Matt Cardona responded to the criticism he received for returning to WWE as Zack Ryder, a character he hadn’t portrayed in over five years. On the November 14 episode of SmackDown, Cardona competed as Zack Ryder for the first time since his time away, participating in the WWE Last Time is Now tournament against LA Knight to decide John Cena’s final challenger. While wrestling independently, Cardona had proclaimed that his Zack Ryder persona was “dead,” which led many fans to question and criticize his decision to revive the character. Speaking to Nosam Wrestling, Cardona dismissed the negative comments, stating that those questioning his return aren’t true fans and that he’s pleased with the support from genuine fans who accept him in either identity. He encouraged those who disagree to simply move on, as their opinions don’t affect him. Cardona also recently discussed his current status and future plans in WWE following this character revival.
Fan Take: This development is significant for WWE fans as it signals the return of a familiar and beloved character, blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling potential. Cardona’s stance on embracing both his identities could bring dynamic new angles to WWE programming and rekindle interest among long-time supporters.
