Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes shared a notable Cody Rhodes WWE reaction to Matt Cardona’s surprising return to WWE programming on September 23. Cardona, formerly known as Zack Ryder, had been released from WWE in 2020 before reappearing at the NXT event, marking a sudden comeback within the Stamford-based promotion.
Cardona’s unexpected presence came during a winner-takes-all match between NXT Champion Oba Femi and TNA World Champion Trick Williams. When the camera focused on Cardona in the crowd, the live audience erupted with cheers. The match concluded in disqualification, triggering a chaotic brawl between the NXT and TNA wrestlers to close the show.
Cody Rhodes Expresses His Thoughts on Matt Cardona’s Return
Following Cardona’s surprise appearance, Cody Rhodes posted a reaction on his Instagram Story. Sharing a photo of Cardona at the event, Rhodes used an eyes emoji, signaling his close attention to the former WWE United States Champion. He also tagged several Instagram accounts, including Matt Cardona and Cardona’s wife, Chelsea Green, suggesting personal recognition of the return.
Rhodes’ Recent Success Highlights Growing WWE Tensions
Just prior to reacting to Cardona’s comeback, Cody Rhodes secured a significant victory by defeating Drew McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza, successfully retaining his Undisputed WWE Championship. This win further solidified Rhodes’ standing as a top-tier athlete within the company.
Additionally, Rhodes was ranked number one in the recent Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 list for the second consecutive year. This achievement places him alongside legendary wrestlers like Bret Hart, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and John Cena as one of only four performers to claim this distinction twice. Other WWE Superstars who made the top ten include Jey Uso and Seth Rollins, ranked sixth and eighth respectively.
Rhodes is preparing to face World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins at the upcoming WWE Crown Jewel event in Perth. Since Rhodes’ return to WWE at WrestleMania 38, he has defeated Rollins in all three televised encounters, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash at Crown Jewel, where fans wonder if Rollins can finally triumph.
What Cardona’s Return Could Mean for WWE’s Future
Matt Cardona’s unexpected entrance into NXT could signal shifts within WWE’s roster and storylines, especially as Rhodes continues to dominate as Undisputed WWE Champion. The reappearance underscores ongoing competition and uncertainty in WWE’s evolving landscape, with fans and wrestlers alike watching closely for new developments.
The intensity surrounding Rhodes versus Rollins, combined with Cardona’s return, adds layers of unpredictability to WWE programming. How this dynamic will unfold remains uncertain, but it promises to keep audiences engaged as WWE moves forward.
