The first WWE SmackDown of 2026 saw Kit Wilson’s promo against “toxic masculinity” interrupted by the arrival of a familiar face.
The “woo woo woo, you know it” of Zack Ryder’s theme quickly shifted to “Always Ready” as Matt Cardona made his entrance, using the name he has been using since his initial WWE departure in 2020.
The former WWE United States and Intercontinental Champion previously returned to SmackDown under the Ryder moniker as part of the Last Time Is Now Tournament to face LA Knight on 11/14.
As noted by Roy Nemer in his live coverage of the show, Cardona defeated Kit Wilson in his first SmackDown outing under the current name.