Matt Cardona reacts on bringing back his WWE gimmick as Zack Ryder back on SmackDown

Zack Ryder made his return

Matt Cardona shocked the wrestling world by stepping back into his former WWE gimmick, Zack Ryder, during his surprise return on the November 14 edition of SmackDown.

Entering as LA Knight’s mystery opponent in the John Cena: Last Time Is Now Tournament, Cardona leaned into nostalgia rather than the character he has spent years reinventing on the independent scene.

For fans who followed his transformation post-WWE, the move was unexpected. Cardona has consistently emphasized that “Zack Ryder is dead,” making his return under the classic moniker even more intriguing. And within hours of the appearance airing, Cardona finally broke his silence.

Responding to independent standout Richard Holliday’s tweet, “I thought Zack Ryder was DEAD”, Cardona simply replied: “He has risen.” It was a short, sharp message that instantly sent wrestling social media into a frenzy.

Zack Ryder returns to a huge pop

The return of Zack Ryder was met with a loud reaction inside the arena, a reminder that the character still carries significant equity even five years after his departure. His entrance, complete with the familiar “WOO WOO WOO” on social media, rekindled memories of his previous WWE run.

While Ryder didn’t walk away with the win, LA Knight ultimately advanced in the tournament. His performance was crisp, polished, and full of energy. For a wrestler who rebuilt himself across the indie circuit and major promotions worldwide, the strong showing came as no surprise to long-time supporters.

This was Ryder’s first WWE match since March 2020, when he last wrestled Bobby Lashley on WWE Raw. Despite the loss, it felt undeniably like a moment of validation, especially after years of proving himself outside WWE following his release during the pandemic budget cuts.

What’s next?

What happens next remains unclear. WWE has not announced whether Cardona’s latest appearance marks a one-off cameo, a short-term storyline, or the beginning of a full-time return.

Still, the behind-the-scenes images featuring Ryder, Triple H, and Chelsea Green, who recently won back the Women’s United States Championship, suggest a positive atmosphere.

Cardona’s reaction, combined with the crowd’s enthusiasm, makes one thing clear: Zack Ryder still has value in 2025. Whether he sticks around or returns to his successful independent schedule, his SmackDown comeback served its purpose.

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