During last night's SmackDown, Matt Cardona returned to WWE to compete in "The Last Time Is Now" tournament. Squaring off in a losing effort against LA Knight, Cardona competed under his original Zack Ryder moniker.
According to Fightful, the Indie God and Death Match King has not currently signed a new deal. For now, that makes his return a one-off, though he is still working in the WWE-adjacent TNA.
Interestingly, it's said that Cardona has signed a merchandise deal with the company, explaining why WWE Shop has now started selling Zack Ryder gear again. Cardona has hustled hard on the independents since his release in 2020, so it's great to see him find this level of mainstream success again.
As for why he wrestled as "Zack Ryder" rather than "Matt Cardona," it's because WWE owns the trademark to the former (he tried unsuccessfully in 2023 to gain that when it lapsed, only for WWE to regain the IP).
In a video posted to the official WWE YouTube account, Cardona said, "Five years. It’s been five years since I put on Zack Ryder boots. Every single morning, the first thing I do, before I even open my damn eyes, is I [ask] 'How can I can get back here? What do I have to do to get back here?'"
"I’ve busted my ass for the past five years. Death Match King, the Indy-God, the complete, all for this moment," he continued. "This might be a one-time shot. I might get the call tomorrow. It doesn’t matter. Because I’m Zack Ryder. And I’m always ready. Woo woo woo, you know it."
With any luck, Cardona will be offered a WWE deal because it certainly seems to be something fans want. The reaction to his return was huge, and there's a lot he could bring to the table as Zack Ryder again.
Check out some highlights from SmackDown below.