Zack Ryder Reflects on WWE Return – As noted, Matt Cardona, also known to WWE fans as Zack Ryder, made his highly discussed return during Friday’s edition of SmackDown as LA Knight’s mystery opponent in the Last Time Is Now tournament. Cardona revived his Zack Ryder identity, complete with his signature attitude and well-known catchphrase. Although he did not score the win against Knight, his return generated significant interest, both in the arena and online, leaving the door open to many questions regarding his WWE future.
After the match, Cardona spoke backstage, where he expressed how meaningful the night was to him. He explained that stepping back into Zack Ryder gear for the first time in five years was not just a physical return, but also the result of continuous work and personal drive. He stated, “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, I say how can I get back here? What do I have to do to get back here? I busted my ass for the past five years, Death Match King, Indie God, The Complete, all for this moment.” Cardona continued by saying, “This might be a one time shot, I might get the call tomorrow, but it doesn’t matter because I’m Zack Ryder and I’m always ready. And I guess I can say this: Woo woo woo, you know it.”
LA Knight later approached Cardona and showed both respect and uncertainty regarding what happens next. Knight shook his hand and said, “I don’t know if this is a welcome back or if this is a see you later but all I can say is, Yeah!”
Cardona later posted on X to share his feelings publicly, writing, “I cannot express in words what last night meant to me, but if I had to try… Don’t Quit… Alwayz Ready… Thank You… WOO! WOO! WOO!” His wife, two-time WWE Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green, reacted online with supportive messages, including, “Hehe I knew before you knew!” followed by, “What a day to be Zack Ryders wife!”
Cardona originally signed with WWE in 2005 and was released in April 2020. During his time in WWE, he held the Intercontinental Championship, United States Championship, and won the RAW Tag Team Titles twice with Curt Hawkins. Whether this appearance marks a brief return or the beginning of a new chapter, his message made one thing clear: he still believes in Zack Ryder, and he is still ready.
Zack Ryder Reflects on WWE Return
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