John Cena Reacts To Matt Cardona Returning To WWE, Says He’s Proud Of Cardona And Chelsea Green

John Cena reacts to Matt Cardona returning to WWE after nearly six years.

Matt Cardona reinvented himself from Zack Ryder following his release from WWE in 2020. After nearly six years of making the towns on the independent scene and shedding the Ryder character, Cardona made his return to WWE on Friday’s WWE SmackDown.

Cardona, as Ryder, returned for a one-off in December as part of the Last Time is Now tournament.

On social media, John Cena posted the following message:

Persistence and preparation tend to help manufacture luck. I couldn’t be more proud of both @TheMattCardona and @ImChelseaGreen. They stand as a tremendous example of making luck through effort. Welcome home Matt.

Persistence and preparation tend to help manufacture luck. I couldn’t be more proud of both @TheMattCardona and @ImChelseaGreen They stand as a tremendous example of making luck through effort. Welcome home Matt.☕️🍸 https://t.co/UYwRdgyIKz

— John Cena (@JohnCena) January 3, 2026

Chelsea Green, Cardona’s wife, was released by WWE in 2021, but returned in 2023 after spending time in TNA Wrestling and the independents.

Fans can read Cardona’s statement on his return by clicking here.