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Time of India

Who is Matt Cardona? The former WWE star who just called out John Cena

Image via WWE Former WWE Superstar Matt Cardona, better known to longtime fans as Zack Ryder, is back in the spotlight after being name-dropped by none other than John Cena during a fiery promo on SmackDown. Cena, in a throwback to CM Punk's infamous 2011 'pipebomb,' directly mentioned Cardona alongside Claudio Castagnoli and Nic Nemeth, sparking speculation and excitement across the wrestling world. Cardona didn't take long to respond. The current NWA World Champion posted a cheeky 'Hey @JohnCena' message on X (formerly Twitter), making it clear he heard Cena loud and clear. While the moment caught many fans off-guard, it's hardly surprising for those who've been following Cardona's remarkable journey since his WWE release in 2020. — TheMattCardona (@TheMattCardona) How Zack Ryder won over the WWE universe Matt Cardona began his wrestling journey in New York Wrestling Connection before joining WWE's developmental system in the mid-2000s. He rose to mainstream attention as Zack Ryder, forming part of the tag team 'La Familia' alongside Curt Hawkins and Edge. But it was his solo run, particularly his YouTube series 'Z! True Long Island Story' - that truly set him apart. At a time when fan voices were just starting to influence creative decisions, Ryder's videos turned him from a mid-card talent into a cult favorite. That push culminated in a United States Championship win in 2011, followed by a memorable (and chaotic) storyline involving John Cena and Eve Torres. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later Health Wellness Journal Watch More Undo Zack Ryder's most memorable moments: WWE Playlist Despite a loyal fanbase, Ryder was pushed back down the card in later years. A surprise Intercontinental Title win at WrestleMania 32 offered a brief resurgence, but soon after, he was back in tag team action with Curt Hawkins. WWE released him in 2020 as part of pandemic-era budget cuts. Far from slowing down, Cardona used his WWE exit as fuel. He rebranded himself under his real name and made a mark across the independent wrestling scene. He won titles in GCW, Impact Wrestling, and NWA, building a reputation as a tough, unpredictable performer willing to take risks. Cardona has often teased a return to WWE, but on his terms. 'I would only come back as Matt Cardona,' he said in a previous interview, ruling out a full-time return to his Zack Ryder persona. Now, with Cena's reference reigniting buzz, fans are once again speculating: Could Matt Cardona be WWE-bound? For now, the former Internet Champion seems happy to play spoiler - and maybe stir the pot one more time. Also Read: Top 5 best John Cena promos that shook the WWE universe Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here