# Matt Cardona > American professional wrestler **Wikidata**: [Q139880](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q139880) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Cardona) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/matt-cardona ## Summary Matt Cardona, born Matthew Brett Cardona on May 14, 1985, is an American professional wrestler best known by his ring name Zack Ryder. He gained prominence in WWE as part of the tag teams Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder and The Hype Bros, and later as a member of the wrestling stable La Familia. Beyond wrestling, he has built a significant presence on YouTube and social media, contributing to his status as a multi-platform entertainer. ## Biography - Born: May 14, 1985 - Nationality: United States - Education: University of Maryland, George Washington University - Known for: Professional wrestling career in WWE and independent promotions, YouTube content creation - Employer(s): WWE (2007–2016, 2021–2022), Impact Wrestling (2017), All Elite Wrestling (2022–present) - Field(s): Professional wrestling, entertainment, digital media ## Contributions Matt Cardona has made several key contributions to professional wrestling and digital entertainment: - Competed in WWE as Zack Ryder, forming the tag teams Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder and The Hype Bros - Founded and led the YouTube channel "Zack Ryder's Ultimate Broski Training," which has amassed over 220,000 subscribers and 39 million views - Created and starred in the web series "Internet Beef Log," a comedic commentary show - Participated in the formation and activities of the wrestling stable La Familia - Maintained a strong social media presence with over 132,000 followers on Instagram and 2.2 million on TikTok ## FAQs **What is Matt Cardona best known for?** Matt Cardona is best known as a professional wrestler under the name Zack Ryder, competing in WWE, Impact Wrestling, and AEW. He is also recognized for his YouTube content and social media influence. **Where has Matt Cardona worked?** Cardona worked for WWE from 2007 to 2016 and again from 2021 to 2022. He also wrestled for Impact Wrestling from 2017 to 2021 and joined All Elite Wrestling in 2022. **What are Matt Cardona’s online activities?** He runs a popular YouTube channel, "Zack Ryder's Ultimate Broski Training," and maintains a strong presence on Instagram and TikTok, engaging with fans through vlogs, wrestling content, and comedic skits. **What wrestling groups has Matt Cardona been part of?** He was part of the tag teams Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder and The Hype Bros in WWE, and later joined the stable La Familia. **What is Matt Cardona’s real name?** His birth name is Matthew Brett Cardona. ## Why They Matter Matt Cardona represents a bridge between traditional sports entertainment and modern digital media. His success on YouTube and social platforms has demonstrated how wrestlers can leverage personal branding beyond the ring. His influence extends to inspiring a new generation of performers to use digital platforms for career development and audience engagement. His work with La Familia and WWE has also contributed to evolving storylines and character dynamics in professional wrestling. ## Notable For - Competing in WWE as Zack Ryder from 2007 to 2016 and again from 2021 to 2022 - Member of the professional wrestling stable La Familia - Co-founding the tag teams Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder and The Hype Bros - Amassing over 220,000 YouTube subscribers and 39 million views on his channel - Hosting the web series "Internet Beef Log" - Competing in Impact Wrestling from 2017 to 2021 - Joining All Elite Wrestling in 2022 - Maintaining over 132,000 followers on Instagram and 2.2 million on TikTok - Being part of wrestling history as one of the few wrestlers to transition from WWE to AEW successfully ## Body ### Early Life and Education Matt Cardona was born Matthew Brett Cardona on May 14, 1985. He pursued higher education in the United States, attending the University of Maryland and George Washington University. His academic background laid the foundation for his later career in professional wrestling and digital media. ### Professional Wrestling Career Cardona began his professional wrestling career in 2004. He rose to prominence in WWE under the ring name Zack Ryder, where he became known for his charismatic persona and catchphrases like "Raaaayd to Faaaame!". #### WWE Tenure (2007–2016, 2021–2022) In WWE, Cardona formed the tag teams Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder and later The Hype Bros. These teams were known for their comedic and energetic performances. He also became a founding member of the wrestling stable La Familia in November 2007, which played a significant role in WWE programming. #### Independent Circuit and Impact Wrestling (2017–2021) After departing WWE in 2016, Cardona joined Impact Wrestling in 2017, where he continued to build his reputation as a versatile performer. His time in Impact Wrestling further solidified his standing in the industry. #### All Elite Wrestling (2022–Present) In 2022, Cardona joined All Elite Wrestling, marking a new chapter in his career. His return to mainstream wrestling brought renewed attention to his in-ring abilities and promotional skills. ### Digital Media and YouTube Cardona has successfully leveraged digital platforms to expand his influence. His YouTube channel, "Zack Ryder's Ultimate Broski Training," has over 220,000 subscribers and 39 million total views. The channel features vlogs, workout routines, and behind-the-scenes content, showcasing his life both in and out of the ring. He also hosts "Internet Beef Log," a web series that blends comedy and commentary, further establishing his brand as a multi-faceted entertainer. ### Social Media Presence Cardona maintains a robust online presence with: - 132,000 followers on Instagram - 2.2 million followers on TikTok - Over 147,000 followers on Twitter These platforms allow him to engage directly with fans, share personal updates, and promote his wrestling and media ventures. ### Wrestling Stables and Teams Cardona has been part of several notable wrestling factions: - **La Familia**: A stable formed in November 2007, which played a significant role in WWE storylines. - **Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder**: A tag team known for their humorous and underdog personas. - **The Hype Bros**: Another WWE tag team that brought a high-energy, entertaining dynamic to the ring. ### Personal Brand and Legacy Matt Cardona's legacy lies in his ability to adapt and thrive in both traditional wrestling and modern digital landscapes. His influence on social media and YouTube has redefined how wrestlers can build and maintain a personal brand. His career trajectory—from WWE to Impact Wrestling to AEW—demonstrates his resilience and adaptability in a competitive industry. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 3. Library of Congress Control Number 4. The Movie Database 5. YouTube API 6. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/matt-cardona-107ZzmUqVo/appearances)