Matt Cardona is officially back in WWE following his latest appearance on SmackDown.
Cardona was revealed as the mystery opponent for Kit Wilson on the January 2 broadcast, much to the delight of the crowd in Buffalo, New York. Although the entrance began with a graphic of Cardona’s former WWE name of Zack Ryder, this changed to Cardona as he made his way to the ring, and was announced as such by ring announcer Mark Nash. Commentary pointed out that Cardona had previously competed in WWE as Ryder, and also let the fans know that he is now a member of the SmackDown roster, marking his official return to the company nearly 6 years after his release.
Cardona defeated Wilson with the Rough Ryder, marking a successful return to TV for the former United States and Intercontinental Champion. Cardona is also the husband of SmackDown star Chelsea Green, who lost her Women’s United States Championship to Giulia on the same show.
Matt Cardona Re-Signs With WWE Following Previous Appearances
Although Cardona was released from WWE back in 2020, the former Intercontinental Champion has made numerous onscreen appearances since. Along with competing in matches on NXT as part of the talent exchange program with TNA, Cardona was also an entrant in The Last Time is Now Tournament to determine John Cena’s final opponent. Cardona was eliminated by LA Knight in the opening round.
Featured image: WWE
