MATT CARDONA

Long Island native Matt Cardona is a former WWE Intercontinental Champion turned self-made wrestling icon who recently returned to World Wrestling Entertainment.

Best known for pioneering social media in pro wrestling with his hit YouTube series Z! True Long Island Story, Cardona made history during his first WWE run at WrestleMania 32, winning the Intercontinental Championship in front of over 101,000 fans.

After his WWE release in 2020, he reinvented himself as the "Deathmatch King"—winning the GCW World Championship and NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship. Expanding his reach into musical theater, he originated the role of Alexander Swagger in the pro-wrestling rock musical The Last Match and featured on its original concept album.

Following high-profile return appearances, Cardona officially re-signed with WWE and joined the SmackDown roster. Outside the ring, he continues to co-host The Major Wrestling Figure Podcast, which has expanded into live tours, a YouTube channel, and its own action figure line.