Matt Cardona Reflects on His WWE Return: ‘I Never Quit’

As previously reported, Matt Cardona made a shocking return to WWE last night, beating Kit Wilson in a singles bout. Michael Cole also confirmed that Cardona has been signed to SmackDown. Cardona later remarked, “I’m not finished,” which appears to be the new mantra of his WWE return, and it’s also featured on his newest t-shirt.

Earlier today, Cardona released a lengthy statement via his X account commenting on his long-awaited WWE return, nearly six years in the making. The wrestler and former WWE Intercontinental Champion reflected on his journey back to WWE and why it’s important to never quit. He wrote the following:

“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 *** off, try to outwork every mother****er 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 😉)”

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… pic.twitter.com/Fsjw72PIsd

— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) January 3, 2026

Matt Cardona Is Finally Back in WWE

Matt Cardona had previously made a single WWE appearance last year, wrestling under his old ring name of Zack Ryder in November. He competed in the opening round of The Last Time Is Now Tournament, losing to LA Knight. He also made multiple appearances in NXT as part of the TNA/NXT crossover and TNA Invasion. However, after over five years, he’s now back in WWE long-term under his reinvented moniker and gimmick of Matt Cardona.