Matt Cardona returns as Zack Ryder on WWE SmackDown, loses to LA Knight in 'Last Time is Now Tournament'

Overview

• Matt Cardona returned to SmackDown as LA Knight's mystery opponent in the first round of the 'Last Time is Now Tournament'
• However, he failed to progress further in the tournament, as Knight beat him to ruin his comeback
• Two more matches were announced in the 'Last Time is Now Tournament', as Bronson Reed will face Carmelo Hayes, and Finn Balor will be up against Penta

Matt Cardona returned to SmackDown as LA Knight's mystery opponent in the first round of the 'Last Time is Now Tournament'. However, he failed to progress further in the tournament, as Knight beat him to ruin his comeback. Two more matches, Bronson Reed vs Carmelo Hayes, and Penta vs Finn Balor, were announced in the 'Last Time is Now Tournament'.

There was indeed a factor of mystery behind the opponent who would eventually face Knight on SmackDown. While not many were surprised to see Cardona, it was interesting that he returned as Zack, considering he had returned as Cardona to WWE NXT a few weeks ago.

Also Read: Prediction for 'Last Time is Now Tournament', WWE SmackDown, Nov 14, 2025

As John Cena had mentioned, Cardona was the first wrestler to feature in the tournament who was not under a WWE contract. The fun didn't last long, as Knight claimed a win over him to progress further in the tournament. However, fans were happy to witness Cardona, aka Ryder, back in WWE and recalled his history with Cena back in the PG Era.

Two more matches announced in the 'Last Time is Now Tournament'

A couple of more matches were announced on the blue brand in the tournament. Big Bronson Reed, who is a part of the War Games, is set to face Carmelo Hayes, who has an ongoing feud with The Miz.

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Likewise, Penta is set to face Finn Balor from the Judgment Day. Jey Uso and LA Knight claimed wins over The Miz and Cardona, which led to their qualification for the upcoming round of the tournament. They have joined the likes of Sheamus and Rusev, who beat Shinsuke Nakamura and Damian Priest respectively on Raw earlier this week.