Matt Cardona has issued a lengthy and emotional statement following his surprise return to WWE.
Cardona was revealed to be the mystery opponent for Kit Wilson on the January 2 show. As Cardona made his entrance, commentary stated that the former Zack Ryder was now a member of the SmackDown roster after previously appearing under his previous name in 2025 as part of the John Cena Last Time is Now Tournament.
Cardona was released from his WWE contract back in April 2020 in what turned out to be the first of many rounds of cuts during the pandemic that saw “budget cuts” cited as the main reason. Although the former Intercontinental and United States Champion reinvented himself on the independents and made sporadic appearances in AEW and TNA, he was never signed to a long-term deal. In multiple interviews, Cardona noted that he hoped to one day make a return to a major promotion. In 20206, the 40-year-old’s wish finally came true.
“I’m Not Finished”: Matt Cardona On WWE Return
Taking to social media on January 3, Cardona reflected on his 2020 release, his time away from the company, and his return. The former Intercontinental Champion also spoke about not giving up on his dream and that he has always been ready for this moment:
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! (Buy my new shirt on http://WWEShop.com 😉)
Featured image: WWE
