UMVA has learned that WWE superstar Matt Cardona has revealed a long-held secret about the wrestling world: a bizarre unwritten locker room rule that discouraged wrestlers from acting like fans behind the scenes.
Cardona, a former United States Champion, exclusively shared with us that when he first joined the main roster, he was "so afraid" to break this rule, which meant no photos or autographs with legendary wrestlers, no matter how much he admired them.
He recalled working with iconic wrestlers like Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair, and The Undertaker, all while pretending he wasn't a fan. "It's just strictly business," he explained, revealing a side of the wrestling world that few get to see.
Cardona's experience is a fascinating glimpse into the wrestling world, where legends are made and heroes are revered. He recently got to break this rule when he had an action figure signed by Shawn Michaels, a moment he cherished deeply.
As a lifelong fan of the business, Cardona is living his dream, having returned to WWE earlier this year after years away. He also recently joined the WWE 2K26 game as part of the new Ringside Pass season 3 premium tier, alongside other wrestling legends.
Cardona admitted he felt "honored" to be part of the game and is hoping his old persona, Zack Ryder, can make a comeback. He joked about the possibility of "Matt versus Zack" matches, which would be a dream come true for fans.
The wrestling star acknowledged the delicate balance between his past and present personas, saying that Zack Ryder's legacy helped him become Matt Cardona. He emphasized that both personas are an integral part of his career.
Cardona also opened up about his past struggles, including a difficult period in the early 2010s when he was shoved off stage in a wheelchair by Kane. He laughed about the experience, saying it wasn't the best time in his career but helped him bounce back stronger.
Cardona's wife, Chelsea Green, is also part of the WWE universe, and their relationship has been impacted by their hectic schedules. They recently discovered that Chelsea has a higher rating than Cardona in WWE 2K26, which he jokingly said he wouldn't let her live down.
As Cardona continues his WWE journey, he's determined to make the most of his second chance. He emphasized that he didn't return to WWE just to be another face in the crowd, but to make a lasting impact.
With his sights set on future matches and a renewed sense of purpose, Cardona is ready to unleash his inner aggression and make his mark on the WWE universe once again.
