Since his release from WWE in 2020, Matt Cardona—formerly known as Zack Ryder—has emerged as one of the most compelling success stories in professional wrestling. Speaking candidly in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Cardona revealed that his motivation is not fueled by bitterness over his WWE departure but by self-belief and a desire to prove himself outside the company framework[1]. This perspective underscores a broader lesson for wrestlers navigating their careers beyond WWE’s spotlight.

Cardona’s WWE contract was set to expire in mid-2020, but he was released slightly earlier amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Reflecting on that moment, Cardona described receiving the news with optimism rather than resentment: “When I took the call getting fired, I was looking up at that painting, just smiling, knowing like, ‘We did. Everything is going to be great. It’s all good'”[1]. His attitude exemplifies a proactive mindset, transforming what many might view as a setback into an opportunity.

Rather than harboring bitterness or rushing to sign with other major promotions, Cardona took time to consider his path carefully. When offered to join TNA (now known as Impact Wrestling), he declined because many of his contemporaries were making the same move, and he wanted to stand out in the crowded wrestling landscape[1]. He also made several AEW appearances in the summer of 2020 but never received a formal contract offer[1]. His journey highlights the uncertainty that even talented and well-known wrestlers face when navigating the independent circuit and larger promotions post-WWE.

According to Cardona, his motivation comes from self-validation: “I didn’t want to be motivated by bitterness or negativity. I wanted to [tell myself] I think I’m so good, I think WWE should have used me better, so put up or shut up. Prove it, to myself. That’s exactly what I did” [1]. This inner drive propelled him to become a dominant figure on the indie circuit, where he reinvented himself with new personas like “The Death Match King” and “The Complete Matt Cardona,” cultivating a unique brand distinct from his WWE identity[5].

Sources close to Cardona emphasize that his renaissance has not only been about in-ring work but also about entrepreneurial savvy. He built his brand through social media by posting frequently and engaging directly with fans, as well as creating multiple revenue streams from merchandise, podcasts, and appearances[5]. This multi-faceted approach has become a blueprint for released WWE talent seeking to create sustainable careers outside the company. Cardona himself has advised others to adopt one of three paths: coasting on past WWE fame, fading into obscurity, or embracing reinvention through hard work and creativity[5]. He clearly chose the latter.

Despite his success on the independent scene, Cardona remains open to returning to a major promotion like WWE, AEW, or Impact Wrestling if the right opportunity arises. He maintains a cordial relationship with WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H and speaks with him occasionally[1]. However, Cardona expressed surprise that none of these companies have extended a contract offer yet, leaving his future fluid but filled with possibility[1].

His story resonates with many released wrestlers who feel they have potential yet encounter obstacles transitioning away from WWE’s infrastructure. Cardona’s message is clear and uplifting: being let go does not mean the end of a career, but rather the start of a new journey fueled by determination and creativity[4]. His transformation from a WWE mid-card talent to a prominent figure in independent wrestling is a testament to the power of mindset.

Matt Cardona’s candid reflections were further echoed during a February 2023 appearance on “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy” podcast, where he described the difficulty of finding his footing after WWE and praised the necessity of his release as a catalyst for growth[2]. He revealed he had already prepared for life after WWE by setting up his Pro Wrestling Tees store right before being cut, demonstrating foresight and business savvy[2].

Today, Cardona’s brand continues to grow, with fans appreciating his authenticity and entrepreneurial spirit. His advice to newly released WWE superstars is to see this transition as an opportunity for reinvention rather than a career setback[4]. As talent cuts remain a constant in wrestling business cycles, Cardona’s approach serves as a valuable case study on how to thrive post-WWE.

In summary, Matt Cardona’s motivation since leaving WWE stems from confidence in his own abilities rather than bitterness about his past. His journey is marked by resilience, business acumen, and a relentless work ethic that has made him a prominent indie wrestling figure and a role model for released talent seeking to rebuild and succeed. According to him and sources close to his career, the key is to “put up or shut up”—to prove your worth on your own terms[1][5].

Sources: Wrestling Inc., Sports Illustrated, Fightful, Pro Wrestling Network, The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy Podcast