Matt Cardona Makes More Money Since Leaving WWE, Learning From Cody Rhodes, Chelsea Green's Return

Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) is a professional wrestler who has worked for WWE, AEW, IMPACT Wrestling, GCW and several other promotions. He was known as Zack Ryder in WWE where he spent 14 years of his career. He sits down with Chris Van Vliet in Hollywood, CA to talk about how he reinvented himself after being released from WWE in 2020, his hectic travel schedule as an independent wrestler, why he says Zack Ryder is dead, how his deathmatch with Nick Gage in GCW completely changed his career, how Brandi and Cody Rhodes introduced him to his wife Chelsea Green, his WrestleMania 32 moment when he won the Intercontinental Championship, being pushed off the stage in a wheelchair by Kane, wanting to be signed to a big company before his career ends and much more!
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Check out Matt Cardona's website here: mattcardona.com/
Quote I'm thinking about: "Do what is right, not what is easy nor what is popular.” -Roy T. Bennett
00:00 Intro
00:36 His very busy indie schedule
02:59 How he handles his travel accommodations
04:53 How his GCW match with Nick Gage changed his life
07:50 WWE fans not knowing that he still wrestles
10:26 Did Zack Ryder have to die for Matt Cardona to live?
11:15 When did he realize he could make of business independently
14:26 What are his goals for 2024?
15:15 How do indy promoters book him?
17:20 Would he go back to WWE?
19:26 Why he wouldn’t want to go back as Zack Ryder
20:52 Downstait recording his theme songs
22:34 Putting out all of his indy secrets
23:44 Keeping a consistent story throughout different companies
24:31 His indy schedule being harder than his WWE schedule
25:27 Wearing Chelsea Green’s WWE Women’s Tag Title in Japan
27:04 Not being able to ‘turn off’
28:28 How ex-WWE wrestlers have handled their releases
30:36 Cody & Brandi Rhodes setting him up with Chelsea Green
31:24 What is the most Canadian thing that Chelsea Green does
32:19 His feelings when Chelsea Green was re-signed to WWE
33:16 Winning the Intercontinental Title at Wrestlemania 32
36:50 Kane pushing his wheelchair off the stage
38:26 Did he ever think he would be let go from WWE?
39:27 What happened with his short run in AEW?
40:08 Asking to be Edgeheads on WWE Smackdown
42:38 Giving advice to younger wrestlers on the Indies
44:24 Memories of working with Kane
46:11 Did he think his WWE run was underrated?
46:43 Was Vince McMahon approachable backstage?
49:06 Will he be in the Royal Rumble?
49:40 5 Things Matt Cardona is grateful for
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#wwe #wrestling #mattcardona #gamechangerwrestling #gcw

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Thanks for checking out this episode with Matt Cardona… and upgrade your sleep with Miracle Made! Go to TryMiracle.com/CVV and use the code CVV to claim your FREE 3 PIECE TOWEL SET and SAVE over 40% OFF

[@michaelvazquez7851]

👍

[@titansrule72]

cardona is the real worlds champion

[@PonchoTheDingo]

Keep up the good work 💪💯. Interview icp 🤡

[@shubhankarjoshi8866]

Please do an interview with Kane (Glenn Jacobs)

[@TimLoyalToWifeHaterFreeZoneA]

Love It ChrisVanVliet Bro Woo Woo Woo You Know It.

[@SamirahThompson0]

Matt Cardona is literally one of my favorites in the independent’s circuit. He’s such a heel, but when you meet him he’s the sweetest person ever 😭

[@indytops9183]

I tried to heel him back in real life and I tell ya kayfabe never dies with matt cardona woo woo woo

[@SamirahThompson0]

@@indytops9183 for real though! I met him this past mania and I was talking to him about one of the Indy matches he had coming up with Bully Ray and he was so good! See I have an appreciation for heels so I loved every second of meeting him 😂

[@nighthawk4251]

Independents* Independence and Independents are similar but are different in context. Matt Cardona has his independence, but he is an independent wrestler working on the independents referring to the independent promotions that have their independence from other promotions.

[@indytops9183]

@@nighthawk4251what r you saying😂😂😂who r you trying to school

[@nighthawk4251]

@@indytops9183 well clearly the original comment and he fixed his spelling so he took the advice. Egg on your face

[@marcsydell8391]

His belief in himself is amazing and his drive to succeed is AMAZING!! Keep killing it

[@eMRH1202]

He is the epitome of what wrestling should be. Wrestlers getting to go where they want and wrestler where they want as the independent contractors they are.

[@G-unit054]

Agreed, one of the things I don't like about WWE, the wrestlers get treated like employees

[@BigDicnigga-eh4kj]

​@@G-unit054they are employees it's a business you make no sense

[@Principaledpragmatist]

​@@G-unit054They aren't treated like employees, but with all the restrictions put on them they should be treated that way. Right now they get the worst end of both employees and independent contractors. They get treated like employees and told where to go, when to be there, who they are going to work with, and have exclusive contracts that they can't break, but the company can at any time. When it comes to things like medical insurance, pensions, reimbursement for living expenses on the road, and any of the down sides of being self-employed they are treated like independent contractors. It's unbelievable that WWE has got away with it for as long as they have, and it's held up in court as many times as it has.

[@aaronquintonpillay5394]

Matt Cardona is proof that you don't need to be in top of the line promotions to make a name for yourself in the wrestling industry

[@ZZ29993]

Yea but he can’t make it to the big leagues

[@Adamdidit]

Except he did. End of discussion. @@ZZ29993

[@ShadowclawZERO]

​@@ZZ29993 Thanks to the influence of a certain Hustle "Loyalty Respect" guy...

[@jonathancoleman6482]

He had a head start though he was in wwe

[@Filmation77]

@@ZZ29993 you mean make it BACK, and also if you can make "Big League Money" but Not have to BE in the Big leagues?? sounds like a great deal.

[@MikeStaks]

Gained alot of respect for cardona here. He kept it real didn’t fabricate his hardships and is really telling people to bet on yourself and invest in yourself if you want to win. Thats real

[@rarebreedsamTV28]

Zack Ryder getting fired by WWE was by far the best thing that could ever happen to him, and seeing his transformation as the " indie god" in the indie scene is a breath of fresh air and I bet when he returns to WWE he'll be even a bigger star, same as Cody Rhodes

[@rezsurfer2808]

Hope he never goes back.. water down his gimmick is sickening. They never appreciated him. He top tier and in wwe he won't be. That would be a dumb choice.

[@billybatson22]

This is one of your best, Chris. Matt Cardona is a REAL person who hustles for everything he's achieved (quite like yourself!)

[@ChrisVanVliet]

🙏🙌

[@indiasupportstrumpwwg1wga927]

well im a real person as well, who didn’t have to hustle for anything.

[@themexicanwolverine]

Matt figured it out and is taking advantage of all the money in the Indies. If the WWE branding was the only reason he's making bank then every single WWE talent released would be at the level that he's in. His marketing and his hustling is another level and very much like DJs, hopefully young guys take notice and use him as guidance to succeed.

[@rezsurfer2808]

Well Cody did pave that rd and made a company. Matt recreated a brand-new Matt and made himself the Indie God. I like both and hard to say who did it better, But i watch Matt and don't watch Cody since he went back.

[@JSmith-dj2pi]

Matt is awesome as hell. I love what he's doing and have so much respect for him. Reinvention in wrestling after wwe is so hard and he's absolutely crushing it. Really amazing to see. I cant believe he didn't ask her about getting and wearing that title, lol.

[@rondabaldbastid3045]

Chris, Matt....this was an awesome interview. Seeing a fellow Long Islander be so successful in a sport I love, this put the biggest smile on my face. I have such respect and love for Matt and I hope one day soon he will have that arena moment. It's long over due. ❤

[@sophisticatedknuckledragge650]

I really love hearing from Matt, he had every reason to bury how WWE treated him And never has anything but nice things to say about anybody it is very refreshing from some of the pre-Madonna’s are in either WWE or AEW sometimes

[@philsswweightlossdiary2944]

I’m only 5 minutes in and already this is a great conversation. ‘People are looking at what you’ve done and going, man, Matt was so smart to do this.’ ‘What, get fired?’ I like how he’s quite open and will acknowledge the work he puts in but doesn’t come off like he thinks his shit don’t stink.

[@Maik85]

I was at WM32 in Dallas and his win was spot on. It was a great moment for him and for the audience. 😁

[@broskiep25]

i’ve been watching wrestling since around the start of the zack ryder hype back in 2011 and i was even featured as the episode 25 broski of the week when i was 8. im gonna be 21 soon and i will have to say that watching matt/zack is what made me a long time wrestling fan. it truly has been amazing seeing the journey that matt has gone through from his time in wwe to his heel run in the indies. his transformation in the indies has been remarkable to watch and it makes me happy to see the success he’s had recently and i hope to see more of it. keep killing it broski!

[@TerryFD721]

Him and Dolph were my favorite WWE superstars growing up. I’m glad to see him doing so well!!

[@jonathancoleman6482]

Zack Ryder was your favorite growing up 😂 he was a jobber

[@TerryFD721]

@@jonathancoleman6482 I loved his entrance music 😂

[@ramonsierra5393]

Matt was one of my favs since he was in WWE I was soo lucky to met him once and he is so sweet and friendly 😃 I’m a huge fan of him and Nemeth and wish they team up when they were in WWE

[@anasshahid224]

Great interview Chris! Matt Cardona is the man! What a journey, I remember his Z! True Long Island Story episodes on his KZbin channel back in 2011, they were so entertaining, he got over organically with the fans, his Intercontinental championship win at WM 32 and getting to share that moment with his dad was so iconic. Even after getting released from WWE, he continues to hustle in the independent scene, always solid in the ring, no matter where he competes, his belief and drive to succeed is inspirational. 👏👏👏

[@DEYOCLUB]

I knew this would NOT disappoint! Matt Cardona is in control and he's great at the business side of wrestling. Also, DO NOT book him on Spirit!

[@scottblanco5991]

Excited about this interview! Good stuff!

[@LosBags]

Fantastic interview. Probably one of my favorite. Was a great flow. Kudos to the both of you. Very informative and fun listen.

[@stunningstugg3243]

I saw Matt cardona a few months ago at Big Time wrestling and it was pretty cool especially the part when Mick Foley came out and he had a very intimate conversation with Mr Socko it was absolutely awesome...... He truly is a phenomenal heel

[@realjabroni3830]

The Indy God and The Interview God! Name a more iconic duo!

[@ChrisVanVliet]

😁

[@editnosmirc4489]

I agree that if he is ever to get signed with WWE again it should be under Matt Cardona. Hes built that name up the last few years and deserves to keep it if hes ever to go back. RIP Ryder. Long live Matt F'N Cardona

[@seanycaufield6809]

Matt is the definition of What wrestling is. Also a great guy. Hell of an interview

[@thedopeboy]

You’ve been having an amazing year Chris, lots of amazing interviews and I can’t wait to see what and who’s next

[@jv4419]

One my childhood favorites, hope one day he comes back for one last run

[@ChristianReeveOfficial]

Super inspiring, thanks!

[@ExodusToxicWaltz]

CVV uploads you it's gonna be a great interview. Thank you for everything you are doing CVV

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Thanks ETW!

[@gamebronnections3702]

The level of hustle is inspiring, and he's one of the funniest and most relatable people in wrestling. So happy for him that he sees his worth and doesn't negotiate that

[@2FaceDillon]

Still on of my Favorites out there , I just want to see one decent run in AEW or WWE is that too much to ask ..

[@michaelbonet9062]

This was a fantastic interview. I’ve been a fan of his since Z! True Long Island Story. Always loved what he brings and the chances he takes.

[@mikefitchNYC1971]

Awesome interview Chris!

[@hadhoda12345]

Matt Cardona is proof that success in wrestling exists outside the WWE. Nobody can deny his popularity, and he doesn't have to step foot in a WWE ring ever again for him to be considered successful. I would love to see him win the WWE title in the future, he would make a great heel champion.

[@BigDicnigga-eh4kj]

He said he don't want end his career in highschool gym

[@266castillo]

Yeah but at the end of the day he knows his not living his dream and he is working a minimal audience and exposure. At the end of the day his dream was WWE and because of WWE

[@hadhoda12345]

@@266castillo He doesn't shy away from that, he did say that he wants to end his career in a big stadium, acknowledging that as much as he loves his career now, he wants to go big before calling it a day. I genuinely don't see him anywhere near the main event title scene in WWE because it's so stacked right now, but I'd love if it happens one day.

[@JoshuaKhup]

I met him in LA in 2012, he is such an amazing guy. He is down to earth right into the underground person.

[@xCmDrunkX]

Great person and had that right something to turn his situation around. Love this interview Chris!

[@paulgrech7638]

So happy matt cardona is getting notes

[@stevenm3727]

I always thought he was wasted in wwe I actually rlly enjoyed watching him as a kid haven’t kept up with him but glad he’s doing way better

[@Iamtemjin]

I truly loved this interview! The minute I’ve seen the thumbnail, instant click! Well worth the 52+ minutes!

[@Johnny82Utah]

Matt is not only the reason why I'm even on KZbin today, also the reason i still watch wrestling.

[@CryptoYeti1]

Loved this so much. I hope to see you in WWE getting the fruits of your labor. You know it

[@janinduperera304]

What a great conversation man❤️🔥

[@ChrisVanVliet]

One of my favs!

[@StephenBenedict28]

Was lucky enough to watch Matt in the indies last year. What a swell guy. Wish him all the success and more.💪🏻

[@williammortel4283]

The Death Match King is a thing of a beauty for matt really great

[@eltoroloco19eighty9]

Watched him live a few weeks ago and he absolutely killed it.

[@terryindachat7296]

Salute to Matt for reinventing himself cuz folks thought he was done when he left as Zack Ryder.

[@VoiceEnFuego]

I'd love to see Matt being such a success. I'd love to see him at the rumble

[@bigguyslimm488]

Great interview 👍

[@cassiusfelix2805]

Honestly I would love to see him in Impact once again for his final run. Hopefully they would make him TNA World Champion

[@brunopersson965]

Matt is such a great guy! loved his IC win and what hes doing in the indies

[@kanoaikawach]

"Oh, Radio" is such a banger and a fan favorite though.

[@bruiserb8116]

Great 👍🏼 interview

[@SteelCity570]

I’d love to see Matt have another WWE run as Matt Cardona and win a world title in WWE.

[@tenebraemali1970]

LA Knights and Matt Cardona promo battles would be fire

[@kevinconn]

Matt Cardona is amazing. Love him and the Pod crew

[@KassidyGinn]

This is what we needed

[@codeezie]

He's fucking inspirational dude. What a career.

[@thomashester2]

Love his perspective

[@wisey105]

Matt always seemed ahead of the curve when it came to using the internet to promote himself. I'm glad he's doing well on the indies. As a WWE guy, I would love to see him return while he still has some prime years left, but definitely as Matt Cardona. In the mean time, I'll enjoy seeing what I can with him.

[@JurassicParker13]

Chris… you rule bud. Love watching your stuff.

[@rudebwoytroy]

been waiting for this one from the INDY GAWD!

[@tyronetb3]

Legendary!

[@Savvage.875]

I remember when they tweeked the radio theme I was so mad that original song was so fire to me😭

[@iwaazi624]

i was at that show amazing.

[@mshafer2006]

Matt is definitely a true worker.

[@TitsMcgee17]

Always been a fan of Matt

[@jasonroyster9111]

Matt is my spirit animal.

[@tonyjenkins3937]

ALWAYZ READY

[@JackTheGiantOne]

Oh radio is up there as one of the best theme songs of all time. Perfect for a heel.

[@DaddyGregJackson]

Legend!

[@TrueNeverSleeper]

Love his transition ,now bring back hardcore matches to wwe pleeeeeeease

[@GhostSSB]

What a great mentality this guy has, I do hope he comes back to wwe at royal rumble

[@ChrisSantiagoProductions]

Patiently waiting now for the new "Insight" intro music by Downstait 🙏

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Soon, my friend 😁

[@KD_SWAGGER]

Matt Cardona is in the right path. He should continue being his own boss and staying in the indies. Great interview!

[@Wonderingmillenial]

WHOA! Zack Ryder has matured into an actual adult!

[@benjipaname846]

Matt CarGoatna ! Love this dude

[@masterairhart]

I can’t wait for you to do a post WWE Dolph Ziggler interview

[@rezsurfer2808]

15:24 had me cracking up... Matt Being humble LMAO

[@stylekiller21]

Matt is the best!

[@darrellhendricks9000]

I was a huge Zach Rider guy. I was rooting for this guy for top spot. So entertaining and under utilized. Big blunder on WWE’s part.

[@XtremeandAwesome]

Zack Ryder is never dead and Matt woo woo woo you know it

[@andrewbenjamin3835]

Let’s go love this

[@wrestlinglifeonline]

The king of the Indy hustle, Matt Cardona!

[@stevekasan1575]

big kudos to Matt for paving the way that you can earn a living especially during the pandemic. The Deathmatch with Gage was a big proponent of his success, but, as you said Chris, if you are not willing to do what others won't, then you will not get the rewards. Cardona v Gage is what kept the buzz going during the pandemic years. So much so, I have a Zombie Sailor Toys two pack of that match on the way Bravo matt

[@Cornyboa]

i’m just waiting to see him back in wwe already

[@bobsucks9647]

Lmao loved Matt’s story about butt chugging milk dudes relatable as hell 😂 🥛

[@crazed83]

I have respect for him. Wish I had the hustle he has.

[@indytops9183]

Matt hates me at gcw I sat front for for him vs sexy eddy And kept yelling woo woo woo saw him in the lobby of the teather after too mans was eyeballing I was scared love his work😂😂

[@seangriffin39]

Like and love every one of your videos brother keep it up 😊😊😊😊😎😎

[@chunky9791]

When busting your ass & betting on yourself goes RIGHT!

[@SamuelDuplessis12]

Having success with betting on yourself, you need drive to do it. I feel like a lot of guys especially the former football players after they leave WWE, they think they're all that and don't have the drive to keep themselves in the conversation, keep buzz for themselves. Meanwhile guys like Cardona don't have an ego and are willing to go anywhere.

[@laoaganlester1728]

I think WWE wasted him. He deserved more push to the main event that lots of the big Men that were forced (The Great Khali, Nathan Jones, Mat Morgan etc.)

[@Nitemerican]

Id love to see Dolph take the Indy route for a bit. Could even team with Cardona.

[@xaviermaldonadodegomendirr6404]

Ok but "Oh Radio" is still his best theme to date

[@Underscorejed]

I love that the term “doing a drew” is a thing now

[@pacopaco897]

Whoo! Whoo! Whoo!

[@Tranceplant82]

I love what Matt Cardona does in the indies. It's awesome. It pisses off the most hardcore wrestling marks. LOL! It's great and he does make every indy show better. I hope to see him as Matt Cardona in AEW or WWE and just kill it as himself.

[@stevestefanis8520]

My boy Cardona

[@Bsnowman22]

"You're such a nerd" 😂😂

[@thegloryhunter3118]

I really hope he is back at the Royal Rumble even as a one off

[@kingeatking]

That's what happens when you put in the hard work.

[@aschrisdecays]

Broski lives and breathes wrestling, a wrestler's wrestler. Mentality for the business that was built from experience.