Matt Cardona wants to end his career in WWE

Matt Cardona knows where he wants to end his career.

It’s been over four years since Cardona was released by WWE but according to comments he made recently to Sports Illustrated, he feels closer to a world title run in the company now more than ever thanks to the success he’s had on the independent circuit.

“I think right now in summer 2024, being released from WWE for four years, I honestly feel like I’m closer to the WWE world title than I was when I worked for WWE,” he said.

“I’m proud to be the ‘Indie God,’ I’m proud to be the face of GCW, but when it’s all said and done, I want to end my career in WWE. I want to have another WrestleMania moment, I want to be in Madison Square Garden, but as Matt Cardona. Zack Ryder is dead.”

“I am so fortunate for Zack Ryder for the highs and the lows, the good and the bad because it set me up for this. It prepared me for this.”

Cardona spent 14 years wrestling as Zack Ryder in WWE before being released in April 2020. He’s a two-time tag champion in the promotion along with Brian Myers. He also won the US and Intercontinental titles once each during his time with the company.

Following his WWE release, Cardona became “The Indie God” and won the GCW World title, the Impact Digital Media title, and the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. He suffered a torn pec that required surgery in April. He returned to TNA television earlier this month when he interrupted the wedding of PCO and Steph De Lander and he’s scheduled to return to GCW this weekend for Homecoming in Atlantic City, New Jersey.