Matt Cardona: I Want John Cena at WrestleMania 40
Matt Cardona may not be a WWE Superstar, but the former Long Island Iced-Z has big plans for WrestleMania 40 next year in Philadelphia.
Since being released from WWE as part of the April 15, 2020, budget cuts, Cardona has proven to be a hit on the independent scene. The former Zack Ryder has gone from a beloved jobber to one of the most loathed heels in various promotions. Cardona's change of character has also been reflected in his win record, as he has had reigns as NWA World Champion and GCW World Champion.
When Triple H replaced John Lauriniatis as Head of Talent Relations, the Game wasted no time in bringing back former Superstars. It was around that time that Cardona began teasing his return to WWE, and teased entering the Men's Royal Rumble earlier this year. Taking to Twitter this week, Cardona again teased a return and said he hopes to face John Cena at WrestleMania 40 next year.
While the notion of Cena Vs. Cardona may seem odd at first, but there is a background between the two. In late 2011 and early 2012, Cena's feud with Kane proved to be quite painful for the then-Zack Ryder, who was routinely attacked by the Big Red Machine.
During the storyline, Ryder would begin an on-screen relationship with Eve Torres. Their relationship would go through difficulties, especially when Torres kissed Cena in front of Ryder (now in a wheelchair due to the attacks by Kane.) Their relationship officially ended when Ryder was low-blowed at WrestleMania 28, cementing the former Divas Champion's heel turn.
