Zack Ryder shares an update on WWE future after surprise return

Zack Ryder has shared an update on his WWE future after his surprise return on SmackDown this week. The Indie God made a shocking appearance on the company's main roster after five years to face LA Knight in a first-round match of the John Cena Last Time is Now Tournament.

The return turned out to be an unhappy one for Ryder despite a strong showing, as he came up short against Knight. However, this might not be a one-and-done deal for the former United States champion.

In a video uploaded by WWE on its YouTube channel, Ryder looked back at his return and said how he looked forward to this moment during all those years away.

"Five years. It’s been five years since I put on Zack Ryder boots. Every single morning, the first thing I do, before I even open my damn eyes, is (ask) ‘How can I get back here? What do I have to do to get back here?'" he said.

Ryder mentioned that after his release from WWE in 2020, he made his name on the independents as Matt Cardona. He said while this may be a one-time deal, he hinted that he is open to a future appearance.

"I’ve busted my a** for the past five years. Death Match King, the Indy-God, the complete, all for this moment. This might be a one-time shot. I might get the call tomorrow. It doesn’t matter. Because I’m Zack Ryder, I’m always ready. Woo woo woo, you know it,” he added.

At the end of the video, LA Knight showed up and said he wasn't sure whether it was a 'welcome back' or a 'see you later' but shook his hand and gave him a "Yeah."

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Chelsea Green reacted to Zack Ryder's WWE return

Following Zack Ryder's surprise return as LA Knight's mystery opponent on SmackDown, his wife, Chelsea Green, shared her reaction.

Taking to X/Twitter, she shared her delight at Ryder competing in a WWE ring on the main roster again.

"What a day to be Zack Ryders wife! 💜🧡💜🧡 @TheMattCardona #SmackDown," she wrote.

Ryder is currently signed with TNA, which has a working partnership with WWE. It remains to be seen whether fans will see more of him on WWE TV in the coming weeks.

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If you use quotes from this article, please credit WWE on YouTube and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription.