Backstage Update on Zack Ryder’s Status Following WWE SmackDown Return

Was Zack Ryder’s epic return last night a one-shot deal, or will the man also known as the Indie God and Death Match King, Matt Cardona, truly always ready to stick around for more action in WWE? Fightful Select has an update on Ryder’s WWE status.

According to Fightful’s update, it’s been confirmed from both Cardona and WWE that the wrestler hasn’t been signed to a WWE contract following his return. So, it appears that for now, his SmackDown match against LA Knight was a one-off appearance.

However, WWE sources reportedly did confirm that Cardona did sign a merchandise deal with WWE, which is why WWE Shop started selling Zack Ryder merchandise after his appearance.

Ryder faced off against Knight as part of The Last Time Is Now Tournament, which will determine the final opponent for John Cena’s last match. Knight defeated Ryder to advance in the tournament.

Fightful also noted that it’s unknown why WWE opted to use him under the Ryder gimmick instead of Matt Cardona. However, if I may interject, Zack Ryder technically belongs to WWE as its own IP, name, and gimmick. Fans might recall back in 2023 that Cardona attempted to trademark his old ring name after WWE allowed it to expire. However, WWE later filed a new trademark on Zack Ryder, blocking Cardona’s attempts.

WWE likely wanted to use its own IP, ring name, and music that they already own, versus “Matt Cardona,” which is simply the wrestler’s real name. Plus, since Cardona did reportedly sign a merchandise deal, it likely worked better for WWE to have its own branded “Zack Ryder” merch over Cardona merch.

WWE CCO Triple H Recognizes the Effort of Zack Ryder Following SmackDown Match

As previously noted, WWE Chief Creative Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque also recognized the effort of Zack Ryder following his competing in The Last Time Is Now Tournament. He wrote after Friday Night SmackDown, “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.”

Triple H also took the customary backstage photo where he points at the athlete with Ryder after the match. Also, Ryder himself later wrote after the match, “I cannot express in words what last night meant to me, but if I had to try…Don’t Quit…Alwayz Ready…Thank You…WOO! WOO! WOO! @WWE”

You can also check out the Zack Ryder merchandise that was made available on WWE Shop below:

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