Matt Cardona (FKA Zack Ryder) is back in WWE for good this time, which also means his run on the independent circuit has effectively ended.
The Indy God built an impressive championship resume during his time away, and now he’s been forced to give up his titles one after another. He is no longer a World Series Wrestling Champion.
Cardona made his return on the January 2 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, unveiling himself as Kit Wilson’s mystery opponent.
During the show, Michael Cole received the word from Nick Aldis that the 40-year-old veteran will be a part of the blue brand going forward.
A few days ago, Matt Cardona relinquished his ACW World Championship due to his commitment to WWE. Earlier today, he announced that he is vacating his World Series Wrestling Championship, citing the same reason, and that a new champion will be crowned this May.
He bid an emotional goodbye to the promotion with the following message:
“Hey guys, this is the complete Matt Cardona. I’ve got some good news, some bad news, but this is more good news. Good news, after five years of busting my a** all over the world for places like World Series Wrestling, I am finally back in WWE. But unfortunately, that means I must vacate the World Series Wrestling Championship. I won’t be there in May, but the good news is the show goes on without me. The good news is that the Rise Against tour, there will be a new World Series Wrestling Champion. I was proud, so proud to be the champion, not once, not twice, but three times. World Series Wrestling, all your fans in Australia. Adrian, I love you guys. You guys are like gambler to me, and I will miss you all. Somebody. Please have some Hungry Jacks for Matt Cardona. See you later, guys.”
🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨
WSW congratulates @TheMattCardona on his return to @WWE ! 👏🏻
Today we were informed that Cardona would be VACATING the @WSWWrestlingAUS World Championship! We will be crowning a NEW champion at the Rise Against tour in May, the question is who will it be ?! pic.twitter.com/ifkUzZVES9
— WorldSeriesWrestling (@WSWWrestlingAUS) January 6, 2026
Will WWE bring back another veteran after Matt Cardona?
Jonathan Coachman took to his X/Twitter handle to urge WWE to bring back Dolph Ziggler.
“Love Matt and happy for him. But like @THEVinceRusso always says on @TheCoachandBro “how do they miss on Matt and Nic Nemeth”. Well clearly they listened on one. Now bring the other back too,” he wrote.
The Showoff made a one-off return during the November 17th edition of RAW, losing to Solo Sikoa in the Last Time is Now Tournament.
Nic Nemeth is currently signed to TNA. Will Triple H bring him back anytime soon? Only time will tell.
