Matt Cardona

Matthew Brett Cardona (born May 14, 1985) is an American professional wrestler and actor. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown brand under his real name, stylized as Matt Cardona. He previously performed in WWE from 2006 to 2020 under the ring name Zack Ryder. He is also known for his work on the independent circuit and in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).

Over the course of his time with WWE, Cardona held the Intercontinental, United States, and (Raw) Tag Team Championships (the latter with Curt Hawkins on two occasions). After being released by WWE in April 2020, Cardona made appearances in major wrestling promotions including All Elite Wrestling, Impact Wrestling, and the National Wrestling Alliance, as well as the American independent circuit, most notably in Game Changer Wrestling (GCW). He has since won various championships including the NWA World's Heavyweight Championship, Impact Digital Media Championship, and GCW World Championship. During this time he received critical praise, being named Indie Wrestler of the Year in 2022 and in 2023 by Pro Wrestling Illustrated. He returned to WWE in October 2025 and re-signed to the company in January 2026. He is married to fellow WWE superstar Chelsea Green.

Matthew Brett Cardona (born May 14, 1985) is an American professional wrestler and actor. He is signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown brand under his real name, stylized as Matt Cardona. He previously performed in WWE from 2006 to 2020 under the ring name Zack Ryder. He is also known for his work on the independent circuit and in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA).

Over the course of his time with WWE, Cardona held the Intercontinental, United States, and (Raw) Tag Team Championships (the latter with Curt Hawkins on two occasions). After being released by WWE in April 2020, Cardona made appearances in major wrestling promotions including All Elite Wrestling, Impact Wrestling, and the National Wrestling Alliance, as well as the American independent circuit, most notably in Game Changer Wrestling (GCW). He has since won various championships including the NWA World's Heavyweight Championship, Impact Digital Media Championship, and GCW World Championship. During this time he received critical praise, being named Indie Wrestler of the Year in 2022 and in 2023 by Pro Wrestling Illustrated. He returned to WWE in October 2025 and re-signed to the company in January 2026. He is married to fellow WWE superstar Chelsea Green.