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Matt Cardona Addresses Official WWE Return With New Name

By John Canton • Published Jan 03, 2026 12:00 EST
Matt Cardona WWE

Matt Cardona is under contract with WWE again, and he can use his real name.

The first episode of WWE SmackDown in 2026 in Buffalo featured the official WWE return of Matt Cardona, who is no longer using the Zack Ryder name in WWE.

During his first WWE run that started in 2005 and ended in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cardona used the Zack Ryder name for most of that time, including his run on the main roster that saw him win the Intercontinental, United States, and Tag Team Titles.

Since departing WWE, Cardona went on an incredible run as the “Indy God” who succeeded in the independent wrestling circuit, while also competing in promotions like TNA, the NWA, and even a few matches in AEW as well.

While away from WWE, Matt Cardona was adamant that he wanted to return to WWE, but he wanted to use his real name, and not Zack Ryder. It’s finally happened officially.

On his WWE SmackDown return, Matt Cardona defeated Kit Wilson with a Rough Ryder leg lariat that he used throughout his run as Zack Ryder.

“I Never Quit” – Matt Cardona

In a lengthy social media post that saw him shill his new WWE merchandise (of course), Matt Cardona offered advice for other wrestlers and wrote about how he never quit while he was away from WWE.

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 😉)

While many fans are likely very excited about Matt Cardona being back in WWE, there may be no greater fan than his wife, Chelsea Green, who is also on SmackDown brand.