As noted before, Matt Cardona made his official return to WWE earlier this month. Following his return, Cardona had cancelled two of his indies bookings this past week due to issues related to him signing with WWE.
Game Changer Wrestling owner Brett Lauderdale commented earlier today on Twitter thanking Cardona for his work and impact he had on both GCW and the indies. Lauderdale also claimed that Cardona’s match against Nick Gage was the biggest indie match of all time.
“I believe that Nick Gage vs Matt Cardona was the biggest indie wrestling match of all time. The anticipation, characters, the storytelling, the timing & the performances. All the planets aligned. Matt & Nick – 2 guys who couldnt have less in common created a masterpiece.
The impact on their careers – monumental. elevating both of them and securing their legacies at the same time.
The impact on GCW, taking what was already the biggest indie and cementing it as the most influential indie of all time.
The aftermath – big buzz & big business 4 all
If you were there that day, you know what you witnessed and what you were a part of. A once in a lifetime experience.
With the nature of today’s business, its unlikely this set of circumstances and this environment could ever be recreated.
It was breathtaking, it was magic.
But let me tell you a little bit about Matt Cardona in GCW…
From day 1 he was a team player. He believed in GCW and believed in our locker room and he wanted to be here. He waved the flag and told everyone that GCW was the place to be. (still does)
He was selfless & generous.
He bought gear & boots for younger members of the roster, without seeking credit or clout.
He worked w everyone and put them *all* over without hesitation.
The memories he created will live forever and ill always be grateful & ill always be a Matt Cardona fan.
Thank you Matt”
I believe that Nick Gage vs Matt Cardona was the biggest indie wrestling match of all time. The anticipation, characters, the storytelling, the timing & the performances. All the planets aligned. Matt & Nick – 2 guys who couldnt have less in common created a masterpiece pic.twitter.com/uBNFoD7e0C
— brett lauderdale (@Lauderdale11) January 14, 2026
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