Triple H Praises Zack Ryder Following WWE Return on SmackDown, Ryder Explains What Last Night Means to Him

Zack Ryder had a glorious WWE homecoming last night on SmackDown. He competed in The Last Time Is Now Tournament, facing LA Knight. Although Knight won, he later showed Ryder his respect in a backstage promo. Also, WWE Chief Creative Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque commented on Ryder’s return via social media.

Speaking on last night’s WWE homecoming for Zack Ryder, Triple H credited Ryder for proving that The Last Time Is Now tournament is all about opportunity. He commented, “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”

Along with Triple H’s message, Zack Ryder finally gets the iconic “Triple H points to you” backstage photo. Meanwhile, Ryder commented on his own social media, “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”

As previously noted, Ryder later expressed uncertainty about whether his appearance on SmackDown is a one-time deal or if WWE might give him the call tomorrow. He stated, “This might be a one-time shot, I might get the call tomorrow, but it doesn’t matter because I’m Zack Ryder. I’m always ready.”

With his victory, LA Knight now advances to the next round of The Last Time Is Now Tournament, along with Rusev and Sheamus, who won their respective matches earlier this week on WWE Raw.

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 pic.twitter.com/e4cQRUy16b

— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) November 15, 2025

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