Former Intercontinental Champion teases a blockbuster return to WWE with a five-word message

A former Intercontinental Champion has hinted at a potential blockbuster WWE return with a five-word message on social media. The talent in question is none other than Matt Cardona.

The New York native had gained a massive fanbase through his work in WWE, where he competed under the moniker Zack Ryder. Despite his popularity and undeniable connection with the audiences, Cardona was released by the Stamford-based promotion in 2020. However, the former US Champion continued to ply his trade in the independent circuit, where he completely re-invented himself as a character and where he has consequently found a lot of success, wrestling under his real name of Matt Cardona.

On April 15 this year, The Death Match King posted a video on X/Twitter recalling his WWE release four years ago and reflecting on his prolific career in the indies since then. Cardona recently reposted the same video with an intriguing caption, seemingly teasing a potential return to the sports entertainment juggernaut.

"Almost time for the comeback..." wrote Cardona.

Check out Matt Cardona's tweet below:

Since being released by WWE, Cardona has appeared in numerous promotions, including GCW, NWA, MLW, and TNA. He also made a few appearances in AEW in 2020 and more recently in 2024, unsuccessfully challenging his former mentor Adam Copeland for the TNT Championship on AEW Collision in March earlier this year.

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Former WWE Superstar Matt Cardona sent a message to Bobby Lashley

According to recent reports, former WWE Champion Bobby Lashley may be on his way out of the Triple H-led company as his contract with the promotion is set to run out soon. His former manager, MVP, is also reportedly not expected to be back in the company. Furthermore, speculations have snowballed regarding the duo potentially revamping The Hurt Business in AEW, alongside Shelton Benjamin.

Amidst the spurt of rumors surrounding his in-ring future, Lashley recently received a message from former Intercontinental Champion Matt Cardona. The Indy God took to X/Twitter to claim that The All-Mighty was responsible for "killing" the Zack Ryder character in WWE, seemingly alluding to a squash match between the two on a March 2020, episode of Monday Night RAW which saw Lashley defeat The Long Island Iced-Z. Furthermore, Cardona seemingly challenged Lashley to a match in GCW.

"@fightbobby killed Zack Ryder. Matt Cardona would like to thank him… in a @GCWrestling_ring!"

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Bobby Lashley and Matt Cardona and whether they will cross paths in a pro wrestling ring anytime soon.