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 😉)
I know some of you disagree, but John Cena’s last match was one of the most poetic things I’ve ever seen in the WWE. Time waits for no one but he controlled his goodbye.
I think when we take a step back and stop being a little too smarky for our own good?
We may learn to appreciate this ending in time. John Cena. The definition of “Never Give Up”. Realizing he couldn’t fight more. That he had no more to give. That he had to give up…his time was up.
It’s poetic in hindsight.
Here's something more interesting: Spinner mod
Compared to the 2K23 version:
-removed pins at the back of the strap
-added more shine to the strap
I still need to fix the position of the belt and fix one of the sideplates
#WWE2K25