Matt Cardonas return to WWE on the January 2, 2026 episode of SmackDown wasnt just a one-offand now, the man formerly known as Zack Ryder is pulling back the curtain on how it all happened.
In a new episode of The Major Wrestling Figure Podcast, Cardona broke down the timeline of his return, saying it all started with his match against LA Knightthe first spark that led to real conversations with WWE brass. Cardona said the first real call came while he was at WrestleCade, immediately following a match. He stepped out from dinner to take the calland it was WWE on the line.
Matt Cardona admitted that the negotiation period was full of nervous excitement since he still wasnt sure if it was going to happen. Eventually, it all came together just days before Christmas as he finally inked his new deal with WWE.
In classic stealth mode, Cardona made sure no one spotted him ahead of his SmackDown return.
Now back in WWE with a new name and a new mission, Matt Cardona is already making headlinesand fans are excited to see how this reinvention plays out.
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Are you glad to see Matt Cardona back in WWE and do you think hell make a bigger impact this time around? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
