Former WWE star Matt Cardona has openly discussed his mindset following his release from WWE, emphasizing that his motivation stems not from bitterness but from a strong desire to prove his worth in wrestling. In a recent in-depth interview with Sports Illustrated, Cardona revealed he was offered a five-year WWE contract about a year before parting ways with the company in 2020 but ultimately chose not to sign it, leading to his release during the COVID-19 pandemic[1].
Reflecting on the moment he was let go, Cardona said, “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.’” Despite the setback, he was determined to build a career on his own terms rather than be driven by negativity or resentment[1].
Instead of accepting a roster spot with TNA, where many of his peers were headed, Cardona sought to stand out. He also worked several shows with AEW during the summer after his WWE departure but never received an offer to join full-time. “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,” he explained[1].
Cardona’s approach since leaving WWE has been marked by relentless work ethic, character reinvention, and smart business moves. As detailed in a Sescoops interview, he developed new personas such as “The Death Match King” and “The Complete” Matt Cardona, distancing himself from the Zack Ryder identity that WWE fans knew him for. Cardona embraced the grueling independent circuit grind, treating wrestling as a business and leveraging social media and merchandise sales to grow his brand[3].
Despite his success on the independent scene with promotions like GCW, NWA, and appearances on AEW and Impact Wrestling, Cardona remains open to signing with WWE, AEW, or TNA if the right opportunity arises. He revealed that he has a good relationship with WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H and often keeps him updated on his career, though he’s still surprised no major promotion has extended a formal contract offer recently[1][4].
Sources close to Cardona say his willingness to keep doors open rests on finding roles with creative intent beyond just collecting paychecks. “I don’t want to just collect a check. Been there, done that,” Cardona told 411Mania about a potential AEW deal[4]. This strategic mindset highlights his evolution from a mid-card WWE star to an entrepreneurial independent wrestling standout.
In addition to personal motivation, Cardona has become a vocal supporter of fellow wrestlers recently released by WWE. Amid the 2025 WWE roster cuts, he encouraged released talent on social media to see their departure as a chance to reinvent and take control of their careers. “You can fade, you can coast or you can work,” he tweeted, outlining three paths for former WWE wrestlers: fade away, coast on past WWE fame, or reinvent through hard work as he did[2][3][5].
His uplifting message resonates with many going through the uncertain phase of post-WWE life, offering a blueprint fueled by perseverance, adaptability, and self-belief. Cardona’s own journey exemplifies how a wrestler can redefine success outside the confines of WWE’s global platform.
In summary, Matt Cardona’s post-WWE career is characterized by a motivation centered on self-validation and professional growth rather than bitterness. His ability to reinvent himself, capitalize on opportunities in the indies, and maintain openness to major promotions speaks to a forward-looking mindset. As Cardona continues to build on his reputation as “The Indy God,” wrestling fans and insiders watch closely for what’s next in his evolving story[1][3][4][5].