By Andrew Ravens
Copyright newsweek
Matt Cardona has broken his silence after making his surprise return to WWE, and he has a message for the fans and the locker room: he is “always ready.” In his first comments since returning to the company after a four-year absence, the “Indy God” is already embracing the catchphrase that defined his successful run on the independent circuit.
Cardona made his shocking return on the September 22 episode of “Monday Night Raw,” aligning himself with his wife, Chelsea Green, and her “Secret Hervice” faction. The move sent shockwaves through the wrestling world and marked the end of one of the most successful independent runs in modern history.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by MATT CARDONA (@themattcardona)
Matt Cardona on His WWE Return
In a new interview, Cardona discussed his return and the “Always Ready” moniker that he made famous. He explained that the phrase is more than just a catchphrase; it is a mindset that he has lived by since his first WWE release in 2020.
He stated that he is bringing that same energy and work ethic back to WWE. His first target is the United States Champion, Ricochet, a title he has never held.
Matt Cardona is behind Oba and Eric Young is behind Trick Williams#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/HB499oeC5w— Roman Reigns SZN 💥 (@reigns_era) September 24, 2025
Matt Cardona The “Indy God”
After his WWE release in 2020, Matt Cardona completely reinvented himself on the independent scene. Shedding his “Zack Ryder” persona, he became a brash, arrogant, and often bloody heel. As the self-proclaimed “Indy God,” he traveled the world, capturing championships in numerous promotions, including the NWA and GCW.
His run was a masterclass in self-promotion and character work. He proved that a released WWE star could not only survive but thrive outside of the corporate machine, becoming one of the most talked-about and successful free agents in the world. This reinvention is what has made his return to WWE so highly anticipated.
More news: WWE Superstar Announces Retirement Match
The Long Island Iced-Z
Before he was the “Indy God,” he was the ultimate underdog in WWE. As Zack Ryder, he was one of the first superstars to use social media and a YouTube show to get himself over with the fans. His “Z! True Long Island Story” web series was a grassroots phenomenon that led to the “Ryder Revolution” in 2011, where fans would chant “We Want Ryder” at live events.
This fan support led him to a United States Championship victory and an emotional, career-defining win in the ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 32. His return to the company, this time with a new, more confident persona, is the culmination of a long and unique journey.
More WWE News:
Released WWE Superstar Retires From Pro Wrestling
Released WWE Star Breaks Silence On Departure
Released WWE Star Wants To Join AEW
For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
