Zack Ryder, now known as Matt Cardona, left WWE in April 2020 and has since been working in various other wrestling promotions, including Impact Wrestling and All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
After his release from WWE, Matt Cardona, formerly known as Zack Ryder, took his wrestling career to new horizons. He quickly made appearances in AEW, where he teamed up with his real-life friend Cody Rhodes. However, his stint in AEW was short-lived, and he did not sign a long-term contract with the promotion.
Cardona then moved to Impact Wrestling, where he has been involved in various storylines and matches, showcasing his talent outside of the WWE spotlight. His departure from WWE allowed him to reinvent himself, and he has embraced the creative freedom of the independent wrestling circuit. He has also been active on the independent scene, participating in events for promotions like GCW (Game Changer Wrestling).
In addition to his in-ring career, Cardona has continued to engage with fans through social media and his podcast, “The Major Wrestling Figure Podcast,” which he co-hosts with fellow wrestler Brian Myers (formerly known as Curt Hawkins in WWE). The podcast focuses on wrestling action figures and collectibles, a passion both wrestlers have shared since their time in WWE.
Cardona’s post-WWE career has been marked by a dedication to self-promotion, fan engagement, and a willingness to explore various opportunities within the wrestling industry. His transformation from Zack Ryder to Matt Cardona represents a wrestler taking control of his own narrative and finding success on his own terms.