Matt Cardona has been one of the top names on the independent scene since his WWE release in 2020, competing in GCW, NWA, REVOLVER, MLW, and more.
He's also made appearances on AEW and ROH TV, including challenging Chris Jericho for the ROH World Title at ROH Final Battle.
With WWE Royal Rumble around the corner, Ariel Helwani asked Cardona on the MMA Hour about a potential return to WWE.
“There’s been communication but no offer in any way. Listen, every year, I’ve had gear ready for the Royal Rumble [laughs], every year. I always have it just in case. You never know. I have it just in case [for this year]. Well, I’ve had it for the past couple years [laughs]. It still fits. I will be there for WrestleCon. I’m gonna be there anyway [laughs]. I’ll probably have the gear because I’m always ready," he said.
Asked if he looks at guys on WWE and thinks he should be in their spot, Cardona replied, “I don’t care how you define success. Money, accolades, happiness, I’m the most successful I’ve ever been in my career right now. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want another WrestleMania moment or to wrestle at Madison Square Garden, or to be on SmackDown with my wife. Of course I do. I don’t think I’ve deserved anything. I hate the word ‘deserve.’ I think I’ve earned the opportunity to go back. I don’t feel like it’s being cocky to say that if my music hit at the Royal Rumble, whether it be Zack Ryder or Matt Cardona, the place would explode, the roof would go off the place. Social media would explode. I’d move merch. I know that. I haven’t been offered anything."
Asked why he hasn't been offered any type of deal, Cardona said, "I do not know. There’s been communication, very cordial, but there’s been no offer, and that’s fine. I can’t live my life like, ‘Oh my god, are they gonna call me back?’ But if they do, I’m always ready. I’ve worked my ass for five years to reinvent myself. I truly believe that I have. I truly believe I’ve changed the game. I would love to go back if the circumstances were correct."
Finally, Cardona was asked if he thought it was personal.
"No, I don’t think so. I don’t think so one bit. I think it’s all timing. Right place, right time, and that’s why I am always ready. No matter what opportunity comes my way, you gotta be alway ready. This business is all about timing and being ready when that opportunity presents itself. I feel like the timing has to be right. I’m almost 40, but like I said, age is just a number, haven’t missed a beat in the ring. Definitely got better in the ring since I was in WWE. I’ve learned so much as a performer, as a man. I feel like I truly understand this business, everything about it, the business side and the wrestling side, being on the independents. I hate the deserve, I don’t think I deserve to be back, but I think I’ve worked my ass off, and I believe I’ve earned an opportunity. If I go out there and I shit the bed, get rid of me. If I go out there and nobody gives a damn, get rid of me. I don’t think that’s gonna happen," he stated.
Cardona is set to hold an open challenge at The People vs. GCW on Sunday, January 19.
Elsewhere during the interview, Cardona confirmed he was not offered a deal by AEW after ROH Final Battle. You can find his full comments by clicking here.
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