Matt Cardona's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 28, 2026

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Matt Cardona.

Matt Cardona, formerly known as Zack Ryder, is an American professional wrestler and actor. He initially gained prominence in WWE from 2006 to 2020. After his WWE departure, Cardona became a significant figure on the independent wrestling scene and also had a stint in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). He has since returned to WWE, where he currently performs on the SmackDown brand using his real name. Cardona is recognized for his in-ring work and his ability to reinvent himself throughout his career.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

January 25, 2006: Second NYWC Tag Team Championship

On January 25, 2006, Brett Matthews and Brian Myers won the NYWC Tag Team Championship for the second time by defeating Team Tremendous.

2010: Slammy Award

Zack Ryder won a 2010 Slammy Award for Most Annoying Catchphrase.

July 2011: Featured in Sports Illustrated

In July 2011, Zack Ryder was featured in Sports Illustrated's list of the 100 most influential Twitter users in sports.

December 2012: Singles victory on Raw

Matt Cardona's last singles victory on Raw was in December 2012. This was before his victory in 2014.

February 5, 2013: "Hoeski" Peaked on iTunes Pop Chart

On February 5, 2013, Zack Ryder's song "Hoeski" peaked at No. 92 on the iTunes Pop Music chart.

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2021: Independent Promotions Work Begins

Beginning in 2021, Matt Cardona worked on several independent promotions, most notably Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), leading to recognition as the "Indy God".

2022: Indie Wrestler of the Year

In 2022, Matt Cardona was named Indie Wrestler of the Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated.

2022: Pro Wrestling Illustrated Indie Wrestler of the Year Award

In 2022, Matt Cardona won the Pro Wrestling Illustrated Indie Wrestler of the Year award.

2023: DDT Universal Championship Win

In 2023, Matt Cardona appeared with Japanese promotion DDT Pro-Wrestling, defeating Tetsuya Endo for the DDT Universal Championship at Wrestle Peter Pan 2023.