1. Intercontinental Championship: WrestleMania 32 (2016)
While the United States Championship win was Ryder’s pinnacle “Ryder Revolution” moment, WrestleMania 32 is one of the most emotional victories of his career. He was a late addition to the 7-Man Intercontinental Championship Ladder match when Neville was forced to withdraw after fracturing his ankle. Ryder lobbied WWE brass for the opportunity and convinced them to give him the spot in the match.
The card for the bout was stacked: Ryder, reigning champion Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, Stardust, Sin Cara, and The Miz would all square off for the belt. After a fast-paced match full of thrilling ladder moments, the finish was incredible.
Just as it looked like The Miz was about to win the match after climbing the ladder and reaching for the title, Ryder sprang into action, pushing the ladder and sending The Miz onto the canvas. Ryder would catapult up the ladder and grab the belt for the victory.
The moment earned one of the loudest pops of the night, as Ryder was not expected to win heading into the bout. Against all odds, he came away with the victory and achieved his ultimate WrestleMania moment and the biggest title win of his WWE career.
The burning question is whether Matt Cardona can replicate his past accolades now that he has retired “The Internet Sensation” and “The Long Island Iced-Z” personas. His move to Friday Night SmackDown feels like a strategic win for both parties.
As the show expands to a three-hour format, it desperately needs the star power to fill the void that critics have long highlighted in the roster. With Zack Ryder officially shelved, the wrestling world is watching to see if Matt Cardona can achieve the same level of success and fan following that defined his early career.
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – WikiMedia Creative Commons – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on Matt Cardona and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the significant news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.
You can check out WWE programming on Netflix (Raw), USA Network (SmackDown), The CW (NXT), Tubi (WWE Evolve), A&E (WWE Superstar Sunday – Rivals, WWE LFG, and Greatest Moments), and Peacock (WWE Main Event, as well as archives and premium live event streaming). Follow WWE on social media to relive top moments and matches on YouTube, and catch fast-paced action on X (WWE Speed).
