Zack Ryder made a surprise return to WWE during the November 14 episode of SmackDown, and now John Cena is giving him a silent salute. In a move that didnt need words, Cena took to Instagram and posted a photo of Ryder in his WWE return gearletting his followers know that he sees and respects the moment.
Ryder entered the Last Time Is Now tournament and squared off against LA Knight. While he didnt get the win, fans were thrilled to see him back under the WWE banner. The crowd erupted when Ryder stepped out, and he even put on a strong performance against the Megastar. Still, the loss meant he wouldnt be advancing in the tournament to face Cenabut the return itself was a win.
After the match, Ryder spoke openly about what it meant to him. He hadnt laced up Zack Ryder boots in five years and made it clear that his drive to come back never fadednot even for a second.
Since being released by WWE in 2020, Ryderbetter known on the indies as Matt Cardonatook his career into his own hands. From brutal death matches to viral promos, he built himself into one of the hottest names outside WWE. And now that hes back, even if only for a moment, he knows it was all worth it.
Its unclear whats next for Ryderwhether this was a one-night return or the beginning of something more. But one things certain: fans saw the passion, and John Cena saw it too.
Was this the start of a full-time comeback or just one final ride for Zack Ryder? Should WWE make it permanent? Drop your thoughts and feedback in the comments below!
