Matt Cardona: King of the Indies
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Since his WWE release in 2020, Matt Cardona has seized numerous opportunities on the independent scene, redefining what it means to be a star outside the company. He’s worked with promotions like the National Wrestling Alliance, Warrior Wrestling, House of Glory, One Pro Wrestling, Battleground Championship Wrestling, and the often-overlooked GCW.
Formerly known as Zack Ryder in WWE, he was typically booked as a lower-card babyface. Despite battling several injuries, Ryder had a WrestleMania moment when he replaced Neville (PAC) in a ladder match to win the Intercontinental Championship. He later reunited with Curt Hawkins at WrestleMania 35, defeating The Revival (FTR) on the pre-show to claim the tag titles.
A New Beginning
In 2020, Matt Cardona appeared in All Elite Wrestling under his real name, teaming with Cody Rhodes to defeat The Dark Order. He also teamed with Dustin Rhodes, QT Marshall, and Scorpio Sky in an eight-man tag match against Mr. Brodie Lee, Colt Cabana, Evil Uno, and Stu Grayson. That was his final AEW match.
Cardona returned to Impact Wrestling on a limited deal in 2021. After several tag matches, he challenged for the Impact World Title but came up short. However, he captured the newly introduced Impact Digital Media Championship in an intergender match against Jordynne Grace. Cardona confirmed his departure from Impact Wrestling on May 14, 2023.
Known for self-appointed nicknames, Matt Cardona currently goes by “President of Independent Wrestling.” After winning the GCW title, he called himself the “Death Match King,” and later “The Indie God,” a nod to Indiana Jones.
At a GCW event, he famously impersonated The Undertaker, earning the nickname “The Rydertaker.” The stunt got over a million views. Accompanied by Steph De Lander holding an urn like Paul Bearer, the act was divisive but memorable among fans.
Titles held by Cardona on the Indie Circuit:
- Impact Digital Media Championship
- GCW World Championship
- NWA World Heavyweight Championship
- DDT Universal Championship
- Ohio Valley Wrestling Southern Tag Team Championship – with Brian Majors (Curt Hawkins)
- All-Star Wrestling Heavyweight Championship
- Deep South Wrestling Tag Team Championship (2x) – with Brian Majors
- House of Glory World Heavyweight Championship
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated he said, “2022 was the most successful I’ve ever been in my wrestling career, now I’m determined to make 2023 top that.”
If you didn’t know, Matt Cardona was named Male Independent Wrestler of the Year by Fightful Select & Pro Wrestling Illustrated in 2022.
Needless to say, Matt Cardona bet on himself despite the odds, and succeeded.
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