Matt Cardona Officially Returns to WWE, Joins SmackDown

Posted by admin on January 3rd, 2026

Matt Cardona Officially Returns to WWE, Joins SmackDown – Matt Cardona officially returned to WWE television on the January 2 episode of SmackDown, making a surprise in-ring appearance and securing a decisive victory in his first match back. Competing under his given name and no more as Zack Ryder, Cardona faced Kit Wilson and quickly reintroduced himself to the WWE audience. The bout ended when Cardona connected with the Rough Ryder, earning the pinfall win and a strong reaction from the crowd.

During the match, commentary provided a major update on Cardona’s status. Michael Cole announced, via SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, that Cardona has officially joined the SmackDown roster going forward. The announcement confirmed that this was not a one-off appearance, but the beginning of a full-time return to WWE programming.

Cardona’s comeback follows multiple appearances across WWE television over the past year. He previously appeared on NXT as part of the ongoing working relationship with TNA, where he competed in matches tied to that storyline, including losses to Josh Briggs. Cardona also resurfaced during the Last Time Is Now tournament, briefly returning under his former WWE name Zack Ryder in a losing effort against LA Knight. Those appearances helped reintroduce him to WWE audiences, but Friday’s SmackDown marked his first official roster placement.

A former Intercontinental Champion and United States Champion, Cardona built a strong following during the 2010s, particularly through his rise as a singles star. In 2020, he and longtime tag team partner Curt Hawkins were released by WWE during company-wide budget cuts related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than fading away, Cardona reinvented himself on the independent scene, becoming one of the most prominent names outside WWE. He found notable success in GCW, while also making appearances for AEW and TNA, further rebuilding his profile.

Now officially back on SmackDown, Cardona enters a roster filled with fresh matchups and potential storylines. His return adds another experienced name to WWE’s mid-card depth and opens the door for new rivalries as the company moves further into 2026.