Matt Cardona, better known as Zack Ryder to WWE fans, made a surprise return to WWE SmackDown during the recent “Last Time Is Now” tournament, reigniting speculation about his current relationship with the company. However, sources close to WWE and Cardona himself confirm that despite this appearance, the former Intercontinental Champion has not signed a new WWE contract, indicating his return may be a one-off event rather than a full-time comeback[1][2][5].
The Surprising SmackDown Return
Zack Ryder’s unexpected entrance on SmackDown was packaged with all the classic elements fans remember: his Zack Ryder gimmick, entrance music remix, and even new merchandise quickly appearing on WWE Shop. He faced LA Knight in the opening round of the tournament but ultimately lost. Despite the defeat, the return generated significant buzz, with fan-favorite moments like Ryder striking the iconic “pointing” pose with Triple H[1][3].
The use of the “Zack Ryder” persona, instead of Matt Cardona’s real name—which Cardona has used on NXT prior—raised questions. Industry insiders speculate that WWE prefers to use its intellectual property, i.e., the Zack Ryder name and theme music, as this allows WWE to control merchandising rights and branding more tightly[2].
Contract Status: Not Signed, But Merchandise Deal in Place
Despite the buzz surrounding his appearance, Fightful Select reports and WWE insiders confirm Cardona has no active contract with WWE. Instead, he is operating under a merchandise deal enabling WWE to sell Zack Ryder-branded items. This explains the new merch quickly listed on WWE’s official online store following his SmackDown match[1][2][5].
This arrangement benefits both sides: WWE capitalizes on Zack Ryder’s nostalgic popularity through merchandise sales while Cardona remains a free agent capable of working with other promotions. This is consistent with Cardona’s post-WWE career, where he achieved significant success on the independent scene and with promotions like GCW and NWA[1].
WWE’s Trademark Battles and Branding Strategy
The situation is complicated by WWE’s history with the Zack Ryder name. In 2023, Cardona attempted to trademark the Zack Ryder name after WWE let the trademark lapse, but WWE promptly filed new claims protecting the Zack Ryder intellectual property. This move blocked Cardona from officially reclaiming the name outside WWE[2].
Using the Zack Ryder gimmick on SmackDown aligns with WWE’s intent to maintain ownership of character names that they popularized, even if the performer behind them is not currently signed. According to wrestling business analysts, this is a common WWE strategy to control the merchandising and branding rights associated with legacy characters[2].
What’s Next For Matt Cardona?
While it currently appears Cardona’s WWE appearance was a special one-off event tied to the John Cena “Last Time Is Now” tournament, insiders believe this could be a testing ground for a longer-term role. Sources close to WWE note that Cardona made an impressive impression backstage, and his ability to draw fan interest is undeniable[1][5].
According to a WWE insider:
“Matt looked energized and connected with the crowd well. While there’s no contract now, WWE is definitely open to more things down the road if schedules and terms align. It’s a smart move to keep Zack Ryder in play given the nostalgia factor and Cardona’s independent success.”
Given Cardona’s proven drive and adaptability—to reinvent himself from Zack Ryder to a hardcore Deathmatch star and championship holder outside WWE—there is potential for future WWE opportunities, either sporadic or possibly full-time.
Fan and Industry Reactions
The wrestling community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many delighted to see the return of a beloved WWE original persona. Fans have praised WWE’s decision to revive Zack Ryder despite the complicated contract situation[3]. Meanwhile, Cardona himself has embraced the return, addressing past comments that he’d “killed” the Ryder character and now calling him “reborn” thanks to this renewed platform[6].
Summary
- Matt Cardona, as Zack Ryder, made a surprise WWE SmackDown return during the “Last Time Is Now” tournament but lost to LA Knight[1][3].
- Despite the appearance, Cardona has no active WWE contract; his WWE relationship currently centers on a merchandise deal allowing Zack Ryder merch sales[1][2][5].
- WWE continues to own the Zack Ryder name and related trademarks, blocking Cardona’s independent claim to the name[2].
- Sources indicate WWE remains open to more involvement from Cardona, given his backstage impression and fan interest[5].
- Fans and industry voices have welcomed the return, viewing it as a positive blend of nostalgia and fresh storytelling[3][6].
As Matt Cardona navigates his unique standing between independent wrestling stardom and WWE nostalgia, fans should watch closely for future developments—whether sporadic TV appearances or a more permanent comeback under the Zack Ryder banner.