Matt Cardona has officially made his return to WWE, bringing a heartfelt message to fans worldwide. After a surprise appearance on the January 2, 2026 episode of SmackDown, Cardona—previously known as Zack Ryder—issued a detailed and emotional statement reflecting on his release from WWE, his journey of reinvention, and his triumphant comeback under his real name. This return marks a significant milestone for the self-reliant star who carved out a reputation as an indie wrestling icon after his WWE departure in 2020.
Cardona recounted the moment of his release on April 15, 2020, calling it a heartbreaking yet formative experience that made him appreciate his WWE tenure. Instead of dwelling on the setback, he chose to bet on himself by reinventing his career independently and working harder than ever. He shared, “I had three choices: feel sorry for myself, abandon the WWE identity, or reinvent myself and outwork everyone. I picked the third.” His ultimate goal was to return to WWE, which he achieved on January 2, 2026, announcing, “Matt Cardona is back in WWE, and I’m far from done!”
He also expressed deep gratitude toward the independent wrestling community for supporting him over the last five years, thanking promoters, opponents, and fans alike. Cardona encouraged perseverance, saying, “Don’t quit. Success might come without quitting, but it will never come if you give up. I followed that advice and never quit.”
WWE has confirmed Cardona’s official membership on SmackDown, marking the end of the Zack Ryder persona, with WWE’s social media humorously noting, “That was the case with Zack Ryder last year.” Cardona’s return signifies more than just a nostalgic moment—it heralds the start of an exciting new chapter in his wrestling career.
Fan Take: Cardona’s comeback is significant for WWE fans because it symbolizes resilience and evolution, qualities that resonate deeply within the wrestling world. His return under his real name hints at fresh storylines and opportunities that could invigorate the SmackDown roster and captivate audiences moving forward.
