Matt Cardona, formerly known as Zack Ryder during his time in WWE was eventually released by WWE in 2020, but he became the Indy God in the past few years, becoming a huge star. He even made his AEW Collision debut and now Cardona has proposed a special condition for another match with his rival, presumably referring to a match with Copeland.

The March 30 episode of AEW Collision kicked off with the Rated R superstar issuing an open challenge for his AEW TNT Championship. Fans speculated eagerly about who would step up to face him from the talented AEW roster. However, expectations were shattered when Matt Cardona emerged to answer the challenge.

In a surprising turn of events, Cardona stepped into the ring to confront the former WWE superstar. The ensuing match was entertaining, but ultimately Adam Copeland retained the championship.

In a backstage interview captured by AEW cameras and shared as a digital exclusive on the promotion’s social media platforms, Matt Cardona expressed the significance of his match against Adam Copeland. He emphasized that this wasn’t just any ordinary match, but rather a dream match for him. Cardona reflected on his admiration for Copeland and his desire to emulate his success in the wrestling industry. He acknowledged Copeland’s influence on his career, both as a mentor and as a role model.

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Despite the outcome of the match not being in his favor, Cardona remained determined and resolute. He spoke about his readiness to face Copeland again, this time in his hometown of Long Island, New York. Cardona extended a challenge to Copeland to put the AEW TNT Championship on the line in their rematch.

“Yeah, this isn’t just something I would answer Q&As with on Twitter like, who’s your dream match? This is literally my dream match. I’m not even talking about our history, the Edgeheads, all that. He taught me everything that I know in this business. He saved my career. I’m not even talking about that. I’m saying pre me even being a pro wrestler, looking up to Adam, looking up to Jay. Those were the guys. When they made it to the top of this business, I thought maybe someone like me can and to have this match, honestly, I thought it wasn’t gonna happen. Adam had to retire, he comes back.”

”We’re not in the same company, but alwayz ready, right? It’s not just a nickname or hashtag or catchphrase. It’s the way I live my life, my career, and everything that he’s taught me. Over the years, even things that he doesn’t know he taught me just by me watching. Before I knew him, even now, he’s the Rated R superstar, but because of what he taught me, I’m the self made superstar and I didn’t win tonight. But Adam, if you’re watching this, maybe we go to Long Island, New York, my hometown, put that title on the line, cause I’m alwayz ready.”

Nevertheless, the future status of Matt Cardona within AEW remains uncertain, so we will have to wait and see if he will make further appearances on AEW television.

Were you shocked to see Matt Cardona in AEW after so long? Let us know in the comments section below!

Subhojeet Mukherjee

Subhojeet is a professional wrestling fan for over 22 years. He got captivated by the sport during the Monday Night Wars and has a passion for it ever since. He also enjoys TV shows, movies, anime, novels and music, which broadens his perspective and appreciation for wrestling. He is a knowledgeable and respected voice in the industry.

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