Backstage Update on Zack Ryder’s WWE Contract Status

As noted before, Friday’s WWE SmackDown show in Albany, New York featured Zack Ryder, real name Matt Cardona, making his surprise return appearance to WWE. Ryder was revealed as the mystery opponent for LA Knight’s First Round match for The Last Time Is Now Tournament.

Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that Cardona is currently not under contract with WWE.

Those spoken to within WWE and Cardona himself confirmed that his appearance on Friday’s show was just a one-off appearance for him.

In regards to WWE releasing Zack Ryder merchandise for his return appearance, it was reported that a merchandising agreement between WWE and Cardona is currently in place.

It was also reported that Cardona is currently scheduled to work at tonight’s Impact! tapings for TNA Wrestling at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. Cardona confirmed it on Twitter after responding to a TNA social media post stating “I’ll be there!”