The WWE is set to host the 39th annual Royal Rumble on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This event is expected to be one of the most star-studded in the Royal Rumble’s history, with fans eagerly anticipating high-profile appearances. Among the rumored returns is WWE Superstar Matt Cardona, who is hopeful for a surprise entrance at this landmark occasion, marking a major potential comeback for the wrestler.
Matt Cardona, formerly known in WWE as Zack Ryder, began his WWE developmental contract in February 2006. The New York native experienced significant success, including a brief reign as Intercontinental Champion, a 28-day hold as United States Champion, and two RAW Tag Team Championship reigns. Despite a fruitful 15-year career, WWE released Cardona in April 2020 due to budget cuts, sparking his transition into the independent wrestling scene where he found notable success across various promotions.
Cardona’s Career Journey and Influence Across Wrestling Promotions
Following his WWE release, Matt Cardona expanded his presence in the wrestling world, appearing in AEW, ROH, GCW, NWA, MLW, and TNA, among others. His versatility and experience earned him the nickname “Indy God,” as he thrived in the independent circuits. Throughout these years, Cardona maintained strong ties in wrestling and expressed ongoing interest in returning to WWE, making the Royal Rumble 2026 Return a highly anticipated prospect among fans and insiders.
Cardona’s personal and professional life became intertwined when he started dating fellow wrestler Chelsea Green in early 2017. The couple married on New Year’s Eve 2021, several months after Green’s WWE release. Green’s wrestling career includes being a two-time TNA champion, and after rejoining WWE in January 2023, she quickly rose near the top of the roster. Both have actively supported Cardona’s hoped-for WWE return, fueling speculation and enthusiasm for his potential comeback.
The Struggles of Maintaining a Wrestling Career and Relationship
In an interview with CinemaBlend, Chelsea Green opened up about the challenges the couple faces maintaining their marriage due to their busy wrestling careers. Though married for several years, their time together has often been limited by conflicting schedules and commitments.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s tough. We do not see each other often at all. We are ships passing in the night. We’ve really been that way our whole relationship, almost, except for during the pandemic. That was the only time we really were together,” Chelsea Green said.
Ongoing Speculation on Cardona’s Royal Rumble Comeback
Matt Cardona has a history with the Royal Rumble, having made his debut in 2010 and returning in the 2011, 2013, and 2015 events. However, success at the event eluded him each time. Cardona’s name is consistently mentioned in rumors about potential Royal Rumble appearances, keeping the fanbase hopeful for his return. Chelsea Green confirmed that Matt’s aspiration to come back to WWE remains strong, with hopes pinned on the 2026 Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia as the ideal stage.
“Now, as we’re entering our ninth year of being together, I would love him at WWE, and I know that that’s his goal. I know he wants to go back and be doing WrestleManias and be traveling with me, and you know, like with all his friends. His best friends are still here, too. So I’m hoping that he gets back. My fingers are also crossed for that. 2026, the year of Matt Cardona, maybe in The Rumble,” Chelsea Green said.
Notable Matches and Collaborations of Cardona and Green
Beyond their individual careers, Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green have teamed up in various wrestling promotions. One of their notable joint appearances was at TNA Slammiversary 2021, where they defeated Brian Myers and Tenille Dashwood. The couple also claimed victory in a trios Impact match alongside Jake Something against Myers, Dashwood, and Sam Beale.
During their run in Impact Wrestling, they achieved a significant win in the Homecoming tournament against Jordynne Grace and Petey Williams but later suffered tournament and Impact losses against Deonna Purrazzo and Matthew Rehwoldt, and Shera and Rohit Raju, respectively.
In other appearances, GCW saw them in a loss against Effy and Allie Katch, while their TNA return in April 2022 ended in defeat against Nick Aldis and Mickie James. Their most recent tag team match took place in May 2022 at AIW, teaming with Marino T and Philly C but ultimately losing to Britt Baker, Dominic Garrini, Joshua Bishop, and Wes Barkley.
Implications and Anticipation Surrounding Cardona’s Potential WWE Return
The speculation surrounding Matt Cardona’s potential return at the Royal Rumble 2026 adds intrigue and excitement to what is already shaping up to be a significant WWE event. His return could rejuvenate fan interest and provide new storytelling opportunities within WWE, especially given his connections to current roster members and his established fan base.
For Cardona and Green, a reunited presence inside WWE rings could also mean less time apart, addressing the personal strain of their wrestling schedules. Should Cardona’s comeback materialize at the Royal Rumble in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it would mark a major milestone in his career, signaling a new chapter after years of independent success and persistent determination.
