ZACK RYDER COMEBACK SPARKS WWE EXCITEMENT AS CENA MATCHUP LOOMS
Matt Cardona returned to WWE as Zack Ryder on SmackDown, facing LA Knight in a tournament match. In a backstage interview, the "Indy God" expressed his joy at returning but is unsure if it's a one-off.
Matt Cardona has brought Zack Ryder back from the dead -COURTESY/PHOTO
To identify John Cena's opponent for Saturday Night's Main Event on December 13th in Washington, D.C., Cardona made a comeback this week on SmackDown as Zack Ryder, LA Knight's mystery opponent for The Last Time is Now Tournament. From 2011 to 2012, he had a history with Cena through backstage interactions and even a tag fight in which they were defeated by R-Truth and The Miz. By striking the Megastar with his trademark Rough Ryder during the bout, the Long Island Iced-Z came dangerously close to losing. Knight ultimately advanced to the next round of the tournament by flawlessly executing a Blunt Force Trauma and a powerbomb.
Nevertheless, Knight was pushed to the limit by Cardona's relentless attempt. The 40-year-old expressed his gratitude for being permitted to don the Zack Ryder boots once more in an exclusive backstage video that was uploaded to WWE's YouTube channel. He acknowledged that he was not sure about his future in WWE, but he made it plain that he will always be prepared.
Five years. I have not worn Zack Ryder boots in five years. I always ask myself, "How can I get back here?" before I even open my d*mn eyes in the morning. How can I return to this place? I spent the last five years busting my ass. King of Deathmatch. God Indy. All for this moment, the Complete. This could be a one-time event. Since I am Zack Ryder and always prepared, it does not matter if I get the call tomorrow. I suppose I may say, "hoo hoo woo, you know it," Cardona revealed.
Chelsea Green Talks About Matt Zack Ryder's WWE Comeback
While the WWE Universe was pleased to see Matt Cardona return to his Zack Ryder persona, his wife, Chelsea Green, was the most thrilled.
Taking to X, the reigning Women's United States Champion thanked her husband and declared that she was honoured to be Zack Ryder's wife.
It will be intriguing to observe whether Cardona's SmackDown debut will be a one-time event or if it will mark her permanent comeback and her formal return as a WWE Superstar.
JEY USO’S SMACKDOWN BLUNDER DRAWS FRUSTRATION FROM VETERAN WWE STAR
Jey Uso advances in WWE's tournament after a controversial finish against The Miz. The move, which some are calling a botch, could draw the ire of the seasoned veteran as their rivalry intensifies on SmackDown.
Jey Uso's mishap frustrates experienced wrestling star - Photo Credit: WWE
When Jey Uso made a mistake on WWE SmackDown, a seasoned superstar could respond negatively.
On Friday Night SmackDown this week, the second round of The Last Time Is Now tournament, which will decide John Cena's last opponent at Saturday Night's Main Event program on December 13, proceeded. The third match was between Jey Uso and The Miz, which finished with The Yeet Master progressing to the second round.
The match ended with Uso jumping down to the ring and hitting The Miz's head on the top rope, followed by a spear and splash from the turnbuckle, when Jey was on the second rope with his opponent up his shoulders.
Though some fans remain split on whether the move was deliberate or not, the analysts pointed out that it might have been a novel move. In any case, the Grand Slam Champion will undoubtedly have a bad taste in his mouth for the next few weeks.
This week's broadcast also featured a tournament matchup between LA Knight and a return appearance by Zack Ryder. The Megastar made it further in the competition in spite of the latter's best attempts.
After a recent botch, another champion apparently became legitimately enraged with Jey Uso.
If the former World Heavyweight Champion botched the turnbuckle move against The Miz on SmackDown, then it’s not the only botch move he attempted this month during a WWE show.
Jey faced Punk for the unclaimed World Heavyweight title at Saturday Night's Main Event. The eventual champion gave his opponent a neckbreaker, but he mishandled its landing. Punk then kicked Jey Uso's head before successfully performing the technique once more.
Though both teams are still lacking a superstar, it appears that both guys have moved past this as they will compete against The Vision, Logan Paul, and Drew McIntyre at Survivor Series: WarGames with Jimmy Uso and Cody Rhodes.
STEVE AUSTIN SPEAKS OUT, EXPOSING WWE’S CRITICAL ISSUE IN CURRENT ERA
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin blasts WWE's current "micromanaged" and "overly friendly" product, saying scripted promos have killed authenticity. The Hall of Famer claims today's stars aren't allowed to be real.
Austin exposes WWE’s biggest current problem - COURTESY/PHOTO
"Cold Stone" When it comes to what he believes to be the main issue facing the WWE today, Steve Austin is not holding back. The product simply does not feel the same now, according to the man who helped define a whole generation of wrestling.
Austin claims that corporate structure and a culture that prioritises control over innovation have sanitised the show is spirit. He claims that the roster's talent is not the reason behind this.
Austin revealed the details of WWE's transformation in an interview with Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Dirty Mo Media. When he was given a promo script after undergoing neck surgery in 2000, the change came as a shock.
Austin remarked, "I simply believe that was the latter days of the Wild Wild West." It has something to do with introducing a restrictor plate, which is why I adore it.
"You know, a lot more corporate sponsors were coming in, and things needed to get a little more pleasant because guys were starting to be a little more micromanaged," Austin remembered the precise moment when everything changed for him.
He said, "I will never forget having to travel in 2000 to have my C3–4 fused up due to some neck issues." And that is when they started occasionally giving you things like this after I returned.
"And you were going to say this." However, he did not like scripted advertisements back then, and he does not now.
Austin clarified, "I am going to listen to you talk crap if you are going to talk trash to me, and I am going to go out there and address what you just said." Although we are tearing each other down, we are also strengthening one another.
"You mean we are working together? Our goal is to sell tickets. That is business.
He made it clear that his approach focused on emotion rather than memorisation. "I do not rely on my memory for work. I start with my gut and heart feelings and use my brain to piece it together.
The line that struck like a surprise then arrived. "It is much friendlier now. It is micromanaged. We did not even practice back then. We recently completed it.
Austin's message is very clear: authenticity is more important than nostalgia. What makes a character believable is lost when spontaneity is removed.
The genuineness of the delivery was more memorable than just "Stone Cold's" catchphrases. He feels that today's celebrities are not permitted to use that.
Since he is aware of the talent on the current roster, he is not criticising it. However, he believes that they are engaging in a game where the guidelines are too strict, the advertisements are too well-made, and the soul is too predetermined.