Matt Cardona surprised he hasn’t returned to WWE yet

Matt Cardona is surprised that his success outside of WWE hasn’t brought him back to the company yet.

It’s been more than five years now since the former Zack Ryder was released from his WWE contract. Since then, he’s developed a new identity as an indie star through his work in promotions like GCW. Cardona feels like this has been the most successful time of his career, but he’s surprised that his journey hasn’t led him back to WWE.

“Honestly? Yeah,” Cardona said on Insight with Chris Van Vliet when asked if he’s surprised WWE hasn’t re-signed him yet. “But, obviously, you know, I’m missing something, I don’t know what it is. Listen, people say to me all the time, especially like we just had WrestleMania, WrestleCon, thousands of people at WrestleCon, probably every other fan, if not every fan: ‘When are you coming back?’ Well, it’s not up to me. Or at the WrestleMania hotel… so many people from the office or other wrestling, ‘Hey, man, when are you coming back?’ It’s like, I don’t know. I’ve reached out many times. I shouldn’t say many, a few times, every couple months when something cool happens or I have something to say, ‘Hey, look what I’m doing.’ There’s been no offer. Of course [WWE has written him back]. Everything’s very nice, professional, but there’s no offer. And you know what, it is what it is, I’m going to keep working my ass off.”

Cardona said his mindset after being released was never “What can I do to get back to WWE or get to AEW?” He was more focused on proving himself right than proving others wrong. He has made appearances for AEW and ROH since his WWE release, including challenging Chris Jericho for the ROH World Championship at Final Battle in December 2024. Cardona said that was a dream match against a childhood idol, but AEW has not offered him a contract.

Van Vliet asked Cardona if he would sign with AEW.

“If it made sense,” he responded. “I don’t want to be anywhere just to be a guy on the roster. And I know there’s no guarantees in pro wrestling, but I need like intent, you know? Like we see you doing this, or we envision you being here. I don’t want to just collect a check. Kind of been there, done that.”

Cardona said he has a great relationship with AEW, and his Major Wrestling Figure company works with Jazwares, the company that makes AEW action figures.

This Wednesday (May 14) was Cardona’s 40th birthday. He is a free agent but does compete for TNA Wrestling in addition to his work on the indies. On the episode of Impact that airs tonight, Cardona will be part of a four-way match to determine the next challenger for TNA International Champion Steve Maclin. It’s Cardona vs. Mance Warner vs. Ace Austin vs. Elijah.