Zack Ryders WWE comeback on SmackDown might have caught fans off guard, but backstage, it turns out the vibe was nothing but positive.
Matt Cardonabetter known to WWE fans as Rydershared that his return wasnt just last-minute chaos; it was also well received by everyone behind the curtain.
Appearing on NotSam Wrestling, Cardona opened up about how things went down after stepping through the curtain to face LA Knight in the Last Time Is Now Tournament. According to him, everything backstage was smoothand it included a key sign of respect from the man in charge.
That iconic finger point, often shared by Triple H with returning or debuting stars, was later posted on Twitter by The Game himself with a message that added fuel to speculation about Cardonas future:
Cardona also revealed that his return came with a temporary WWE deal strictly for Zack Ryder-themed merchandise. While it may have been a one-night-only deal on screen, his return lit up merch salesand it doesnt seem like the door is closed.
His comeback was nothing short of a whirlwind. From secretly flying into New York City to avoid airport autograph hunters to riding in with Chelsea Green, hiding in hoodies and a mask backstage, and scrambling to get new gear made within 24 hoursit was a rush job from start to finish. And he didnt even tell Cody Rhodes.
Despite losing to LA Knight in the opening round of the tournament, the crowd reaction spoke for itself. And now, with confirmation that the WWE locker roomand Triple H himselfwelcomed him back with open arms, Cardonas future might include more than just a nostalgia pop.
The Last Time Is Now Tournament continues this week, with Carmelo Hayes vs. Bronson Reed and Penta vs. Finn Balor set to decide who moves on to face GUNTHER and Solo Sikoa, respectively. The winner of the entire tournament will earn the right to face John Cena in his final match on December 13 at Saturday Nights Main Event.
Do you think Zack Ryders WWE return should lead to something permanent? Should Cardona stick around or go back to dominating the indies? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know what you want to see next.
