Matt Cardona, formerly known as Zack Ryder, made a surprising return to WWE on the opening episode of SmackDown in 2026. Presenting himself under his real name, Cardona faced off against Kit Wilson and secured a straightforward victory, marking a significant moment since his initial WWE win over six years ago. WWE announcer Michael Cole shared that Cardona’s reappearance wasn’t a one-time event; he was part of John Cena’s Last Time is Now tournament but hadn’t officially returned to WWE until now. The November 14 SmackDown episode attracted 1.158 million viewers on USA Network, highlighting strong fan interest. Cardona expressed excitement about his comeback, and discussions with WWE suggested a more permanent contract was in place.
Fans reacted enthusiastically to Cardona’s return, excited to see him back under his real name and eager for his presence in the main event scene. His success on the independent circuit has shown his potential, raising questions about how WWE will capitalize on his talent this time around. If WWE invests in Cardona, this could be the push he needs to reach new heights in his career. The first SmackDown of 2026 also featured Randy Orton’s return, with rumors circulating about possible appearances from Paige and Chris Jericho on the upcoming Monday Night Raw, making it a night full of surprises.
Fan Take: Matt Cardona’s return is a significant boost for WWE, injecting fresh energy and nostalgia simultaneously. His proven charisma and growth outside WWE hint at exciting new storylines that could captivate fans and elevate the sport’s entertainment value.
