In one of the most emotional moments of WWE’s current programming, Zack Ryder made a shocking return to WWE during the November 14, 2025 edition of WWE SmackDown, appearing as the mystery opponent in a “Last Time Is Now” tournament match against LA Knight. The encounter marked Ryder’s first appearance on a WWE main roster show since his release in April 2020—a five-year absence that had left fans wondering if the beloved Long Island native would ever wrestle in a WWE ring again.
The Shocking Reveal
LA Knight faced an unnamed opponent in the tournament designed to determine who will face John Cena in his farewell match at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13. When the mystery opponent was finally revealed, the crowd erupted as the distinctive theme music of Zack Ryder hit—bringing back memories of one of WWE’s most underdog heroes.
Ryder emerged wearing his classic attire, complete with the signature boots that defined his era as a fan favorite. The moment instantly transported longtime WWE fans back to the early 2010s when Ryder, through sheer determination and social media savvy, became one of the first wrestlers to get himself over through YouTube and independent promotion—famously saying “woo woo woo, you know it!”.
The Match Result
Despite his emotional return and a spirited performance against the Megastar, Ryder came up short. LA Knight secured victory with his signature finisher, the BFT (Big Finishing Touch), advancing him further in the tournament to become John Cena’s potential final opponent.
However, the loss didn’t diminish the significance of Ryder’s comeback. His presence on the show generated genuine emotion—both in the arena and among fans watching at home—as wrestling enthusiasts recognized this as a major moment of closure, vindication, or at minimum, a second chance.
The Post-Match Interaction: Respect Between Competitors
Following the match, WWE captured a backstage moment that perfectly encapsulated the wrestling community’s respect for Ryder’s five-year journey back to the company.
In the backstage interview, Ryder spoke candidly about his mindset:
“Five years. It’s been five years since I put on Zack Ryder boots. Every single morning, the first thing I do, before I even open my damn eyes, is I ask: ‘How can I get back here? What do I have to do to get back here?’ I’ve busted my ass for the past five years—Death Match King, the 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, and I’m always ready. Woo woo woo, you know it.”
Ryder’s words were raw and vulnerable, revealing the genuine emotional toll of being released from the company during the COVID-19 pandemic and the constant drive that kept him going through independent wrestling, deathmatch promotions, and independent shows.
Then came the moment that transcended professional wrestling. LA Knight, still in character as the confident Megastar, approached Ryder backstage, extended his hand for a handshake, and addressed the moment with characteristic style:
“I don’t know if this is a ‘welcome back’ or if this is ‘see you later.’ All I can say is, yeah! Good stuff.”
The handshake and genuine acknowledgment from Knight—a sign of respect between competitors—provided a moment of humanity that transcended the scripted nature of professional wrestling. Knight’s uncertainty about whether this was Ryder’s permanent return or a one-off appearance mirrored the uncertainty in the hearts of fans watching.
Zack Ryder’s Five-Year Journey
Ryder (whose real name is Matt Cardona) spent the previous five years building a successful career outside WWE, particularly in independent wrestling promotions. Under his own brand “The Complete” and as “Death Match King” and “Indy God,” Cardona proved he remained a draw and beloved performer, even without the WWE platform that initially made him famous.
His appearance on the 2025 “Last Time Is Now” tournament makes sense on multiple levels. Cena and Ryder share significant history dating back to the early 2010s when both were part of WWE’s midcard scene. Additionally, Ryder’s return adds an unexpected emotional layer to what is already John Cena’s most anticipated farewell tour.
The Uncertainty of His Future
Despite the emotional return, there remains genuine uncertainty about whether this was a one-off appearance or the beginning of a permanent WWE return. Ryder’s own comments acknowledged this ambiguity: “This might be a one-time shot. I might get the call tomorrow. It doesn’t matter.”
As of now, WWE has not announced whether Ryder has been officially re-signed or if this appearance was a special arrangement for the John Cena farewell tournament. This uncertainty has sparked intense speculation among wrestling fans and observers.
A Moment That Transcends Wrestling
What made this moment significant extends beyond wrestling storylines. Ryder’s return represents a redemption narrative—the story of someone who faced adversity, was cut loose during unprecedented times, and refused to let that define his career.
His continued popularity despite years away from WWE, his success in independent promotions, and his ability to generate genuine emotion upon his return—all of these factors make Ryder’s comeback a textbook example of what can happen when a performer takes control of their narrative.
What Comes Next?
The critical questions remain: Will Zack Ryder receive another opportunity with WWE? Might he eventually earn his way into a higher position in the company’s card? Could his appearance lead to a permanent relationship with the organization?
For now, fans can relish the moment of Ryder’s return, appreciate the humanity displayed by both him and LA Knight in their post-match interaction, and hope that WWE recognizes the value of giving second chances to performers who have proven they’ve learned, grown, and continue to connect with audiences.
Whether or not Zack Ryder gets the permanent shot he’s been dreaming about every morning for five years, his November 14, 2025 appearance will remain a memorable chapter in WWE history—a moment when a wrestler got his chance to remind the world why fans loved him in the first place.
