Indie Wrestling Icon Matt Cardona Addresses WWE Return
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Matt Cardona remains one of the best stories of persistence and dedication in professional wrestling.
More Pro Wrestling: Recently Released Superstar Working With WWE Again
After 15 years in WWE and getting himself over with the crowd through social media, Cardona became an even bigger star on the independent scene, proving that you don't need WWE to be a successful wrestler.
This was just supposed to be my comeback from injury video, but it's so much more than that…It's my career video…My LIFE video.
The office has counted me out. The fans have counted me out. I've even counted myself out! But I always come back. It's not over until I quit…and… pic.twitter.com/mxD5RB3PQP — Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) September 23, 2024
Still, questions will always arise whether Cordona will return to WWE and potentially team with his wife, inaugural Women's United States Champion Chelsea Green.
March 30, 2024 - Matt Cordona answers Adam Copeland's open challenge for the TNT Championship on AEW Collision.
March 30, 2024 - Matt Cordona answers Adam Copeland's open challenge for the TNT Championship on AEW Collision.
Ricky Havlik/AEW
In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, Cordona revealed that he is surprised that he has not returned to WWE since he was released in 2020.
"Honestly? Yeah," Cordona said. "But, obviously, you know, I'm missing something. I don't know what it is.
"Listen, people say to me all the time, especially like we just had WrestleMania, WrestleCon... Probably every other fan [asked me] when are you coming back? Well, it's not up to me. You know? Or at the WrestleMania hotel...so many people from the office or other wrestlers are like, hey man, when are you coming back? It's like, I don't know."
Cordona then revealed that, not only would he be interested in returning, but he has reached out to WWE multiple times.
"I've reached out many times," Cordona said. "I shouldn't say many, a few times, every couple of months when something cool happens or I have something to say, hey look what I'm doing. There's been no offer...everything's very nice, professional, but there's no offer. And you know what, it is what it is. I'm gonna keep working my ass off."
More Pro Wrestling: WWE Superstar Undergoes Dramatic Character Change
The work has paid off. Cordona is easily one of the most beloved and respected wrestlers working today, known particularly for his consistent in-ring performance and incredible work ethic in and out of the ring.
Within WWE, Cordona utilized YouTube and social media to get himself over as Zack Ryder. This would eventually lead to him winning the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 32.
Cordona also won the United States Championship once and the WWE Tag Team Championship twice with Curt Hawkins.
Since WWE, Cordona has gone on to win titles with at least 18 different promotions and has performed in AEW, TNA, GCW, and NWA, to name a few.
More Pro Wrestling: Wrestling Legend Jim Ross Diagnosed With Cancer
WWE Tag Team Unexpectedly Breaks Up
For more WWE and professional wrestling news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Post
4 hours ago
- New York Post
R-Truth receives outpouring of support from WWE stars after stunning release: ‘Immeasurable' void
Ron 'R-Truth' Killings, a fixture in WWE programming for nearly two decades, announced Sunday that he has officially been released from the company. Killings posted on his official X account: 'I'm sorry to inform you all. I just got released from WWE. I want to thank WWE for the ride, but MOSTLY I want to thank each and EVERYONE OF YOU who was along for the ride. Thank you for all the love, support, and appreciation you have given me over the years.' The announcement quickly prompted an outpouring of messages from fellow wrestlers, many of whom reflected on Killings' contributions and legacy as a respected performer in WWE for 17 years. Advertisement 3 R-Truth speaks to the audience during an in-ring promo during SmackDown at First Horizon Center on May 23, 2025. WWE Kevin Owens led the tributes, writing on X: 'I've said many times that there are a few people in this industry for whom I have unlimited respect, love and admiration for. @RonKillings is at the very top of that list. An incredible, timeless performer with an unmatched ability to entertain and bring a smile to anyone he encounters, be it the fans or every single person lucky enough to have had the privilege to work alongside him. His kindness, humility and infectious good nature makes him one of the most beloved people I've met in this industry and the void that his absence will leave in our locker room is immeasurable. I love you, dude.' The Miz, who teamed with Killings as part of 'The Awesome Truth' during a memorable run in 2011, posted to X: 'Forming Awesome Truth with you was one of the best runs of my career. No one made me laugh harder. Your energy, heart, and smile lit up every room…and every arena. You're not one of a kind, you're one in a lifetime. Love you, Truth. Keep shining.' Advertisement Natalya Neidhart added her own tribute, writing: 'You are a class act @RonKillings. You were amazing to me since day one when I met you doing my first independent wrestling show in the U.S. Last week I loved seeing how excited you were for the championship match against John Cena. You remind everyone around the world to never give up on their dreams.' 3 R-Truth celebrates his win during Monday Night RAW at Angel of the Winds Arena on December 2, 2024. WWE via Getty Images Many other tributes poured in from his peers, including Rhea Ripley and Pat McAfee. Other wrestlers who replied to his tweet include Alexa Bliss, Scarlett Bordeaux, Jade Cargill and Trinity Fatu who noted, 'I hate this so much.' Advertisement 'Thank you Truth. For everything. Everything you are as a performer but also everything you are as a person,' wrote Zelina Vega, the women's United States champion. 'You always have an ear and a hug for everyone, you were always so kind to me whether it was an extra just coming in looking to you for advice or as a co-worker getting to laugh with you every week. You're forever a star, a genius, a pro and someone who's presence will always be felt. You're cemented in history as one of the BEST. Love you!!' 3 R-Truth in action against JC Mateo during SmackDown at First Horizon Center on May 30, 2025. WWE via Getty Images Killings' WWE career was notable inside the ring, too. He held the United States Championship twice and was a two-time WWE tag champ — once with Kofi Kingston and once with Miz. Advertisement He also became synonymous with the chaotic 24/7 Championship, claiming the title a record-setting 54 times. Killings recently headlined 'Saturday Night's Main Event' against Cena. Before his WWE resurgence, Killings made history in TNA as the first recognized black NWA World Heavyweight Champion.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Carlito not expected back with WWE, returns to Puerto Rico
Carlos Edwin Colón Coates Jr., better known as pro wrestler Carlito, will not return to the WWE. He announced on X that his current contract was set to expire in late June and would not be renewed. Carlito took a lighthearted approach to the news on social media and joked that he was going to own the company before adding, 'All jokes aside, gracias WWE & especially the WWE universe. Los quiero mucho!' Advertisement Carlito returned to the company in 2023 when he returned at the premium live event, Backlash, to assist rapper Bad Bunny during a match in Puerto Rico. He spent most of his recent tenure in a supporting role as a member of the Judgement Day faction. Carlito had originally joined the company in 2003 before leaving in 2010. The Puerto Rican wrestler only made a few sporadic appearances before returning full-time in 2023. He made two brief appearances on WWE programming, inducting his father Carlos Colón into the Hall of Fame in 2014 and participating in the 2021 Royal Rumble. One of the more notable moments of his recent tenure was when he was speared by Bron Breakker. Carlito's WWE career achievements Carlito won the United States Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, the WWE Tag Team Championships and the World Tag Team Championship. What's next for Carlito? Carlito isn't looking to slow down his career after winning the World Wrestling Council Puerto Rican Championship. The 46-year-old wrestler started his professional wrestling career with WWC in 1999. He had previously returned to WWC in 2010. Advertisement The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports' newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Carlito announces his WWE contract won't be renewed
USA Today
5 hours ago
- USA Today
Carlito not expected back with WWE, returns to Puerto Rico
Carlito not expected back with WWE, returns to Puerto Rico Show Caption Hide Caption John Cena warns media, he will ruin wrestling, he is the last real champion in WWE After making history at WrestleMania 41, John Cena warns the media that he will ruin wrestling and he is the last real champion in WWE Carlos Edwin Colón Coates Jr., better known as pro wrestler Carlito, will not return to the WWE. He announced on X that his current contract was set to expire in late June and would not be renewed. Carlito took a lighthearted approach to the news on social media and joked that he was going to own the company before adding, 'All jokes aside, gracias WWE & especially the WWE universe. Los quiero mucho!' Carlito returned to the company in 2023 when he returned at the premium live event, Backlash, to assist rapper Bad Bunny during a match in Puerto Rico. He spent most of his recent tenure in a supporting role as a member of the Judgement Day faction. Carlito had originally joined the company in 2003 before leaving in 2010. The Puerto Rican wrestler only made a few sporadic appearances before returning full-time in 2023. He made two brief appearances on WWE programming, inducting his father Carlos Colón into the Hall of Fame in 2014 and participating in the 2021 Royal Rumble. One of the more notable moments of his recent tenure was when he was speared by Bron Breakker. Carlito's WWE career achievements Carlito won the United States Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, the WWE Tag Team Championships and the World Tag Team Championship. What's next for Carlito? Carlito isn't looking to slow down his career after winning the World Wrestling Council Puerto Rican Championship. The 46-year-old wrestler started his professional wrestling career with WWC in 1999. He had previously returned to WWC in 2010. The biggest stories, every morning. Stay up-to-date on all the key sports developments by subscribing to USA TODAY Sports' newsletter.
