WWE Rumor Roundup - Randy Orton added to "disabled/inactive" list; superstar admits he wanted to get released; backstage reaction to CM Punk's AEW situation (24th July 2021) 

#4. Matt Cardona admits to being happy about his WWE release

Matt Cardona, aka Zack Ryder, has enjoyed a solid run since leaving WWE as he has worked for several prominent companies. Cardona spent 15 years with WWE and recently spoke about his release on Oral Sessions with Renée Paquette, which had his fiancé Chelsea Green as the guest host.

We are #ALWAYZREADY to win the @impactwrestling #Homecoming Tournament! pic.twitter.com/qDCAINiw2M

— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) July 24, 2021

Cardona was released during the first round of budget cuts in April 2020, and the former Intercontinental Champion was hoping to be shown the door.

Matt Cardona recalled that his contract was set to expire in August, and he wasn't sure whether he wanted to stay with the WWE. The former WWE Tag Team Champion was aware of the incoming releases and wanted to be on the list of outgoing talent.

Cardona added that he lived in anxiety for a year over his contract status with WWE and was glad that the WWE release saved him from experiencing more stress. While the COVID-19 pandemic wasn't too kind on Ryder, he was happy about ending a lengthy tenure with the WWE.

Here's what Cardona had to say:

"I knew the releases were coming that day and my biggest fear was that they weren't going to release me because my contract was up in August," Cardona said. "I had not re-signed; I didn't know if I wanted to stay and go. So I was like, 'oh my god, I hope they don't not release me, and I just rot until August.' So once I saw people going, I was like, 'oh please. Please fire me!' I already had my Pro Wrestling Tees store set up. Listen, losing your dream job sucks. The paycheck coming in every week and then not coming in sucks. But it was time to go. And ultimately, the decision was made for me because I was living with anxiety for over a year negotiating this new deal. And then when the decision was made for me, it was like 'okay. It's made.'"

The former US Champion recently captured the GCW title in a brutal death match against Nick Gage and was pelted with bottles from a wild crowd. It's safe to say that the former WWE star is thriving as a heel!