If you’ve been watching Chelsea Green absolutely crush it in the ring lately, you already know she’s one of the most entertaining personalities in wrestling. She has that "it" factor. But behind the scenes, away from the Karen-inspired tantrums and the championship gold, fans are constantly asking: who is Chelsea Green married to?
It’s no secret to the hardcore wrestling community, but if you’re just tuning in, the answer is Matt Cardona.
You might remember him as Zack Ryder from his long stint in WWE, but honestly, he’s become something way bigger than that "Woo Woo Woo" guy. Today, they are essentially the power couple of the industry. They’ve managed to do what few others can: stay relevant, stay employed, and stay obsessed with each other while navigating the absolute chaos of professional wrestling.
The Story of Chelsea Green and Matt Cardona
The way these two met is actually kinda sweet, in a "wrestlers are just normal people" way. They didn’t meet at a big stadium show or a glitzy after-party.
They were actually set up.
Believe it or not, it was Cody Rhodes and his wife Brandi who played matchmaker. Back in 2017, Brandi was working at Impact Wrestling with Chelsea and kept mentioning this guy "Zack Ryder." Chelsea wasn't exactly jumping at the bit to date another wrestler. Matt felt the same. He’d been through the ringer and wasn't looking for a "wrestling chick."
Eventually, Matt slid into her DMs. Classic.
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They went on a date to a place called Cowfish at CityWalk in Orlando. Apparently, the spark was instant. Despite the "I’m not dating a wrestler" rule both of them had, they were pretty much inseparable from that night on.
The New Year's Eve Wedding
After getting engaged in April 2019—right on Chelsea's birthday—they had to deal with the same nightmare everyone else did in 2020. The pandemic. Their wedding got pushed back and delayed, which is enough to stress any couple out, let alone two people whose careers were in total flux.
They finally tied the knot on December 31, 2021.
It was a New Year's Eve bash in Las Vegas at the Chelsea Tower at Cosmopolitan. Talk about branding, right? The guest list was a literal "Who's Who" of the wrestling world. We're talking:
- The Miz and Maryse
- Dolph Ziggler
- Britt Baker
- Deonna Purrazzo
It wasn't just a wedding; it was a transition. At the time, both had been released from WWE and were proving to the world they didn't need a corporate machine to be stars.
Are They Still Together in 2026?
Yes. Absolutely.
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In fact, as of early 2026, their relationship is arguably the strongest it’s ever been. While Chelsea has been a mainstay on WWE television, Matt spent a long time as the "Indie God," winning every title under the sun across the independent circuit.
There was a lot of speculation for years about when Matt would return to WWE to join his wife. Fans finally got their wish in late 2025 when Matt made a shock return to the company. Seeing them both under the same roof again has been a massive highlight for fans who followed their journey through the "wilderness" of the independent scene.
They aren't just a couple; they're a brand. They have the Major Wrestling Figure Podcast, they travel together, and they constantly troll each other on social media. Honestly, if you aren't following their banter on X (formerly Twitter), you're missing out on half the fun.
What Makes Them Work?
Wrestling marriages are notoriously difficult. The travel schedule is grueling. You’re on the road 300 days a year, often in different cities or even different countries.
Chelsea and Matt seem to have figured out the secret sauce.
- Shared Ambition: Both of them are self-proclaimed "hustlers." When they were fired, they didn't sit around and mope. They got to work.
- The "Indie" Mindset: They treat their careers like a business. Matt is obsessed with toys and marketing; Chelsea is a master of character work. They bounce ideas off each other constantly.
- Support System: When Chelsea won the Women’s United States Championship, Matt was the first person screaming about it on the internet. He’s her biggest fan, and she’s his.
The "Deathmatch King" and the "Karen"
It’s hilarious to look at their on-screen personas versus their real life. Matt became the "Deathmatch King," bleeding in high-school gyms for the sake of the craft. Chelsea perfected the "delusional Karen" character that makes everyone love to hate her.
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In real life? They’re just two people who love cats, Disney, and collecting action figures. It’s that groundedness that seems to keep them together while their professional lives are peak insanity.
What’s Next for the Cardonas?
Now that both are back in the WWE orbit as of 2026, the possibilities are endless. We’ve already seen hints of them appearing on screen together again. Whether they eventually form a formal "Power Couple" stable or continue to dominate their respective divisions, they’ve proven that they are better together.
If you’re looking to keep up with them, the best way is to watch SmackDown or check out their podcast. They are incredibly open about their lives, their struggles with the industry, and their love for the business.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Follow the banter: Check their social media on Friday nights; their "live-tweeting" of each other's matches is gold.
- Listen to the Pod: If you want to hear the "real" Matt and Chelsea, the Major Wrestling Figure Podcast gives a lot of insight into their home life and their insane collection of memorabilia.
- Watch the Replays: Go back and look at their run in GCW (Game Changer Wrestling) from a few years ago. It’s where they really solidified their status as the most hated—and respected—couple in the business.
They’ve turned a professional relationship into a lifelong partnership that actually seems to thrive under the bright lights. In an industry known for heartbreak, Chelsea Green and Matt Cardona are the rare exception that actually works.