Matt Cardona, known in WWE as Zack Ryder and a former Intercontinental Champion, is returning to the main roster after a significant hiatus. His last appearance on the main roster occurred in March 2020. He faced Bobby Lashley during an episode of WWE Raw and has since been active in other wrestling promotions.
Return to WWE SmackDown
Cardona’s much-anticipated return is scheduled for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown. He will compete against LA Knight in a match that offers the winner a chance to challenge John Cena in the “Last Time is Now” tournament.
Recent Matches and Background
In early October, Cardona participated in a match for WWE NXT, where he faced Josh Briggs. Though he lost that matchup, he played a significant role in the TNA invasion storyline, which culminated in a showdown between the promotions.
- Ex-Intercontinental Champion: Matt Cardona (Zack Ryder)
- Last Main Roster Match: March 2020 vs. Bobby Lashley
- Recent NXT Appearance: October 2023 vs. Josh Briggs
- Previous Storylines: Love triangle with John Cena and Eve Torres
- Injury Angle: Pushed off stage by Kane while in a wheelchair
Cardona’s connection with John Cena dates back to 2012. The storyline involving Cena and Ryder developed into a love triangle, creating significant drama and intrigue among fans. This history adds an exciting layer to Cardona’s impending match against LA Knight.
As anticipation builds for tonight’s WWE SmackDown, fans are eager to see how Cardona will perform after his extended absence. His previous accolades and on-screen persona have established him as a fan favorite, making this a notable event.
