Former WWE star open to return and 'bringing back' Zack Ryder

Former WWE star Matt Cardona had admitted he is open to a return to company at some point and switching back to his well-known Zack Ryder persona. 

Cardona was released by WWE in April 2020, alongside tag team partner Curt Hawkins, and the 37-year-old has enjoyed a successful run outside the company. 

The former Long Island Iced Tea has won championships in both GCW and the NWA – where he is the reigning world champion – as well as notable appearances for both Impact and AEW. That’s without mentioning the success of his Major Podcast network. 

However, he’s not quite left the woo-woo-woo’s behind and speaking recently to Bleacher Report, he confessed he wouldn’t be against bringing back Zack Ryder if WWE were interested. 

I wouldn’t be opposed to coming back as Zack Ryder. I love my ‘Always Ready’ music. It would basically be me, just with the old Zack Ryder name. No more ‘Oh Radio’, none of that stuff, even though Downstait did make the harder zersion of it. 

I would love to come back as me, Matt Cardona, but I think realistically, the WWE has that IP and they’ve invested a lot in that name, so I would have no problem [doing it], even if it was a one-off at the Royal Rumble or something like that. I think it’d be interesting. 

If I were to come out, I don’t know if the people would boo. I think I’d get a huge pop! I think I’d be a babyface again.

Cardona was with WWE for fifteen years, and is a former United States and Intercontinental Champion, and he admitted he’s still in contact with Vince McMahon via infrequent text messages. Leaving the door open to return to the company in the future. 

“I’d be lying if I said I never wanted to wrestle in Madison Square Garden again or never wanted to wrestle in a big stadium for