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3d ago

Zack Ryder Returns on SmackDown as LA Knight’s Mystery Opponent in Cena Farewell Tournament

Fightful reports Ryder’s appearance was a one-off without a new WWE deal.

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 17: Nia Jax and Bianca Belair in action during Smackdown at Pechanga Arena on January 17, 2025 in San Diego, California. (Photo by WWE/Getty Images)
SANDY SPRINGS, GEORGIA - JULY 18: WWE women's tag team champion Chelsea Green and independent wrestler Matt Cardona arrive on the red carpet for the premiere of the Peacock original WWE documentary "American Nightmare: Becoming Cody Rhodes" on July 18, 2023 in Sandy Springs, Georgia. (Photo by WWE via Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TEXAS - JANUARY 24: LA Knight enters the ring during SmackDown at Moody Center on January 24, 2025 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by WWE/Getty Images)
TOKYO,JAPAN - JUNE 29: Zack Ryder enters the ring during the WWE Live Tokyo at Ryogoku Kokugikan on June 29, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)

Overview

  • LA Knight defeated Ryder to advance in the 16-man Last Time Is Now tournament to determine John Cena’s opponent on Dec. 13 in Washington, D.C.
  • Matt Cardona appeared under his Zack Ryder persona with familiar music and graphics for his first WWE main-roster match in over five years.
  • Following the bout, LA Knight delivered a backstage promo calling himself the gatekeeper to John Cena’s last match.
  • WWE Shop began selling new Zack Ryder merchandise immediately after the SmackDown return.
  • Ryder said the comeback might be a one-time shot, and Fightful Select reported both WWE and Cardona confirmed the appearance was a single-date return with no contract signed.