Matt Cardona is officially back in WWE—and he’s got a message for the world.
Following his surprise return on the January 2, 2026 episode of SmackDown, Cardona (formerly known as Zack Ryder) issued a lengthy and emotional statement reflecting on his release, reinvention, and triumphant comeback under his real name. This marks a full-circle moment for the self-made star who built himself into an indie icon after leaving WWE in 2020.
“April 15, 2020… Zack Ryder was released from @wwe. It had to happen. Being a WWE Superstar was my lifelong dream… While it was a heartbreaking day, I was grateful for my time in WWE.”
Rather than fading away or living off past glory, Cardona says he made a deliberate decision to bet on himself and that path led him all the way back—stronger than ever.
“I knew I had 3 options. I could feel sorry for myself… coast off my WWE name… OR I could reinvent myself, work my ass off, try to outwork every motherf**ker out there, and create my own path. I chose option 3.”
“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!”
He also expressed deep gratitude to the independent wrestling scene that supported him over the past five years: Cardona closed with a message of motivation—one earned through setbacks, grit, and self-belief:
“These past 5 years on the indies have been the greatest time of my career…so far. I have to thank every promoter who booked me, every opponent I wrestled, and every fan who supported me in some way.”
“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.”
WWE has confirmed Cardona is now an official part of the SmackDown roster. His return also retired the Zack Ryder persona, as WWE’s social media cheekily stated: “Zack Ryder is so last year 😜”.
Cardona’s comeback is more than a nostalgia pop—it’s the start of a new era on his terms.
Do you think Matt Cardona can finally reach the top of WWE now that he’s returned under his own name? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
