When John Cena announced the Last Time is Now Tournament, he made a point to say that the wrestlers entering could be from outside of the company. Couple that with Nick Aldis pulling a mystery name and keeping it a surprise two weeks ago and all signs pointed to someone unexpected entering the fray. And while there had been some speculation given his history with Cena (and something we teased here at LWOPW) that Matt Cardona could cross the TNA line, it is fair to say that few likely expected his return to come in the form of the Original Broski, Zack Ryder.
While just two weeks ago, Cardona debuted on NXT as his Matt Cardona, in his SmackDown return on Friday, he was Zack Ryder, complete with the entrance, catchphrase, and gear. In fact, fans noticed Ryder was sporting a new shirt, which shortly after the match WWE Shop tweeted was available online. This is one of three Ryder shirts WWE is now selling, which really makes this feel like a lot more than just a one off as Cardona/Ryder alluded to in his post-match interview.
Read More: John Cena Final Match: Full List of Competitors and Results in Last Time is Now Tournament
Zack Ryder returns! Shop his tees available NOW at #WWEShop #WWE 🛒: https://t.co/KsSkiWNJkV pic.twitter.com/fMlD9XPxB3
— WWEShop.com (@WWEShop) November 15, 2025
“Five years, it’s been five years since I put on Zack Ryder boots,” Ryder said after WWE caught up with him backstage following his match against LA Knight. “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?” Ryder reflected. “I’ve busted my ass 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.”
Triple H also referenced Ryder embracing the opportunity and posed with Ryder in the classic finger point pic, which seems to double as a seal of approval. It is unknown at this time if Ryder is around for the long haul but it is worth noting that in September, it was reported that he is working with TNA on a per appearance basis and is not under contract with them. That would make it a lot easier for Ryder to jump ship to WWE at a moment’s notice, perhaps joining the already signed Joe Hendry in the process.
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