Matt Cardona is reportedly not signed to a WWE contract despite his surprise appearance as Zack Ryder on Friday’s episode of SmackDown.
According to a report from Fightful Select, both Cardona and WWE sources confirmed that the appearance is considered a one-off for now.
Cardona, 40, returned as his Ryder persona to face LA Knight in a first-round match for the ‘Last Time is Now’ tournament, which Knight won. The tournament will determine John Cena’s final opponent.
Despite the reported lack of a contract, a merchandising agreement is in place, as WWE Shop released new Zack Ryder T-shirts following his return.
Cardona also remains committed to his independent bookings. He is also scheduled for TNA Wrestling’s television tapings on Saturday at Full Sail University. Cardona confirmed this by responding “I’ll be there!” to a TNA social media post promoting the event.
I’ll be there! https://t.co/RfTgeHqUtL
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) November 15, 2025
In a digital exclusive posted by WWE after his match, Ryder alluded to the uncertainty of his status:
This might be a one -ime shot, I might get the call tomorrow, but it doesn’t matter because I’m Zack Ryder and I’m always ready.
Cardona was released by WWE in April 2020. In the following years, he reinvented himself on the independent circuit, winning major championships in TNA, NWA, and GCW.
