Zack Ryder Speaks On WWE Return, What LA Knight Said Post Match
Zack Ryder reminded WWE fans that he’s always ready.
The storyline going into WWE SmackDown in Albany was that LA Knight would be in action against an unknown opponent as part of the Last Time Is Now Tournament, where the winner will face John Cena in his final match on December 13th. The SmackDown General Manager, Nick Aldis, chose not to say the person’s name when they were selected in a tumbler one week earlier.
As it turns out, that mystery opponent was somebody who hadn’t wrestled on Raw or SmackDown in five years. It was former Intercontinental Champion and WWE Tag Team Champion Zack Ryder, who has been wrestling as Matt Cardona (his real name) for the last five years since WWE released him.
Before his release, Ryder worked for WWE for about 15 years from 2005 to 2020, and spent more than a decade on the main roster.
Now at 40 years old, Ryder is in the best shape of his life, has the best tan he’s ever had, and is married to the WWE Women’s US Champion Chelsea Green, so things are going well for the Broski.
While LA Knight was able to beat Zack Ryder in their SmackDown match, the fans were happy to see Ryder, and he had a strong performance that saw him hit a Rough Ryder for a two count during the match.
After his match, WWE’s Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque posted one of his classic “point” photos with Ryder, and seemed impressed with his performance.
You never know who might show up in The Last Time Is Now Tournament. It’s all about opportunity and @TheMattCardona proved that tonight. #SmackDownpic.twitter.com/OgdbnD5QSN
— Triple H (@TripleH) November 15, 2025
“I’m Zack Ryder…I’m Always Ready”
When the WWE cameras caught up with Zack Ryder backstage after his match, the former Intercontinental Champion reminded us that he’s always going to be ready. Ryder also made it clear that he has been working hard to try to be a WWE superstar again.
“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 say, ‘How can I get back here? What do I have to do to get back here?’ I busted my a** for the past five years – Deathmatch King, Indy God, The Complete all for this moment.
This might be a one-time shot. I might get the call tomorrow. It doesn’t matter, because I’m Zack Ryder. I’m always ready. And I guess I can say this, woo woo woo! You know it!”
That’s when LA Knight approached and shook Ryder’s hand.
Knight: “I don’t know if this is a welcome back or if this is a see ya later, but all I can say is…Yeah!”
Knight would go on to slap Ryder’s chest in a friendly way and said, “Good stuff.”
There has been no confirmation that Zack Ryder has officially re-signed with WWE, but Zack Ryder merchandise is back up on WWE Shop, which could be a good sign for Ryder and his fans.