Matt Cardona posts statement on WWE return: ‘There’s way too many people to thank’
Matt Cardona has released a statement on his WWE return.
The former Zack Ryder was revealed to be the newest member of the SmackDown roster on Friday’s show in Buffalo. He defeated Kit Wilson in singles competition.
On Saturday, Cardona posted a statement to social media noting there were too many people to thank.
He wrote:
“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 😉)”
Following his release from WWE in April 2020, Cardona wrestled for multiple promotions around the world, winning several titles including the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship, the GCW World Championship, and the WSW World Heavyweight Championship in Australia. He is also the reigning world champion for Juggalo Championship Wrestling.
Cardona previously returned to WWE on the November 14, 2025 edition of SmackDown as part of the Last Time Is Now tournament. He was defeated by LA Knight on the show.
Cardona’s post is below:
Ian Carey is a writer from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, whose work has been featured in NOW Magazine, The Huffington Post, and more. A lifelong wrestling aficionado born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, he has covered the industry for a decade and a half. He joined the f4wonline.com team in 2019.