Zack Ryder's Unexpected Return to WWE: A Twist in the 'Last Time is Now' Tournament
The November 14, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown witnessed a thrilling turn of events as LA Knight faced an enigmatic opponent in the 'Last Time is Now' tournament. The mystery opponent, who remained undisclosed until the match's climax, was none other than the returning Zack Ryder, also known as Matt Cardona. This marked Ryder's first appearance on the WWE main roster since 2020, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his comeback.
The match itself was a back-and-forth affair, with Knight showcasing his prowess and ultimately securing the victory with a BFT (Big Foot Tackle).
In a 2022 interview, Cardona expressed his thoughts on a potential WWE return, stating, 'I would love to come back as me, Matt Cardona, but I think realistically, the WWE has that IP and they’ve invested a lot in that name, so I would have no problem [doing it], even if it was a one-off at the Royal Rumble or something like that. I think it’d be interesting. If I were to come out, I don’t know if the people would boo. I think I’d get a huge pop! I think I’d be a babyface again.'
The revelation of Zack Ryder as the mystery opponent sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, with fans eagerly awaiting his return and the potential impact on the WWE landscape. The tweet from WWE on November 15, 2025, confirmed the identity of the opponent, sparking excitement and curiosity among followers.
This unexpected reunion raises questions about the future of both LA Knight and Zack Ryder, leaving fans speculating about potential storylines and the implications of their reunion. The 'Last Time is Now' tournament, with its mysterious twists, continues to captivate audiences, and the return of Zack Ryder adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing narrative.
