Matt Cardona Reveals If Returning To WWE Was Always His Goal
Matt Cardona has returned to WWE SmackDown on January 2nd, 2026.
He entered the arena as Kit Wilson’s mystery opponent and secured the win!
Prior to this, Cardona had returned to WWE as Zack Ryder during the TNA invasion. He lost to LA Knight in the ‘Last Time Is Now’ tournament.
Matt Cardona had strong reasons to return to WWE
When Cardona returned, the titantron in the arena showed Zack Ryder before changing to Matt Cardona.
On Major Wrestling Figure podcast, Cardona revealed that he always wanted to return to WWE but it also had to answer an important question i.e., what he had done to return to WWE.
The goal was always to get back, but it wasn’t from day one, ‘What do I have to do to get back to WWE?
You saw Cody and Kevin Owens making fun of me a couple of months ago, that I brought it up all the time. I only brought it up when I was asked, first of all. Of course, that was my goal. Of course, I wanted to work where my wife works. Of course, I wanted to work at the place where I grew up wanting to work. Of course, I wanted a WrestleMania moment again, or wrestle at Madison Square Garden again, or walk to Target or Walmart and see my figure there. Now, all that stuff is possible. I’m very grateful for it. [H/t: Fightful]
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Matt Cardona’s return was facilitated by John Cena to a certain extent, especially ensuring Cardona was included in the ‘Last Time Is Now’ tournament. The discussions about his return to WWE started after the match against LA Knight in the tournament.
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