46 min
017 | Matt Cardona Good Journeys with Second Mountain
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- Society & Culture
Why was Matt Cardona 'released' by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2020? What was his reaction to the news? How has he approached creatively reinventing himself in the face of losing his job, and become one of independent wrestling's biggest stars?
Independent professional wrestler Matt Cardona (formerly Zack Ryder in WWE) joins the #GoodJourneysPod with Second Mountain's Ben Veal to discuss resilience, self-belief and overcoming adversity, and to reflect back on highlights from his illustrious career.
Globally recognised for his work in World Wrestling Entertainment, the NWA, Impact Wrestling, and for promotions across the United States and beyond, Matt debuted in the sport almost 20 years ago now alongside his long-time friend Brian Myers and found fame in WWE, where he would go on to hold the United States, Intercontinental and Raw Tag Team Championships.
In April 2020, early on into the Covid-19 pandemic, Matt was released by WWE and wished all the best in his future endeavours. Over the course of the past three years, Matt has gone on to carve an incredible path for himself as an independent wrestler, competing all over the world, winning multiple championships including the NWA World Heavyweight Title, and elevating his personal brand to new heights through his resilience and faith in his own abilities - being named ‘Independent Wrestler of the Year' in 2022 by leading industry title Pro Wrestling Illustrated.
Matt and Ben - who both lost their jobs within 24 hours of one another at the start of the pandemic - discuss how having self-belief, and knowing your own value, can go a long way.
Away from plying his trade in the squared circle, Matt is also co-host of The Major Wrestling Figure Podcast, star of pro wrestling rock musical The Last Match, husband to fellow wrestling star Chelsea Green, and is always ready to take the next step in his journey.
The interview can be watched in full on Second Mountain Comms' YouTube channel - please do subscribe for future episodes - and listened to widely across all major podcasting platforms. If you have enjoyed this episode, we’d hugely appreciate a rating and positive review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify; it really helps these inspiring journeys to reach others.
Connect with Second Mountain Comms:
Join the conversation: #GoodJourneysPod
Website: www.secondmountaincomms.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/2ndMountainUK
Twitter: www.twitter.com/2ndMountainUK
Instagram: www.instagram.com/secondmountaincomms
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/secondmountaincomms
Connect with Matt Cardona:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/themattcardona
Instagram: www.instagram.com/themattcardona/
Podcast: www.majorwfpod.com
'Good Journeys with Second Mountain' - inspired stories, inspiring people.
Brought to you by Second Mountain Comms - helping good people do good since 2020. This podcast episode produced by Adam Loretz: www.loretzvisuals.co.uk.
Why was Matt Cardona 'released' by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2020? What was his reaction to the news? How has he approached creatively reinventing himself in the face of losing his job, and become one of independent wrestling's biggest stars?
Independent professional wrestler Matt Cardona (formerly Zack Ryder in WWE) joins the #GoodJourneysPod with Second Mountain's Ben Veal to discuss resilience, self-belief and overcoming adversity, and to reflect back on highlights from his illustrious career.
Globally recognised for his work in World Wrestling Entertainment, the NWA, Impact Wrestling, and for promotions across the United States and beyond, Matt debuted in the sport almost 20 years ago now alongside his long-time friend Brian Myers and found fame in WWE, where he would go on to hold the United States, Intercontinental and Raw Tag Team Championships.
In April 2020, early on into the Covid-19 pandemic, Matt was released by WWE and wished all the best in his future endeavours. Over the course of the past three years, Matt has gone on to carve an incredible path for himself as an independent wrestler, competing all over the world, winning multiple championships including the NWA World Heavyweight Title, and elevating his personal brand to new heights through his resilience and faith in his own abilities - being named ‘Independent Wrestler of the Year' in 2022 by leading industry title Pro Wrestling Illustrated.
Matt and Ben - who both lost their jobs within 24 hours of one another at the start of the pandemic - discuss how having self-belief, and knowing your own value, can go a long way.
Away from plying his trade in the squared circle, Matt is also co-host of The Major Wrestling Figure Podcast, star of pro wrestling rock musical The Last Match, husband to fellow wrestling star Chelsea Green, and is always ready to take the next step in his journey.
The interview can be watched in full on Second Mountain Comms' YouTube channel - please do subscribe for future episodes - and listened to widely across all major podcasting platforms. If you have enjoyed this episode, we’d hugely appreciate a rating and positive review on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify; it really helps these inspiring journeys to reach others.
Connect with Second Mountain Comms:
Join the conversation: #GoodJourneysPod
Website: www.secondmountaincomms.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/2ndMountainUK
Twitter: www.twitter.com/2ndMountainUK
Instagram: www.instagram.com/secondmountaincomms
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/secondmountaincomms
Connect with Matt Cardona:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/themattcardona
Instagram: www.instagram.com/themattcardona/
Podcast: www.majorwfpod.com
'Good Journeys with Second Mountain' - inspired stories, inspiring people.
Brought to you by Second Mountain Comms - helping good people do good since 2020. This podcast episode produced by Adam Loretz: www.loretzvisuals.co.uk.
46 min