On the first SmackDown of 2026, Zack Ryder made his official return to WWE. Ryder came back with a brand new attitude, establishing himself as Matt Cardona, his real name.
What fans are hoping for is Cardona moving in a new direction with his new character, rather than reverting to lower card status.
Matt Cardona’s Minor Losing Streak
When Cardona had his return match in WWE, he picked up the win over Kit Wilson. In such a short amount of time, Cardona made it known that he’s there for one thing. Cardona intends to become the Undisputed WWE Champion for the first time in his career. Unfortunately for Cardona, he keeps coming up short.
Cardona’s first chance at receiving an opportunity for the Undisputed WWE Title was against Trick Williams. Cardona suffered a loss to Williams, thus failing to qualify for a number-one contender’s match. The next chance was at the Men’s Royal Rumble, where he faced an early elimination by Oba Femi.
Nearly two weeks ago, on SmackDown, Cardona dealt with another loss when his team lost to Solo Sikoa and his group, The MFT. Since he is facing a minor slump that could continue, here are some ways WWE can correct his booking.
Pursuit of Championship Gold
One way for WWE to book Cardona is by applying him in the mid-card scene. Cardona could get himself another singles match on TV by accepting Carmelo Hayes’ WWE United States Championship Open Challenge. If WWE wants to make a multi-man ladder match for the US Championship at WrestleMania, Cardona would be a great fit. In fact, the last time Cardona was involved in this type of matchup, he ended up becoming the Intercontinental Champion.
Another strategy for WWE to fix Cardona’s booking is to try something new for him. Since Cardona is not succeeding in singles competition, maybe he can be part of SmackDown’s tag team division. One possible partner that comes to mind for Cardona is Apollo Crews. Much like Cardona, Crews just recently returned to WWE after a long period of inactivity. Both men also have common enemies, such as the MFT. Cardona and Crews can team together and challenge Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga for their WWE Tag Team Titles.
Throughout Cardona’s career in WWE, he has won the mid and tag team titles. These accolades show why it’s valid for him to chase the Undisputed WWE Title. The night of Cardona’s return, he encountered then-champion Cody Rhodes, making it clear he’s putting his name in the hat. If Rhodes reclaims the WWE Championship at WrestleMania, then there’s a chance for Rhodes and Cardona to have a feud for the gold.
WWE can capitalize on this potential story by comparing their careers in their first run with the company. In televised matches, these men have faced each other fifteen times. Cardona can also bring up that he was the last person to defeat Rhodes before he first left the WWE.
Turning Heel
If Cardona does go for singles gold, then a heel turn would be a great way to boost his character. A possible heel turn fits for Cardona, as he hasn’t been a heel in WWE since 2011. Another strategy for a heel turn to happen is by aligning with his off-screen wife, Chelsea Green. For quite a while now, Green has her stable “The Secret Hervice” where Alba Fyre and Piper Niven are involved.
Since Niven is out with an injury, maybe it’s time for WWE to split Green’s faction. The group already feels thin as Green is dealing with an ankle injury, leaving Fyre on her own in the ring. With Green no longer a champion, she can utilize her talents by managing her husband.
Like Sharmell was Booker T’s manager 20 years ago on SmackDown, WWE can do something similar with Green and Cardona. This would be the best way to turn him heel, as there’s already real-life chemistry that can be applied on screen. This alliance may get Cardona to win the big one in WWE, finally.
How would you book Matt Cardona? Leave your comments below.
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – WWE – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on Matt Cardona and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.
You can check out WWE programming on Netflix (Raw, WWE archives, WWE Unreal, and other specials), USA Network (SmackDown), The CW (NXT), ESPN (WWE PLEs), Tubi (WWE Evolve), A&E (WWE Superstar Sunday – Rivals, WWE LFG, and Greatest Moments) and Peacock (Saturday Night’s Main Event). Follow WWE on social media to relive top moments and matches on YouTube.
