What Do You Wanna Talk About? with Cody Rhodes

Episode: Matt Cardona – WWE x Fanatics
Date: March 25, 2026

Episode Overview

Cody Rhodes welcomes the newly returned Matt Cardona aboard the podcast for a candid, lively, and often hilarious deep dive into Cardona’s journey inside and outside WWE. Amid stories both fresh and classic, they discuss the struggle of reinvention, the lessons learned on the indies, the evolving wrestling business, and what makes a true star today. Alongside wrestling philosophy and career goals, you’ll also find plenty of laughter about theme parks, Star Wars, and the little details that only come from real friendship.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Return of Matt Cardona: A New Blueprint

• Cardona’s WWE return is celebrated, following his years of forging an explosive path on the independent scene and “creating an entirely new blueprint.”
• Cody highlights Matt's transformation:

  "Zack Ryder needed to die for Matt Cardona to live."
  (Matt Cardona, 07:57)

2. Reinvention and Self-Promotion on the Indies

• Matt describes his initial shock at indie conditions ("couldn’t believe you can't get a case of water" – 04:33), the mindset of presenting himself as a star, and high production values (entrances in Ghostbusters cars, ring gear, social media promos).
• Both men relate this to Drew McIntyre’s approach, but Cody emphasizes:

  "I think you made it a very, very much a different blueprint."
  (Cody, 21:19)

• Matt’s “Death Match King” persona was a calculated move to be the WWE guy everyone loved to hate on the indies.
• Investment in one’s own presentation, even at a personal cost, is underscored by Cody and Matt.

3. Defining Moments: The GCW Death Match

• Matt's infamous death match with Nick Gage is explored in depth—nerves, blood, and the power of story.
• He confesses his surprise at how much it changed his career:

  "In the moment, I knew this is going to change my career."
  (Matt, 26:13)

• Cody presses the importance of story over spectacle:

  "If there's not a story, then it's just indulgence."
  (Cody, 25:42)

4. Advice for Young Wrestlers & The Importance of Connection

• Cody and Matt debate what makes a star today: not just moves, but connecting with the audience.
• Matt's advice for aspiring wrestlers:

  "Don't quit. You might make it if you don't quit. You definitely won't make it if you do."
  (Matt, 34:23)

• Promos and authentic interaction are lauded as the "ticket to a career."

5. The Modern WWE Locker Room, Hustle, and Effort

• Both explore changes in the WWE culture, hustle, and self-presentation, expressing amusement at generational differences (“I’m not going to wear sweatpants on a run-in…” – Cody, 36:47).
• Matt’s pride in earning every moment:

  "Now that I'm here, I'm going to do whatever I can. And if I'm not...I'm still going to show up like I'm in the main event."
  (Matt, 37:27)

6. Mentorship, Influence, and the Indie Landscape

• Matt names Ben Bishop and Richard Holiday as indie standouts for their hustle and social media effort (31:37).
• The challenge of reinvention, staying relevant, and enjoying the direct hustle of meet and greets and selling merch.

7. Personal Life: Relationship with Chelsea Green & Friendship with Cody

• Stories about meeting Chelsea (with credit to Cody & Brandi), their wedding, and balancing life with three dogs, three cats, and a busy wrestling schedule (58:10).
• Matt and Cody’s evolving friendship, former rivalry, and how theme parks helped them bond (63:22).

8. Philosophy & Motivation: The Pursuit of Excellence

• The pair examine the challenge of always “being on”—from branding to gym life, to fan interactions.
• Cody notes:

  "It's not strange to pursue excellence."
  (Cody, 40:56)

• Both agree that now these habits aren’t performative but fundamental to identity.

9. Legacy, Career Milestones, and Family

• Matt’s highest WWE moment: winning the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania and sharing it with his dad (69:47).
• On life's ups & downs:

  "If you ever did it, don't count that person out."
  (Cody, 70:41)

• Cardona’s pursuit of the WWE Championship remains his chief goal:

  "I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to be the WWE Champ...that's the goal ever since I was a little kid."
  (Matt, 15:04)

10. Fun & Game: Drinks, Air Basketball, and Pop Culture

• Their shared theme park adventures, Star Wars rankings (Matt’s #1 is A New Hope, #2 is Force Awakens), and playful rivalry over who buys drinks.
• Matt’s legendary collecting hobby, from action figures to his hunt for the Greg Valentine grail (72:22).

11. Dream Team & Closing Sentiments

• Matt’s dream team: Chelsea, Cody, Brian Myers, Ziggler (Nick Nemeth), The Miz, and Kit Wilson (82:23).
• Affirmation of their real-life friendship and mutual support.
• Cody:

  "I hope that happens. A World Championship...and I hope to hold you to it."
  (Cody, 80:52)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Zack Ryder needed to die for Matt Cardona to live.”
  — Matt Cardona, 07:57

• “Don't quit. Of course, you might make it if you don't quit. You definitely won't make it if you do.”
  — Matt Cardona, 34:23

• “It’s not strange to pursue excellence.”
  — Cody Rhodes, 40:56

• “If you ever did it, don’t count that person out.”
  — Cody Rhodes, 70:41

• On Death Match wrestling and audience buzz:

  “People, whether they bought or just wanted to see it…that night, it trended #1, over the Olympics.”
  — Matt Cardona, 23:57

• Matt Cardona on being back in WWE:

  “It feels like, well, I’m supposed to be here. I hate to use the word ‘deserve…’ I think I’ve earned an opportunity to be back here. This is the ultimate opportunity."
  (Matt, 61:09)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro/Setting – [01:39]
• Cardona’s Indie Persona/Blueprint – [03:36]
• Cody Lie/Mythbuster Game – [05:03]
• The Death of Zack Ryder – [07:57]
• Fantasy WWE 2K Match & 2K News – [09:03]
• How Cardona Got Back to WWE – [13:38]
• Cardona’s Dreams & Goals – [14:57]
• Leaving WWE: No Plan, New Hustle – [19:00]
• The Nick Gage Death Match Story – [22:31 to 26:18]
• Connecting with Fans & Indie Advice – [27:25 to 30:29]
• Who’s Crushing It on the Indies? – [31:20]
• Locker Room & Modern WWE Culture – [35:19]
• Philosophy on Star Power & Effort – [38:45]
• Wedding, Chelsea Green, and Life Outside the Ring – [49:56 onward]
• Wrestling Moves, Bumps, and Producers – [46:51 to 49:37]
• Collecting & Action Figures Segment – [72:04]
• Dream Team & Show Close – [80:32 onward]

Final Thoughts

This episode showcases the chemistry between Cody and Matt, blending genuine admiration with brotherly jabs. Cardona’s path is painted as both blueprint and cautionary tale: equal parts hustle, heartbreak, and stubborn self-belief. The conversation delivers valuable insights for fans and wrestlers alike—about success, reinvention, and the ever-shifting map of the wrestling industry.

For anyone curious about the realities of WWE life, lessons from the indie grind, or what true wrestling brotherhood sounds like, this episode is a must-listen.