What's Happening?
Matt Cardona, known in WWE as Zack Ryder, made a notable return to WWE on the November 14 episode of SmackDown. He participated in the John Cena 'Last Time Is Now' tournament, facing LA Knight. Despite
previously stating that 'Zack Ryder is dead' and expressing a desire to compete as Matt Cardona, he returned under his former WWE persona. The match ended with LA Knight advancing in the tournament, but Ryder's return was marked by his iconic entrance theme and 'Woo Woo Woo' chant. Independent wrestler Richard Holliday reacted to Ryder's return on Twitter, expressing surprise at the revival of the Zack Ryder character.
Why It's Important?
The return of Zack Ryder to WWE is significant as it marks a potential shift in Matt Cardona's wrestling career. Having established himself on the independent scene and in TNA Wrestling, his return to WWE could signal a new chapter. This development may impact his future bookings and merchandise sales, as WWE has already released new Zack Ryder merchandise. The move also highlights WWE's strategy of leveraging nostalgia and established characters to engage fans, potentially affecting the dynamics of the current roster and storyline developments.
What's Next?
While Matt Cardona's future with WWE remains uncertain, his appearance on SmackDown could lead to further involvement in WWE storylines. The outcome of the tournament and his interactions with other wrestlers may influence his trajectory within the company. Additionally, TNA Wrestling has indicated that Cardona will continue to appear on TNA iMPACT, suggesting he may balance commitments between WWE and TNA. Fans and industry insiders will be watching closely to see if this marks a permanent return to WWE or a temporary crossover.
