Zack Ryder

Zack Ryder rose to mainstream prominence as a true underdog and online pioneer, using social media, especially his “Z! True Long Island Story” YouTube show, to win over fans in a way WWE had never seen before.

With loud catchphrases, spiked hair, and bright neon gear, he turned that groundswell of support into real success in the ring, winning the WWE United States Championship and the Intercontinental Championship along with two WWE World Tag Team Championship reigns, one in 2008 and the other in 2019.

After leaving WWE in 2020 and wrestling as Matt Cardona, he rebuilt himself as the self-proclaimed “Indy God,” claiming world titles in promotions such as GCW and the NWA while shifting from internet comedy act to hard-hitting deathmatch wrestler and reliable independent main eventer.

He returned to WWE in November 2025 to take part in The Last Time Is Now tournament for a chance to become John Cena’s final opponent, reminding everyone how strong his connection with fans still is, even as his long-term future in the promotion remains uncertain.