"WWE is #1!" Matt Cardona Wants To Return to WWE, How GCW Changed His Career, Betting On Yourself

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Matt Cardona (@themattcardona) is a professional wrestler who has worked for NWA, AEW, Impact Wrestling, GCW and was known as Zack Ryder in WWE. He joins Chris Van Vliet to talk about the incredible 2022 that he had, why he wants to go back to WWE, his goal to win the WWE Championship, his thoughts on Cody Rhodes wrestling against Seth Rollins with a torn pec at Hell in a Cell, how he has been able to monetize The Major Figure Wrestling Podcast, his infamous match with Nick Gage, getting the fans to hate him, what happened after his AEW debut and much more!
00:00 Intro
02:34 Deathmatch with Nick Gage
07:16 Heel Persona
09:58 Going back to WWE?
13:59 Crazy 2022
14:39 NWA World Champion
18:10 Meaning of Alwayz Ready
20:32 WWE style vs Indies
23:53 Wrestling Musical
26:04 Being a self-starter
28:59 WWE fans vs Wrestling fans
31:13 Impact Wrestling
32:31 Cody Rhodes Torn Pec
34:27 Starting his own company
38:28 Sentimental figures
40:13 Building a team
42:12 Being a self-starter
43:29 Gratitude
For more information about Matt and The Major Wrestling Figure Podcast visit: majorwfpod.com/
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#mattcardona #wwe #gcw #gamechangerwrestling #chrisvanvliet

[@ChrisVanVliet]

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[@chuckpryde2629]

Ryder/Cardona is a legend. I pick him every now and then on 2K 19 just to give him the world title push he should’ve had. Haha

[@thegameslave2]

2 hardworking dudes, who are *ALWAYZ READY* for anything. Matt Cardona has had a great run after WWE. Multiple world titles all over the place. I'm happy for him. If he does go back to WWE, I hope it's as Matt Cardona and not as Ryder. That character was good, but he's in a good place as himself now, and doesn't need to go back to that character. Good chat, CVV. Happy holidays.

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Happy holidays!

[@JCeeTV1]

Zack Ryder got one of the most slept on entrances all time. Song was a banger lol I also enjoyed his friendship turned feud with John Cena

[@killwalker]

Ryder/Cardona DESERVES a proper run. He paid his dues.

[@ChrisVanVliet]

💯

[@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. 👏👏👏

[@ricbulow]

Love that Matt Cardona just puts it out there directly: "Listen. Whether I was going back to WWE or not, I wouldn't tell anyone." Shows his mind for the business. Glad to see you got your channel back as well, Chris!

[@fernandochow2629]

Awesome interview with Matt Cardona, he is definitely one incredible wrestler.

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Thanks for watching!

[@Diamondmite]

Was just looking at Matt Cardona clips and this popped up. He is one of my favourite, most influential wrestlers of all time, never given enough of the credit he deserves. Thank you for this CVV, you are incredible, love your interviews so much

[@JoeCompton81]

I’m a firm believer in “If you ain’t tryin… you’re dyin”. I try to be a better me EVERYDAY in every aspect possible.

[@Phightins]

I remember meeting him and Curt Hawkins back in 2008 at CrüeFest (Motley Crüe tour) in Camden NJ. They were the Edgeheads at that point. Great dudes.

[@MrGanjie]

Cardona always was a favorite of mine, the intercontinental ladder match win was so good as a fan. Glad he's more himself than anything!

[@KamoMustafaWWE]

I'm ALWAYZ READY for a Matt Cardona WWE return.

[@Joecbg100]

He'll be another guy.

[@KamoMustafaWWE]

@@Joecbg100 Nah. Only if Vince was around. If he comes back it HAS to be as Matt Cardona.

[@Joecbg100]

@@KamoMustafaWWE They see Zack Ryder, Ryder is a clown. They brought bask Morrison and reset him as late 2000's Morrison. Not a shred of the Lucha Underground or anything to be taken seriously. You think H cares about Matt Cardona? Who does? I'm sorry.

[@KamoMustafaWWE]

@@Joecbg100 Vince is no more. Hunter has a different view.

[@NesDogg]

@@KamoMustafaWWE but that’s the thing every return under the triple H regime was under their WWE names.

[@StephenBenedict28]

Great interview. Always been a fan of Matt even before his WWE days as part of the Major Bro gimmick on the indie’s. Meet him earlier thus year in Texas. Such a swell guy. I wish him all the success and hope to see him wrestlw live soon.

[@joeutofka4215]

i discovered the mwfp on accident just before the pandemic, i was going through a lot of crap, it opened up a whole world to me of escape and actually helped me focus way more on stuff i had goin on. great podcast

[@860phantom7]

"On the radio tell me everything you know"

[@mitchwooten5150]

Happy Holidays Chris! Always enjoy and appreciate your content 🙂

[@dquanissavage6287]

Awesome Interview Today Chris And Matt AKA Zach Ryder!!😎🐐🐐🔥

[@aschrisdecays]

Always Rooting! For Broski and Myers. Thanks to the major podcast I became a huge fan. Started watching at episode 1 right after Figure it out, haha. It's been awesome following their careers and hearing the insights and history of the business through their careers is a treat. Awesome interview as always.

[@williamnimbach6419]

Have always been a huge fan of Cardona!!! So underrated!!!

[@richhava]

Chris, You really got it going on. You mix your I can be friends with anyone personality and you have a great delivery they puts all your guest at ease. You are always prepared and know how to keep it real. At the end of the interview, your listeners can only feel satisfied. This interview has Matt in such good space and I enjoy seeing him be himself. He is the most determined wrestler in 20 years or so

[@richhava]

This is a diamond interview - I have not worked for anyone since age 18 so I damn well get why he does not want someone to tell him what to do. He is doing it his way and must be making some very good cashish as the #13 ranked wrestler. I have a rule, where I could never buy a ticket to a live show because of the scripted endings but if this dude comes to Michigan, I might pay to see him cause I don't mind help pay him for coming. "Always ready" to put on a great show Matt Cardona...

[@hughjakeman5296]

Matt and Brian love those guys. They got me into wrestling figure collecting. I wouldn't say I'm as avid as them, but I always check the shelves at what ever store I'm at and look for the figures of the wrestlers that mean the most to me personally. Rey mysterio for sure being top of the list. Great interview as always chris!

[@afaqahmad2806]

Another great interview! Keep it up, Chris!

[@bangaamen501]

Best in the biz youre killin these interviews

[@williamnimbach6419]

Great interview chris!! You always ask great questions that are unique and diffrent!! Even guys you've interviewed multiple times the questions are always fresh and diffrent..... great stuff man

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Thanks William!

[@NesDogg]

If he goes back to WWE as Zack Ryder…I’d think I would be disappointed. He previously said he only go back if he was allowed to be Matt Cardona every return so far they gave them their previous WWE names.

[@michaelpagnotti4131]

Matt’s a great person to meet. Even gave me his new foam figure and put it on his vlog.

[@theespanishgod2371]

Happy holidays to you also from my fam to yours!!

[@davidvazquez6056]

Its sucks that his going back to WWE. If he does go back I do hope he becomes a top guy.

[@skeletor7908]

Thanks Chris & Matt for this great interview! 👍😃👍

[@gabehernandez7945]

First time watcher, and I have to say that I really enjoyed watching this interview with Matt Cardona! Gonna have to start checking out your videos for sure. Great job, Chris 👍🏽

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Thanks so much for joining us for the first time!

[@bluwng]

Good show. Matt Cardona is the man. Happy Holidays

[@brianhayes5517]

Always a great watch 👍👍

[@NecroericYoutube]

It was an awesome run! it did add credibility to his career

[@fejamolonblun2002]

Hope he becomes a TOP superstar with a World Title Reign if he comes back.

[@joejames1794]

Get off the crack

[@AdilDIlyas]

Can you take him seriously against Roman Reigns. Hes too nice. He needs to be a heel, a dangerous heal who can wreck havoc. How else can WWE creative book him to make him a legitimate threat? So everyone would take notice, and take him seriously as WWE Champion! 🤔

[@jayatkar619]

Like cody

[@iannnCFC]

@@AdilDIlyas why would that be a bad thing?

[@patrickfuller1806]

If we don't hear "woo woo " in the rumble at number 13 ....then we will be respectfully disappointed!

[@InvisibleFreak23]

Matt Cardona let´s no one crush him down, he´s always standing up and works his way through and up the ranks. What a great guy to idolize!!!

[@Tnic79]

Awesome interview.

[@Saddikkk]

I’m ready for him to be back

[@Tcrror]

He won't get me to watch even if he does go.

[@christophermarriott1681]

He won't be any different than before. You're delusional if you think you're getting his indie character on WWE television. That boy about to get PG watered down. What a shame.

[@KassidyGinn]

Merry Christmas to you too

[@mringram]

Great interview

[@James_A85]

Fantastic interview and Matt seems like great guy found it really positive after watching it

[@GlassesnMouthplates]

As for watching IMPACT's weekly shows, they're actually available on KZbin simply by joining their membership for a very low monthly subscription price. Their Ultimate Insider tier also allows you to watch their PPV-like exclusive shows.

[@JoeyBeansLI]

Can we get the whole Major Wrestling Figure Podcast on here, please.?!?!

[@aewlapsedfans1]

great interview!! #CVVGOAT

[@williamnimbach6419]

I'm so glad he left wwe and got over!!!

[@fejamolonblun2002]

Matt Cardona fka as Zach Ryder is such an underrated talent I'd dare to say. WWE gave him very short title reigns.

[@Bale4Bond]

Every internet geek rides is dick, so how is he underrated?

[@gelerfranco4115]

Wwe was comedy show at this time

[@xSMOKExEMxALLx]

Wants to go back to WWE? Don't do it Bro, you'll get utilized for a couple months, is it really worth it!

[@tonyjenkins3937]

WE NEED THE CARDONAS IN WWE

[@MaxCarroll]

Great video I hope he does come back to WWE one day

[@k.m.k-ultrafanpage4kottonm243]

Keep up the good work

[@MrZombieTurds]

"No one can say 'you can't be in a good mood, you can't have a smile on your face'"... Paul London would disagree 😬

[@shanestephens4728]

Paul London the Dolphin Master fucking rules. Have you heard him on Rene Dupree’s podcast? He’s a riot

[@MrZombieTurds]

@@shanestephens4728 I'll have to check that out! When he was teaming with Bryan Danielson way back when, that's actually when I learned about Bryan. The backstage promo/interview they did was hysterical!

[@nathanjones5653]

I hope I can meet him at Disney World again when I’m there next week. That way I can get a pic without mask this time.

[@Youngbloodz33]

I love Matt Cardona man. Back when he was Zach Ryder I just didn't pay it no mind it wasn't for me. Whether he comes back as either I care now. Looking forward to seeing what happens.

[@samdath3439]

I'm also training to become a pro wrestler. I know he doesn't want 2 go back as Zack Ryder.

[@hankdatank09]

Best of luck dude

[@shanestephens4728]

Wishin ya good luck and flat back landings 🤙🏼

[@Wrestlingcsrddad]

Royal Rumble is going to happen.

[@reggaemortis4117]

When you're from California and have no idea what CVV is talking about when he says 20° lol but yes, my dog is also old and wearing a sweater laying under a blanket.

[@ChrisVanVliet]

😂😂

[@jonathanfeemster5242]

I've never had a problem with any of them they are great people and during some conversations they are heel so they do heel stuff u got to know pro wrestling. Not every time is going to be great so deal with it

[@yusef98]

You too Chris

[@MTSpade]

He absolutely SHOULD NOT. I dont understand why everyone is suddenly changing their minds on what they said, it doesnt matter whos in charge wwe will still kill careers, and vince will never truly be gone, I cant believe after what they said about them & how they hated being there that they would go back for a paycheck when they could easily be happy in other places

[@Superior_uno]

Stop being gay

[@GlassesnMouthplates]

Super disappointed that this interview didn't end with the announcement of Chris Major Bendie. Jokes aside, it's undeniable that Matt is a real self-made wrestling star. For every time he gets put down, he finds a way to kick back. For every opportunity he receives, he makes use of it fully.

[@Power_trip397]

Yooo I hope u do Brian Myers one day, cuz just today I was watching the raw 1000th episode, there was a segment between him and other jobbers planning to attack the undertaker and Kane, just please ask him if you ever interview him, what was running in his mind when they gave him this to do, “oh yeah u and others are gonna interrupt the BOD and try to take them down.” Like watttt that’s career suicide 😂😂

[@ChrisVanVliet]

He already been on the show! Such a great guy! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJfNd2aijLSZoJI

[@tonyjenkins3937]

WE NEED A CHRIS VAN VILET MAJOR BENDEE FIGURE

[@ChrisVanVliet]

👀

[@DanielLopez-cy2tq]

I definitely think he shows up in the Royal rumble and depending on his reaction is. That would determined whether if he stays in WWE or goes back to the independence

[@Cornyboa]

def one of the most underutilized wrestlers today along with ziggler

[@alexismillet1378]

If he make à return to wwe, just listen the fan and make your return with your actually theme always ready and keep name matt cardonna

[@daddyqwerty]

I think Claudio Thunder sounds more mainstream and sick than castagnoli. Pls ask csro to trademark that name. 🙏 Also i don't think there is any other famous guy with that name.

[@bangaamen501]

Cardona def deserves a proper run if he goes back 2 the E

[@Tcrror]

WWE is #1 as far as ratings, but it's #3 in terms of best wrestling. Idk why anyone would want to go there.

[@pivotpointfilms]

Can’t be bigger than HHH that won’t happen

[@deelokos8438]

MATT CARDONA NEEDS TO GET A CHANCE TO BEAT ROMAN

[@TheMaskedBandido]

First comment! Love your vids!

[@DcVlogs-qf2nl]

Matt Cardona, royal rumble return?!!!

[@TheRoMandaloriaN]

Woo. Woo. Woo.

[@sons714native4]

Video starts at 2:33

[@stunner55]

Matt just seems like the most likeable and greatest guy ever. Then he gets in the ring and HEELTASTIC!!!

[@cedricgant8535]

I think he’s either gonna be Matt Ryder or Zack Cardona

[@matthewscheffel9108]

They’re not gonna call him Matt Cardona in WWE

[@randycrawford1132]

40 degrees is not cold

[@ChrisVanVliet]

I agree, but tell that to my dog 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@juanlennonsfunhouse2633]

Cool dog

[@chrisfreedomofgod3389]

Chelsea Green is come back to wwe

[@fejamolonblun2002]

✌😎

[@rppoker4768]

Woo woo woo aka the Long Island ice tea

[@mojomaster38]

I hope Matt never goes back to WWE. Not because he doesn't deserve it. I think they wouldn't treat him well. He does work his ass off all over, but he gets to do what he wants, where he wants, and has a good business going that would have to end if he came back.

[@gmask1397]

So out of all the people that TK signed he doesn’t sign or even offer Matt a contract. That I don’t get it

[@collinjay7108]

I have a Chiweenie

[@BREND0h]

If Tyrus is such a great draw why are they at the lowest viewership in years and now now having a paying crowd in the audience? The guy can’t even bring one tenth of the fox viewers to KZbin or fite.

[@CeemPlay]

Woo woo woo woo woo woo woo

[@mickabrahams3792]

5 seconds in and you ask the question who is he going to be HHH has already said Cardona or nothing

[@fulljuggaloalbumz2691]

Matt Ryder or Zack cardona

[@juanandrade1824]

He’s not a nice person I saw him at a restaurant in 2016 I was excited because he was once one of my favorite wrestlers. He was sitting with Fandango, Tyler breeze, and Cesaro. I just approached them and just to say hi and that I was a big fan. Cardona just gives us the side eye, breeze just says nothing, Fandango said we’re just gonna eat. And Cesaro was the only nice guy that had a brief conversation with me, gave me a fist bump said it’s nice to meet you and said I could take a picture with him after they got done eating

[@DARRELLBOWELSTHESECOND]

I had a similar experience with Brian Myers at a Wrestling convention in Philadelphia back in 2016. I went to his table and said hi and im a big fan and its good to meet you and to this day i have a very awkward picture with myers looking away and seeming very disinterested and it was a paid photo. He said pretty much thanks man and kept looking awkward at me and like he didn't wanna be there my buddy said to me afterwards i didn't expect that and that was very awkward 😳 afterwards ive never been a fan of Myers or Cordona

[@juniorhoward315]

Well even though he had no reason being rude and disrespectful to you you have to think about it like this too these wrestlers work really hard and when they are at a restaurant eating they don't want to be disturbed not while they're in the middle of eating

[@Hawk_3516]

Yeah not everyone wants to be approached when eating gotta realize that

[@Hawk_3516]

Cardona is a great guy don't let one interaction be your judgement on him

[@reggaemortis4117]

That's kind of unwriten rule about approaching anyone, not just wrestlers. You don't bother them while they're eating, it's rude.

[@CeemPlay]

Oh radio

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Tell me everything you knowwww

[@Mat-zr2dl]

MID

[@dannycastillo7116]

If he ever goes back to wwe he should go back as Matt cardona cause they abused him as Zack Ryder and in all honesty him not being apart of wwe he has really done a lot better so if he did go back they better utilize him better than they did before cause man he’s doing great without them

[@fulljuggaloalbumz2691]

Pretty luna dogs are family

[@ChrisVanVliet]

🐶

[@FaysalIsGoated]

Matt Cardona took the MOST advantage of getting released by WWE. His runs in NWA, GCW, and Impact all contributed to that. I started watching GCW all because of Matt Cardona and Jon Moxley. They’re the only ones who make GCW interesting.

[@corypayne32]

There's a lot more than them that make gcw interesting. Allie Kat, Effy, Mance Warner and so many more.

[@FaysalIsGoated]

@@corypayne32 who the hell are they?

[@corypayne32]

@@FaysalIsGoated you do realize that him and his wife have faced them before right? They were the tag team champions in gcw at one point. They are two of the biggest independent wrestlers in the entire world.

[@FaysalIsGoated]

@@corypayne32 yeah I didn’t see that match. But now that you mention it, I do remember Matt facing Effy for his Internet Championship. I’m not very fond of Effy. He’s a little too sus for me

[@corypayne32]

@@FaysalIsGoated well Effy is gay so that's probably why you think he's sus AF

[@CallingALLmarks]

Never liked his in ring stuff... he always came off as corny to me.. and he’s just a nice guy, I don’t hate him I just was never a fan of his wrestling career

[@hypnotics7886]

Personally, I think Matt Cardona has outgrown Zack Ryder, and if he goes back, I’ll be disappointed if he’s ‘woo woo woo’ again.

[@travisgoldson1814]

Matt needs to be the one to dethrone reigns !

[@Jake-ur2wf]

Mid Cardona