I’VE NEVER HEARD MY MUSIC PLAY AT WRESTLEMANIA…
2016…
I wasn’t even supposed to be in the ladder match at WrestleMania 32. Hearing my entrance music play at WrestleMania was already a win. But climbing the ladder and grabbing the Intercontinental Championship was the highlight of my career…the ultimate win.
My dad hopped the barricade and slid into the ring to celebrate with me. I took a picture with Razor Ramon and the IC title…recreating a photo we took years earlier. These moments weren’t part of a storyline…they were real life.
TONIGHT on #SmackDown, I have an opportunity to be one step closer to becoming Undisputed @wwe Champion!
I’M NOT FINISHED!
April 15, 2020…Zack Ryder was released from @WWE. It had to happen. Being a WWE Superstar was my lifelong dream. I had been signed for 14 years…on TV for 13. I traveled all over the world, had action figures, won championships, and experienced everything else that came with living the dream. I experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. While it was a heartbreaking day, I was grateful for my time in WWE.
I knew I had 3 options. I could feel sorry for myself, become bitter, and fade into obscurity. I could coast off my WWE name and make some money for the rest of my life playing the greatest hits. OR I could reinvent myself, work my ass off, try to outwork every motherfucker out there, and create my own path. I chose option 3.
These past 5 years on the indies have been the greatest time of my career…so far. I have to thank every promotor who booked me, every opponent I wrestled, and every fan who supported me in some way. There’s way too many people to thank. I love you all. There’s no way to wrap up these 5 years in a social media post…it’ll have to wait for the book.
From the moment I got released, I knew I couldn’t focus on proving people wrong. I wanted to prove myself and my fans right…and I believe I did that.
I’m often asked for advice. My advice is don’t quit. You might make it if you don’t. You definitely won’t make it if you do. I took my own advice. I never quit.
My goal was to get back to WWE. And as of last night, January 2, 2026, I am back in WWE…MATT CARDONA is in WWE. I am Alwayz Ready and I’M NOT FINISHED! (Buy my new shirt on https://t.co/WwSiGuq8n6 😉)
Persistence and preparation tend to help manufacture luck. I couldn’t be more proud of both @TheMattCardona and @ImChelseaGreen They stand as a tremendous example of making luck through effort. Welcome home Matt.☕️🍸
14 years ago, the Ryder Revolution culminated at TLC when I became the @WWE United States Champion.
I started the year as a nobody. I took a chance and made a YouTube show because I knew I had more to offer. I knew I needed a connection with the audience. The fans chanted my name at shows I wasn’t even at. The fans bought my merch when I wasn’t featured on TV. The fans demanded me. The fans made me a superstar.
I started the year as a nobody. Because of the fans, I ended the year as the United States Champion. Thank you.
PS…I’m STILL HERE!