Released Star Still Dreams About Winning WWE Title

WWE

Matt Cardona, formerly known as WWE’s Zack Ryder, has revealed that he still thinks about winning the WWE Championship every day.

In an interview with Alistair McGeorge of the Metro, Cardona made it clear that he is not trying to return to WWE, but he would not hesitate to pick up the phone if Triple H came calling.

Cardona said:

“I’m not trying to get back to WWE. But I’d be lying if I said I never wanted to have a WrestleMania moment again, or I never wanted to wrestle at Madison Square Garden – of course I would.

“If Triple H called me right now, if I had that 203 – that’s the area code for Stamford, Connecticut – of course I’d pick up. But right now, I’m focusing on being the best me possible, and having the most fun possible, and making the most money possible.”

Since his WWE release in April 2020, Cardona has wrestled for a number of notable promotions, including AEW, IMPACT, GCW and NWA.

He was previously held the NWA World Heavyweight Title earlier this year, which he had to vacate after sustaining an injury.

Noting that he still thinks about holding a world title for WWE, Cardona said:

“Right now I’m trying to prove that you don’t necessarily need to be in WWE or AEW to be a successful pro wrestler. But of course, the WWE championship is something I think about every single day when I wake up, that is definitely always on my mind.

“I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t. I think if you’re in this business, to be a world champion is the goal you should have. And for me personally, it’s the bees – the WWE championship.”

Matt Cardona spent 14 years at WWE performing under the ring name Zack Ryder. He was released along with his tag-partner Curt Hawkins in 2020 as part of the budget cut cull that occurred as a result of the pandemic.

While Cardona is not actively exploring a return to WWE, his real-life partner Chelsea Green might be.

According to WrestleVotes, WWE has “significant interest” in welcoming Chelsea Green to the next roster. You can read more about this right here.

If so, the return would be the latest in a long line of talent that has been welcomed back since Triple H took over WWE creative in July.

In addition to Johnny Gargano, Karrion Kross and Bray Wyatt among others, Gallows and Anderson made their return on the October 10 edition of Raw.

The news of Chelsea Green led some to speculate on the likelihood of Matt Cardona’s WWE return.

While Cardona has indicated that a WWE return isn’t currently on the cards, anything can happen in the world of pro wrestling.

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• matt cardona
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