H Jenkins on January 3, 2026
WWE saw a couple big moments during the January 2 episode of SmackDown. Matt Cardona’s return to the company was a big deal, but that means he needs to tie up some loose ends.
Matt Cardona announced that he will not be able to compete at ACW tonight. As a result, he has relinquished the ACW World Championship. The company then confirmed that a new champion will be crowned on the show.
The announcement ends Matt Cardona’s title reign without a final defense. ACW moved quickly to adjust its plans and pivot toward a championship decision happening the same night, because Cardona can’t wrestle there while he’s under WWE contract.
Matt Cardona retired the Zack Ryder gimmick. Now he is back in WWE under his real name. This was also a situation that he worked hard for to make happen.
WWE fans last saw Matt Cardona as he appeared during the Last Time Is Now Tournament, but he was eliminated with one match. His WWE release was over half a decade ago, but he used that time to make a real name for himself, under his real name. Now he is back in WWE, so he has bid farewell to the indies.
What’s your take on Matt Cardona’s return to WWE? Do you think that he will prosper this time around or get lost in the shuffle? Let us know what you think in the comments section!
January 3, 2026 7:20 pm
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