On Friday, November 14, 2025 , WWE Friday Night SmackDown delivered a nostalgia-charged curveball when Matt Cardona stepped through the curtain as Zack Ryder for the first time in five years to face LA Knight in John Cena ’s “ Last Time Is Now ” tournament. The surprise return in Albany, New York, ended in a loss, but the moment — and Ryder’s own words — made clear why this comeback mattered: “Five years. It’s been five years since I put on Zack Ryder boots… I busted my ass for the past five years… This might be a one time shot… because I’m Zack Ryder, I’m always ready… woo, woo, woo, you know it.”

Ryder came out with the classic entrance, catchphrase, and gear — and within minutes, new Zack Ryder merchandise surfaced on WWE Shop . WWEShop.com posted, “Zack Ryder returns

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