Unbelievable! 4-Time WWE Champion Officially Returns After 6 Years, Debuts New Character
Tonight’s edition of WWE SmackDown kicked off the promotion’s proceedings for the New Year, and it was a huge night planned with some exciting action to offer in Buffalo, New York.
One-half of Pretty Deadly, Kit Wilson, came out to the ring tonight for a match after he was promised something new by Nick Aldis last week. Wilson was trying to get rid of toxic masculinity on the show before he was interrupted by his opponent.
He was interrupted by a familiar face redebuting on the brand, but it was a new character that was introduced to the WWE Universe, one they hadn’t seen in the Stamford-based promotion.
Matt Cardona officially joins WWE SmackDown
Kit Wilson’s opponent was revealed to be none other than 4-time WWE Champion, Zack Ryder, only he is now known as Matt Cardona, officially debuting his new character on the blue brand.
MATT CARDONA IS HERE 🤩
Zack Ryder is so last year 😜 pic.twitter.com/AsEYWMUbE2
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2026
His last appearance in the company came in the Last Time is Now tournament, where he appeared as Ryder. While that was a one-off appearance, Cardona has now officially joined the SmackDown roster, and he marked the night with his first win in over six years.
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