Update On Zack Ryder’s WWE Status Following Return

An update has been provided on Zack Ryder’s status with the WWE after he returned to the company five years after his release.

Zack Ryder, known since his WWE release in 2020 as Matt Cardona, returned under the gimmick that saw him rise to prominence in the WWE on the November 14 episode of SmackDown as LA Knight’s mystery opponent in the “Last Time is Now” tournament.

Although he received a massive reaction from the New York crowd for his return, he was unable to pick up the win and advance in the tournament. Cardona has wrestled in WWE since his release in 2020, but not under his former Ryder gimmick, having wrestled as Cardona on the October 7 episode of NXT against Josh Briggs.

Has Zack Ryder Signed With WWE?

An update from Fightful Select has reported that both Cardona and WWE have confirmed that he has not signed a WWE contract, and that his appearance on SmackDown is likely just a one-off appearance.

Although it was reported that Cardona signed a merchandise deal with WWE, which is why Zack Ryder merch appeared on the WWE Shop following his return.