Matt Cardona Apologizes To WWE Star After SmackDown Return

Matt Cardona recently made headlines with his exciting return to WWE.

On the December 2, 2025, episode of SmackDown at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, Cardona was revealed as the mystery opponent who defeated Kit Wilson in a singles match.

He competed under his real name, delivering the Rough Ryder for the victory and earning a massive crowd reaction in his first WWE bout in over five years.​

Cardona first joined WWE as Zack Ryder back in 2007, rising to fame during the 2011-2012 “Broski” viral video era that briefly pushed him to US Champion status with a memorable title win.

WWE released him on April 4, 2020, amid pandemic roster cuts that trimmed the entire company. After that setback, he reinvented himself as the “Indy God” across promotions like NWA, GCW, and TNA, becoming a cornerstone of the independent scene.​

Matt Cardona To Chelsea Green: “I’m Sorry”

Following his return to WWE, his wife, Chelsea Green, welcomed him home with a cute picture of them together. Cardona reacted to the picture with an apology.

He wrote, “I’m sorry (that you had to tan my back at 1 AM)…I love you.”

I’m sorry (that you had to tan my back at 1 AM)…I love you. https://t.co/lN61aSZQA2

— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) January 3, 2026

Cardona was set to defend the ACW World Title against Mike Santana at ACW’s Poughkeepsie Rumble. As the show began, he appeared on the video screen to vacate the belt due to signing a new full-time deal with the Stamford-based promotion.

Also Read:Matt Cardona Breaks Silence On Shocking WWE Return With 3-Word Statement

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