The backstage reaction to Zack Ryder making his WWE return on the recent episode of SmackDown has been revealed.
Known outside of WWE as Matt Cardona, the star made his return in the ‘Last Time Is Now’ Tournament, facing LA Knight as his former Zack Ryder character.
While Cardona may not have been successful in his return to the name he last used in 2020, he has since revealed that he signed a temporary arrangement with WWE for Ryder-themed merchandise.
Cardona has now revealed the positive backstage reaction to his return during a recent appearance on NotSam Wrestling, saying:
“Everything was positive. It was such a whirlwind, so I don’t want to paraphrase or even try to remember everything, but everything seemed positive. I got the (Triple H) point!”
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Triple H previously shared the finger point photo on Twitter, along with a message which read:
“You never know who might show up in The Last Time Is Now Tournament.
“It’s all about opportunity and @TheMattCardona proved that tonight. #SmackDown”
With the ‘Last Time Is Now’ Tournament still underway, another former WWE star returned on the November 17 Raw in the form of Dolph Ziggler.
There are two more first round matches, taking place on this week’s SmackDown, with Penta vs Finn Balor and Carmelo Hayes vs. Bronson Reed announced.
The winners of those matches will face Solo Sikoa and GUNTHER respectively on next week’s episode of Raw, with the eventual tournament winner going on to face John Cena in his final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13.
You never know who might show up in The Last Time Is Now Tournament. It’s all about opportunity and @TheMattCardona proved that tonight. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/OgdbnD5QSN
— Triple H (@TripleH) November 15, 2025
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