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I knew I didn’t want to just be a guy on the roster. Even now. Like I don’t want to go to WWE or AEW and just be a guy on the roster. Been there done that. And if someone is doing that, or wants that then fine. I’m not saying that’s right or wrong. It’s just not right for me.”
On not getting an offer to return to WWE last year: “I mean, I’ll be honest when all those people got rehired, I was thinking, not me? The guy who has been doing everything? What was the prerequisite to getting re-signed, not doing anything? Besides like Chelsea and like The Good Brothers, and a handful of others, most people didn’t do anything. But that’s fine. Everyone has a different path, a different story. Do you have a chip on my shoulder about that? I wouldn’t say a chip, like a little crumb. But listen, this isn’t about proving people wrong. It’s about proving myself right. My fans right. If I can convert some doubters and get some new fans along the way, so be it. You know, but I can’t have this goal of being the absolute best with like negativity driving it, if that makes sense.”
On his current run and never coming back as Zack Ryder: “I say this all the time. This isn’t my Honky Tonk Man run. I wasn’t going to just tour the indies with the headband, the glasses, Woo Woo Woo. This is like my reinvention. This is my Hollywood Hogan run. If anything. But I knew I needed to change I knew like Zack. Listen. so, so grateful for 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. And if I ever want to go back to WWE if it was up to me, it’d be as Matt Cardona.”
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Matt Cardona, also known as Zack Ryder in WWE, recently opened up about various pro wrestling topics on the “Insight” podcast. One of the topics he discussed was not receiving a call about a WWE return last year when the company started bringing back talents who had been released in the previous year or so.
Cardona’s real-life wife, Chelsea Green, was among the talents who returned to WWE during that time. However, Cardona revealed that he did not receive an offer to return. This came as a surprise to him, considering his dedication and hard work in the industry.
In 2019, Cardona rejected a contract offer from WWE because he was unsure about his future with the company. He didn’t want to be just another guy on the roster and felt the need for a change. Ultimately, the decision was made for him when he wasn’t offered a new contract.
Reflecting on not getting an offer to return last year, Cardona expressed his surprise and disappointment. He mentioned that many of the talents who were rehired didn’t do much during their time away from WWE. Cardona, on the other hand, had been actively working and building his brand. Despite feeling a slight chip on his shoulder, he emphasized that his focus is on proving himself right and satisfying his fans.
Cardona also discussed his current run and stated that he has no intention of returning as Zack Ryder. He sees this phase of his career as a reinvention, comparing it to Hollywood Hogan’s transformation. He acknowledged his gratitude for his time as Zack Ryder but emphasized that it’s over and he wants to move forward as Matt Cardona.
Throughout the podcast, Cardona’s passion for wrestling and his desire to succeed were evident. He expressed his determination to prove himself and make a name for himself outside of WWE. Cardona’s reinvention and dedication to his craft have been well-received by fans, and he continues to make waves in the wrestling industry.
In conclusion, Matt Cardona’s recent interview shed light on his journey in pro wrestling and his thoughts on not receiving a WWE return offer. He remains focused on his current run as Matt Cardona and aims to prove himself right while satisfying his fans. As he continues to carve his path in the industry, fans eagerly await what the future holds for this talented wrestler.