Matt Cardona has officially joined the SmackDown roster. https://t.co/v958UB4Bdh
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Wrestle Ops is a WWE and professional wrestling news account that shares breaking updates and highlights from wrestling programming. Known for timely announcements and official roster news, the account maintains credibility by reporting verified information from WWE events and announcements.
What's This About?
Matt Cardona, formerly known as Zack Ryder, has officially re-signed with WWE and joined the SmackDown roster. Making his surprise return on the January 2, 2026 SmackDown episode, Cardona defeated Kit Wilson in his debut match under his real name after being released from WWE in 2020 during COVID-19 budget cuts. During his time away, he built a significant independent wrestling career with promotions like GCW, AEW, and TNA before returning to WWE.
🔥Why It's Trending
This content is trending due to the surprise nature of Cardona's return and the nostalgia factor surrounding the former Zack Ryder character, who maintained a cult following from the 2010s. The announcement of his official roster signing combined with his immediate competitive victory on SmackDown generated significant fan engagement and discussion within the wrestling community.
💡Fun Facts
- 1Matt Cardona was a former Intercontinental and United States Champion during his initial WWE tenure
- 2He was released from WWE in 2020 alongside tag team partner Curt Hawkins as part of COVID-19 budget cuts
- 3Cardona made multiple appearances on WWE programming in 2025, including matches on NXT and the Last Time is Now tournament, before his official signing
- 4His return match on SmackDown featured him defeating Kit Wilson using his signature finishing move, the Rough Ryder
- 5WWE announced Cardona's roster signing via GM Nick Aldis during the live broadcast, treating it as a major free agency acquisition
📚Read More
Matt Cardona re-signs with WWE, appears on SmackDown
Cardona is officially a part of the SmackDown brand.
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WWE has seen several Superstars leave the company for one reason or another and come back. This week on SmackDown, it was Matt Cardona
Zack Ryder turns into Matt Cardona and signs with WWE
Matt Cardona is back in WWE for good this time after his surprise return on SmackDown.
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