In a surprise twist that sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe, Matt Cardona made his long-awaited return to the main roster on Friday’s episode of WWE SmackDown but not as the “Indy God” the independent wrestling world has come to know. Instead, Cardona stepped back into the ring as Zack Ryder, the beloved WWE persona he last portrayed in 2020, competing in the opening round of the “Last Time is Now” tournament for a shot at John Cena in his final match.
The return marked Cardona’s first main roster appearance in more than five years, and while the outcome wasn’t in his favor, the moment was a nostalgic celebration for longtime fans and a major talking point heading into the final weeks of the Cena era.
The Big Reveal: Zack Ryder Is Back
The episode of SmackDown aired from the MVP Arena in Albany, New York, and the night’s second match was highly anticipated: LA Knight’s mystery opponent in the “Last Time is Now” tournament. The crowd buzzed with speculation, but few expected the entrance of Zack Ryder’s classic “Woo, Woo, Woo, You Know It” theme.
As Ryder made his way to the ring, the crowd erupted in cheers, a mix of nostalgia and excitement for the return of a fan-favorite. The match itself was a hard-hitting affair, with Ryder showing flashes of his old self—rolling up Knight early, escaping holds, and trading blows with the “Main Event” star.
Despite a spirited effort, Ryder ultimately fell victim to Knight’s patented BFT finisher, ending his tournament run and sending Knight through to the next round. Still, the return was a major moment for WWE, blending legacy and current storylines in a way that only the company can.
Cardona’s Journey Back to WWE
Matt Cardona’s WWE career spanned over a decade, with his most memorable run as Zack Ryder, the self-proclaimed “Internet Champion” and a staple of the mid-card scene. His last main roster match came in March 2020, when he was defeated by Bobby Lashley on WWE Raw. After his release, Cardona reinvented himself as the “Indy God,” becoming a dominant force on the independent circuit and in promotions like Impact Wrestling and GCW.
His return to WWE as Ryder was a calculated move, according to a WWE insider who spoke to WrestlingHeadlines. “There was a lot of discussion behind the scenes about how to bring Matt back in a way that would resonate with the audience,” the source said. “Bringing back Zack Ryder was the perfect bridge between his past and present. It’s a nod to the fans who remember him from his WWE days, but also a way to reintroduce him to a new generation.”
Cardona’s recent appearances in WWE NXT—including a loss to Josh Briggs and involvement in the TNA invasion storyline—were seen as a warm-up for his main roster return. His participation in the “Last Time is Now” tournament was a high-profile way to reintegrate him into the WWE landscape, even if the match ended in defeat.
The “Last Time is Now” Tournament and John Cena’s Final Match
The “Last Time is Now” tournament is a centerpiece of WWE’s build-up to John Cena’s final match, scheduled for December 13th. The winner of the tournament will earn the right to face Cena in what is being billed as the end of an era for one of the most iconic figures in wrestling history.
LA Knight’s victory over Ryder puts him in the semifinals, joining Jey Uso, Sheamus, and Rusev as the four men who have advanced so far. The next matches in the tournament—Je’Von Evans vs. Gunther and Solo Sikoa vs. a mystery opponent—are set to take place in the coming weeks, with the final showdown expected to be a major event.
Cena’s connection to Ryder goes back to 2012, when the two were friends in storyline, only for their relationship to sour after Cena kissed Ryder’s love interest, Eve Torres. Ryder was also targeted by Cena’s nemesis at the time, Kane, who infamously pushed him off the stage while he was in a wheelchair. These moments have become part of WWE lore, and Ryder’s return adds another layer to the Cena farewell narrative.
Fan Reaction and Backstage Buzz
The reaction to Ryder’s return was overwhelmingly positive, with fans taking to social media to celebrate the moment. Many praised WWE for bringing back a beloved character, while others expressed hope that Cardona’s return could lead to a longer-term run on the main roster.
“Zack Ryder’s return was a perfect blend of nostalgia and excitement,” said a longtime WWE fan on Twitter. “It’s great to see him back, even if it was just for one match.”
Backstage, sources say there is optimism about Cardona’s future in WWE. “Matt’s return was well-received by the locker room and management,” the insider revealed. “There’s talk about potentially bringing him back for more appearances, especially as we head into the Cena farewell.”
What’s Next for Matt Cardona?
While Cardona’s tournament run ended with a loss, his return has opened the door for more opportunities in WWE. Whether he continues as Zack Ryder or eventually transitions back to his “Indy God” persona, his presence adds depth to the current roster and gives WWE another versatile performer to work with.
As the “Last Time is Now” tournament continues, all eyes will be on who will earn the right to face John Cena in his final match. For now, Matt Cardona’s return as Zack Ryder stands as one of the most memorable moments of the build-up, a reminder of the power of legacy and the enduring appeal of WWE’s biggest stars.
Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament unfolds and the countdown to John Cena’s final match begins.