Matt Cardona Posts Statement On Return To WWE
Matt Cardona made his return to WWE on SmackDown as the mystery opponent for Kit Wilson. After the initial Zack Ryder music hit, the graphics and music changed to represent Cardona.
Cardona was released by WWE in 2020 and spent nearly six years on the independent scene shedding the Zack Ryder label and reinventing himself. He worked for AEW, ROH, GCW, NWA, and more independent promotions across the world.
Following his WWE return, he posted the following message on social media:
April 15, 2020…Zack Ryder was released from @WWE. It had to happen. Being a WWE Superstar was my lifelong dream. I had been signed for 14 years…on TV for 13. I traveled all over the world, had action figures, won championships, and experienced everything else that came with living the dream. I experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. While it was a heartbreaking day, I was grateful for my time in WWE.
I knew I had 3 options. I could feel sorry for myself, become bitter, and fade into obscurity. I could coast off my WWE name and make some money for the rest of my life playing the greatest hits. OR I could reinvent myself, work my ass off, try to outwork every motherfucker out there, and create my own path. I chose option 3.
These past 5 years on the indies have been the greatest time of my career…so far. I have to thank every promotor who booked me, every opponent I wrestled, and every fan who supported me in some way. There’s way too many people to thank. I love you all. There’s no way to wrap up these 5 years in a social media post…it’ll have to wait for the book.
From the moment I got released, I knew I couldn’t focus on proving people wrong. I wanted to prove myself and my fans right…and I believe I did that.
I’m often asked for advice. My advice is don’t quit. You might make it if you don’t. You definitely won’t make it if you do. I took my own advice. I never quit.
My goal was to get back to WWE. And as of last night, January 2, 2026, I am back in WWE…MATT CARDONA is in WWE. I am Alwayz Ready and I’M NOT FINISHED!
April 15, 2020…Zack Ryder was released from @WWE. It had to happen. Being a WWE Superstar was my lifelong dream. I had been signed for 14 years…on TV for 13. I traveled all over the world, had action figures, won championships, and experienced everything else that came with… pic.twitter.com/Fsjw72PIsd
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) January 3, 2026
Matt Cardona has new merchandise with the “I’m Not Finished” tagline. Fans can view the shirt here.
Fans can find results from WWE SmackDown here. Check out the post-show podcast for a full review here.
