Multi-time WWE champion remains firm on retirement decision.
Several former superstars have found success outside WWE after they departed from the Stamford-based promotion. The biggest one is arguably Matt Cardona, formerly known as Zack Ryder. Although he is a two-time RAW Tag Team Champion, one-time Intercontinental and United States Champion, his success outside the Stamford-based promotion is more notable.
Matt Cardona has wrestled for several wrestling promotions since his exit from WWE, including Ring of Honor, GCW, TNA, MLW, and more. As a result, he gained the moniker of Indy God and later on, Deathmatch King due to his frequent participation in the stipulation.
In 2021, he retired from Deathmatches after defeating Nick Gage in 2021 at GCW Homecoming. Years later, he remains firm on the decision.
Former WWE Star Matt Cardona Says There’s No More Deathmatches Left In Him
For this year’s Homecoming event, Cardona will face another fellow former WWE talent in Shotzi, who has been using his nickname as the Indy God, causing both stars to trade social media banters. While some are hoping their clash will be a Deathmatch, the four-time champion reaffirms he is retired from the stipulation.
In an interview with TMZ Sports, Matt Cardona was asked if his match with Shotzi at GCW Homecoming in New Jersey on August 23 will be a Deathmatch. The Indy God noted that it wasn’t as he was satisfied about retiring it during his 2021 match with Nick Gage, but promised that the upcoming bout with the former superstar will be violent.
Listen, I’m the Deathmatch King. I beat Nick Gage and I retired as Deathmatch King. I have no more death matches for me. But this this match will get violent, there will be some garage beer involved. It’s actually for the Garage Beer Championship.”
The former WWE champion added that for the GCW Homecoming now feels like his own homecoming, recalling the time he defeated Nick Gage in 2021 for the company’s World Championship.
Matt Cardona versus Shotzi, and you know, when I beat Nick Gage for the GCW World title that was at Homecoming and yes, this event is GCW’s Homecoming. But now I feel like it’s Matt Cardona’s homecoming. I am a part of GCW I’m not an outsider. If anything, I’m an insider. I am GCW.”
Hope you lose both https://t.co/4DnitseBZa
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) August 22, 2025
In other news: Matt Cardona won’t rule out WWE return as Zack Ryder.