Credit: WWE.com
Matt Cardona, formerly known in WWE as Zack Ryder, made a stunning surprise appearance on WWE NXT’s September 23rd episode, marking his first WWE television moment in over five years. What makes this comeback even more intriguing is that Cardona is reportedly not under contract with Impact Wrestling (TNA), despite being involved in the ongoing TNA invasion storyline on NXT.
A Shocking WWE TV Surprise
Cardona appeared during the closing moments of the NXT broadcast as part of a larger invasion angle involving TNA stars, who have been showing up on WWE programming to shake up the brand. His presence generated a significant reaction from the live crowd and fans watching at home, given his long absence from WWE following his 2020 release.
While his appearance fuels excitement about a potential WWE return, the backstage situation is more complex than a simple signing. According to multiple sources, Cardona has been involved with TNA since earlier this year but currently operates without a formal contract from them, leaving him free to work with WWE for now.
Not Under Contract: What This Means
This unusual contractual status stems from changes at Impact Wrestling. A few years ago, Impact moved away from working with unsigned talent, but that policy has since adjusted. Now, Impact’s more flexible approach has allowed talents like Cardona to appear without formal commitments, creating opportunities for crossover appearances on rival programming such as WWE’s NXT.
A WWE insider explained, “Matt’s not locked down to Impact right now. That gives WWE the unique ability to feature him without hurdles. This might be a test run to gauge fan reactions or a prelude to something bigger”.
John Cena’s Instagram Post Adds Fuel to Speculation
Adding to the buzz, WWE megastar John Cena posted an Instagram photo showing Cardona inside the WWE Performance Center in Orlando. This post coincided with the TNA invasion storyline and ignited rampant speculation about an official WWE return for Cardona.
The timing of Cena’s post further fueled rumors that WWE might be quietly preparing a significant role for Cardona within NXT or even beyond, perhaps as an official signee or major character involved in the ongoing invasion angle.
What Could the “Big Twist” Be?
Reports suggest there might be a larger surprise twist coming with Cardona’s return. While obviously tied to the current TNA invasion storyline, some insiders speculate WWE could be leveraging Cardona’s unique contract status to create a storyline that blurs traditional boundaries between promotions.
Possible scenarios include:
Cardona signing officially with WWE soon, with the invasion storyline serving as a soft launch.
A storyline where Cardona plays both sides appearing in Impact and WWE creating a cross-promotional dynamic rarely seen before.
WWE using Cardona’s independent status as a wild card inside the TNA invasion, giving creative freedom to pull unexpected moves.
One source close to WWE commented, “They want to keep the audience guessing. Matt’s presence opens all kinds of doors for unpredictable storytelling.”
The Fan Response and Wrestling Community Buzz
Longtime fans of Cardona/Zack Ryder welcomed the surprise with enthusiasm. His return to WWE TV after five years has been widely celebrated on social media, with many expressing hope for a sustained run within NXT or even the main roster eventually.
The TNA invasion storyline itself has received mixed but generally intrigued reactions, with the addition of Cardona seen as a strong enhancement to the angle’s profile and star power.
Context: Cardona’s Journey Since WWE
Since his 2020 WWE release, Matt Cardona reinvented himself on the independent scene and Impact Wrestling, where he cultivated a hardcore fan following and championship reigns.
Despite openly expressing his desire to return to WWE, no official deal had materialized until this surprise NXT appearance. The fact that this return comes without a signed TNA contract highlights the fluid nature of wrestling contracts in 2025 and WWE’s willingness to experiment with unconventional talent arrangements.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Cardona?
While WWE has not officially announced any contract details, industry insiders are watching closely for any word on negotiations or signings. Cardona’s openness to work with WWE combined with the buzz created by his NXT cameo suggests WWE might be preparing more prominent storylines involving him.
Fans may anticipate:
A formal WWE contract signing announcement in the near future.
Expanded involvement in NXT storylines or even main roster appearances.
Potential surprises stemming from the ongoing cross-promotional invasion narrative.
Final Thoughts
Matt Cardona’s unexpected WWE NXT return, coupled with his non-contracted TNA status, sets the stage for potentially groundbreaking story developments. WWE appears to be leveraging this unique situation to revitalize one of their former talents while injecting fresh excitement into the NXT brand amid a high-profile invasion storyline.
According to a WWE insider, “This isn’t just a cameo or nostalgia moment. WWE has bigger plans, and Cardona’s free-agent status gives them an unusual edge to play with storytelling that could redefine alliances and rivalries”.
