Matt Cardona made a surprising return to WWE on the latest episode of SmackDown, catching fans off guard with his unexpected appearance. The former Zack Ryder’s comeback was met with excitement and nostalgia as he stepped back into the ring after a long absence. His return was so impactful that even AEW star Dan Hausen took notice and referenced Cardona’s comeback on his social media account.
The momentous occasion unfolded with Pretty Deadly’s Kit Wilson taking center stage on SmackDown, berating the Buffalo crowd and accusing them of supporting toxic masculinity. However, Wilson’s tirade was cut short by the sudden entrance of Matt Cardona, who emerged to a new theme song that eventually transitioned into his iconic Zack Ryder theme. The two wrestlers engaged in a fierce battle, culminating in Cardona emerging victorious with his signature move, the Rough Ryder.
The internet buzzed with reactions to Cardona’s return, with fans expressing their joy at seeing one of WWE’s most beloved midcarders back in action. The outpouring of support for Cardona on social media was a testament to his enduring popularity and the impact he made during his time in the company as Zack Ryder.
This wasn’t the first time Cardona had made a comeback as Zack Ryder. Just a few months ago, he made a surprise appearance during the Last Time is Now Tournament on SmackDown, where he faced off against LA Knight in a match to honor John Cena during his retirement tour. While Cardona may have come up short in that match, his presence and the nostalgia of hearing his Radio theme once again resonated with fans who had missed seeing him in the ring.
With Matt Cardona’s return to WWE, the wrestling world is abuzz with anticipation and excitement for what the future holds for the fan-favorite wrestler. As he continues to make his mark in the ring, fans around the world eagerly await the next chapter in Cardona’s storied career.

