• “I think I’d get a huge pop” – Former Intercontinental Champion On Returning To WWE Under His Old Name One Day
Former Intercontinental Champion Zack Ryder (now known as Matt Cardona on the indy scene) was released from WWE in 2020.
Since then, he has evolved his character to become a top name on the indy wrestling scene and won multiple Titles.
During an interview with Bleacher Report, Cardona was asked if he’d like to return to WWE some day as Zack Ryder.
Below is what he said:
“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 a WrestleMania. Of course I would. I’m not saying that.
But I’m also not saying that I’m doing everything I’m doing now thinking, ‘What can I do to get back to WWE?’ or ‘What can I do to go to AEW?’ I don’t give a sh*t. Sorry, I don’t.
If Tony Khan or Vince McMahon or Johnny Ace or Bruce Prichard called me, of course, I’d pick up the phone and have a conversation, but that’s not my goal right now.
There’s certain things I’d have to tone down like the cursing, but other than that, I absolutely think it would [work]. It’s just a different side of me, it’s the evolution.
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 version 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.”
WATCH: Chelsea Green’s Buns Accidentally Exposed In The Ring:
• ON THIS DAY IN WCW HISTORY (June 10, 1989) – NWA World Championship Wrestling
On this day in 1989, Ted Turner’s World Championship Wrestling aired an episode of their weekly TV show ‘NWA World Championship Wrestling’.
This episode from the Center Stage Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia and featured pre-taped matches, interviews & storyline segments on the road to the ‘NWA The Great American Bash 1989’ PPV.
The card can be found here:
Ranger Ross vs. Jim Bryant
The Great Muta vs. Ray Lloyd
Dick Murdoch vs. Fred Avery
The Midnight Express vs. Lee Scott & Keith Steinborn
The Varsity Club vs. Dewayne Bruce & Mark Smith
Wild Bill Irwin vs. Mike Justice
The Dynamic Dudes vs. The New Zealand Militia
The Samoan Swat Team vs. Randy Rose & Bucky Seigler
The Steiner Brothers vs. Snake Brown & The Raider
