Brett Lauderdale Thanks Matt Cardona For How He Helped GCW, Says His Match vs. Nick Gage Was The Biggest Indie Match of All Time

After being released by WWE in April 2020, Matt Cardona hit the independent scene and reinvented himself.

Cardona made an immediate impact by appearing in GCW and facing Nick Gage in a deathmatch to win the GCW Title. Cardona would go on to be the Deathmatch King followed by the Indie God.

In January 2026, Cardona officially returned to WWE.

On social media, GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale praised Cardona’s efforts in GCW.

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

Upon returning to WWE, Cardona revealed he signed his contract with his GCW Title on his lap. You can find his full comments here.