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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.

Zack Ryder comeback sparks WWE excitement as Cena matchup looms
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.

SHAYNA BASZLER EXPLAINS WHY BROCK LESNAR COMPARISONS ARE "LAZY" THINKING

Shayna Baszler calls Brock Lesnar comparisons "lazy." She reveals how Triple H fought to make her #30 in the 2020 Royal Rumble.

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Shayna Baszler slams "lazy" Brock Lesnar labels

So, this former WWE Superstar has something to say about people comparing how she was booked to Brock Lesnar.

Shayna Baszler was a force to be reckoned with back in 2019. She held the NXT Women’s Title for over 500 days, beating wrestlers like Kairi Sane and Ember Moon (also known as Athena).

Baszler showed pure dominance in the 2020 Women’s Royal Rumble, where she took out eight other wrestlers. At the time, that tied Bianca Belair's record. Later, Nia Jax broke that record at the 2025 Royal Rumble when she got rid of nine wrestlers.

Shayna Baszler was recently on Chris Van Vliet's INSIGHT show, and the host brought up how she was booked similarly to Brock Lesnar.

She replied, “Yeah, I had a problem with that because I don’t think even back in NXT, I was ever like a female Brock Lesnar. I think it’s a lazy thought, because, oh, she’s a badass, and she does MMA.

Shayna Baszler says Triple H fought for her to be in the 2020 Royal Rumble at No. 30. Earlier in the interview, Shayna Baszler talked about how well she did in the 2020 Women’s Royal Rumble. She said that WWE kept swapping around what number she’d come out as until Triple H pushed for her to be the last one.

“I think there was some talk because Santino was going to be in the women’s Rumble, and I think at first he was supposed to be number 30, but I guess people thought that was a bad idea. It’s funny, but as number 30, it was getting late, and the fans were going to hate it.

“So then they switched me to number 30, and I think Hunter helped me out there. I think he was like, if Shayna isn’t in the Rumble and we put Santino at number 30, everyone’s going to expect the NXT champ to show up, and if it’s Santino, it’s going to be awful. So I think he went to bat for me to get me back in the Rumble.”

CONFIRMED: WWE HALL OF FAMER MICK FOLEY PUBLICLY CORRECTS WWE SPREADING SOCIAL MEDIA LIES

Mick Foley hits back at viral claims that he is "fuming" over WWE's use of his footage. Read the legend's full response here.

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Mick Foley Clarifies WWE Status After Viral Rumours

Mick Foley just shot down a WWE rumour about him.

Word got around on social media that Mick Foley was mad at WWE for using clips of his wrestling days.

It started when an Instagram page, It’s Wrestling Lover, said Foley was fuming. But Foley hopped on Instagram to set the record straight, saying it's just not true.

Foley said WWE owns the footage and can use it how they want. He's actually proud of his work and likes it when fans get to see it.

“I saw that an Instagram site called It’s Wrestling Lover is spreading a made-up story about me being angry with WWE for using my wrestling stuff,” Foley said. “First off, it’s their footage. They can do whatever. Second, I’m proud of it. I love my time with the company, and I like being seen. So, please take back what you said. Say it's wrong. Do the right thing, okay?”

Even if this particular rumour is squashed, it might have grown because Foley and WWE have had some real disagreements lately. Earlier this month, Foley said he was cutting ties with them because of their ties with Donald Trump after some comments about Rob Reiner's death.

The wrestling legend went on Instagram to call out fan pages for saying he's fighting with WWE over his footage:

“Hey, everyone, Mick Foley here. I just landed, and I’m seeing that an Instagram site called @itswrestlinglover and a Facebook page called ‘Wrestling Corner’ are putting out a totally fake story about me being furious that WWE is using my wrestling footage.

“First of all, it’s their footage, and they can do whatever they want. Second, I’m proud of it. I love everything I did when I was there, and I like being seen. So please, take back what you said, admit it’s false, do the right thing, and have a great day!”

Mick Foley is no longer down with WWE.

Foley made headlines when he announced he was leaving WWE because of their ties to Donald Trump. He made his choice public after Trump’s controversial words about Rob Reiner’s death.

“LEAVING WWE I’ve been worried about WWE’s friendship with Donald Trump for months—especially with his horrible treatment of immigrants (and anyone who looks like one)—but the President’s really cruel comments after Rob Reiner’s death are the last straw.”

Fans can read Foley’s full thoughts. Other WWE Hall of Famers, like Kevin Nash and Kane, had something to say. Glenn Jacobs said he thought Foley was wrong but respected his choice, adding that it’s what living in a free country is all about.

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