Matt Cardona Returns To WWE 2K26
After a six year absence from the WWE 2K franchise, Matt Cardona is officially back. Returning to WWE in early 2026 after making a name for himself around the world following his 2020 departure, Cardona has secured a spot on the WWE 2K26 roster through the Ringside Pass 3.
WWEWWE 2K26NEWS & UPDATES
Ryan D
6/4/20262 min read
Ringside Pass Season 3 introduces a mix of new and returning faces to WWE 2K26 with Matt Cardona and Brian Pillman making their long-awaited returns, while La Parka and Torrie Wilson make their WWE 2K debuts, bringing a combined 36 new moves and taunts to the game.
Alongside the new Superstars, Season 3 also adds several new Persona cards, including Kane '01 and Rey Mysterio '01, plus additional creation parts, moves for character customization, RXP boosts, Island VC, MyFACTION tokens, and more.
Thanks to 2K Games, we had the opportunity to sit down with Matt Cardona to discuss his return to the WWE 2K series.
"It's really cool to be back in the game. It's funny because I feel like my return to WWE is like having another career," Cardona said.
Cardona last appeared in WWE 2K as Zack Ryder before departing WWE in 2020. A former Intercontinental Champion, United States Champion, and two-time WWE Tag Team Champion, Cardona built a successful career outside WWE touring the world before making his return in early 2026, including an appearance in the Royal Rumble. His comeback has now earned him a place on the WWE 2K26 roster through the Ringside Pass.
"You know you've really made it in pro wrestling when you have an action figure, a t-shirt, and you're in (a video game) WWE 2K26. Now Matt Cardona has a t-shirt, hopefully an action figure soon, and he's going to be in (the video game) WWE 2K26."
WWE® 2K26 Ringside Pass Season 3 Brings The Heat With New Superstars Matt Cardona, La Parka, Torrie Wilson and Brian Pillman
WWE 2K26 introduced features such as the reversal revamp system, expanded crowd combat, stackable tables, and thumbtacks, alongside new match types including I Quit, Inferno, and Dumpster Matches making it a perfect playground for the self-proclaimed "Deathmatch King."
"This is the first year with thumbtacks, and I'm the Deathmatch King, so get into some bloody Matt Cardona matches."
Season 3 isn't just bringing back Matt Cardona. The DLC pack also introduces La Parka and Torrie Wilson to the WWE 2K franchise for the very first time. La Parka arrives with his iconic skeleton-inspired look and larger-than-life charisma that made him a fan favourite in AAA, WCW, and most recently the 2026 Royal Rumble. Meanwhile, WWE Hall of Famer Torrie Wilson joins the roster after a career that spanned both WCW and WWE, becoming one of the most recognisable female stars of her era.
Rounding out the pass is wrestling innovator Brian Pillman, whose groundbreaking "Loose Cannon" persona helped redefine sports entertainment during the Monday Night Wars. Players will also gain access to new Persona cards, including Kane '01 and Rey Mysterio '01, alongside additional Create-A-Superstar parts, moves, MyFACTION content, and a range of other in-game rewards.
Ringside Pass Premium Season 3 is available now and is included in the Attitude Era Edition and Monday Night War Edition, as part of the Season Pass, and is also available for individual purchase.
For more information on WWE 2K26, visit the game’s official website, become a fan on Facebook, follow the game on TikTok, X, Instagram, and subscribe on Twitch and YouTube.