WWE Black Wednesday Releases 5 Years Later - Where Are They Now?

3. Zack Ryder (Matt Cardona)

Matt Cardona TNA
TNA

Few have thrived outside WWE's walls more than the artist formerly known as Zack Ryder. In 2022, he made wads of cash. One Matt Cardona remains one of the hardest grafters on the independent scene - he's a popular booking for various promoters, and has spent cups of coffee in leagues like AEW, TNA, MLW, the NWA, Game Changer Wrestling and more since leaving WWE behind.

Or...has he left WWE behind? Rumours are rife that a comeback is inevitable. Fans would pop for it, but most of the rumours seem to centre around the fact Cardona's real-life wife Chelsea Green is doing so well for herself under Triple H's management. That, as Matt has pointed out, doesn't mean he needs to follow her back to his old employer.

He might, but nothing's nailed on.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.