Key Highlights
- Matt Cardona officially returned to WWE as part of SmackDown on January 2nd.
- Zack Ryder made a brief appearance in the Last Time is Now Tournament on November 14, 2025.
- Cardona has won multiple championships in independent wrestling since his release from WWE.
- The decision to bring back Cardona over Ryder might be due to his rebranding and success outside WWE.
WWE’s Decision: Matt Cardona Over Zack Ryder
When WWE decided to bring Matt Cardona back into the roster on January 2nd, it was a strategic move that many fans might have found surprising. After all, Zack Ryder had been part of WWE for over a decade and had achieved several titles within the company’s universe.
The Legacy of Zack Ryder
Zack Ryder made his main roster debut in 2007 and left in 2020 due to budget cuts. During those years, he was crowned Intercontinental Champion, United States Champion, and Raw Tag Team Champion (with Curt Hawkins), along with being the only Internet Champion in WWE history.
His departure was a tough one for fans who had grown to love his character as the broski who promoted himself through social media. Despite the setback, Ryder didn’t let it define him; he turned himself into the Indy God in independent wrestling and continued to win titles, including the GCW World Championship and AIW Intense.
The New Matt Cardona
Cardona’s return is seen as a fresh start. After his release from WWE, he rebranded himself as Indy God and made significant strides in independent wrestling. His success there might have caught the attention of WWE executives, who saw an opportunity to bring back a star with a proven track record outside the corporate bubble.
Cardona’s appearance on January 23rd involved him having an exchange backstage with Kit Wilson following an attack by Wilson the week prior. This signals one of his first official feuds since returning, and it’s clear WWE wants to capitalize on this new persona he has created over the years.
A Feud in the Making
Backstage exchanges often foreshadow larger storylines, and with Cardona and Wilson going at each other, there’s a good chance we might see more of this dynamic unfold. It’s an interesting move by WWE to bring back someone who has been away for so long but also someone who has shown growth outside the company.
While Ryder made a brief appearance in November 2025, Cardona is now fully back and ready to compete on SmackDown. The timing seems perfect as new talent continues to come into WWE, making it an exciting time for fans eager to see how this chapter of Matt Cardona’s career will play out.
You might think this is new, but… it’s actually a return to form for a wrestler who has been away and then came back stronger. Keep an eye on these upcoming feuds; they could be the highlight of SmackDown in 2026.