Backstage Update: Matt Cardona Not Under TNA Contract, WWE Return Looming as Invasion Heats Up
The TNA invasion of WWE NXT is already blurring the lines between promotions, and Matt Cardona’s shocking appearance may be the biggest twist yet.
Cardona’s WWE Comeback Moment
On the September 23 edition of NXT on CW, Cardona — known to WWE fans worldwide as former Intercontinental Champion Zack Ryder — appeared during the show’s closing moments. It marked his first appearance on WWE television since his 2020 release, more than five years ago.
Cardona has long been open about wanting another WWE run, and Tuesday’s cameo only poured gasoline on that fire.
Not Under TNA Contract
According to Fightful Select, Cardona is not currently under a contract with TNA Wrestling, despite working with the promotion earlier this year.
TNA had previously moved away from using unsigned talent, but that stance has softened in recent months, creating an open-door policy that made Cardona’s crossover appearance possible. That flexibility leaves his next move wide open — and WWE seems to be the biggest beneficiary of that uncertainty.
Cena Adds More Fuel
The speculation intensified earlier this week when John Cena posted a photo of Cardona at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, on Instagram. While Cena is no stranger to trolling fans with cryptic posts, the timing of his photo drop — coinciding with the launch of the NXT/TNA invasion angle — has fans buzzing even louder about Cardona’s long-term role.
🎙️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
Cardona’s surprise involvement could be a game-changer. His ability to reinvent himself after leaving WWE has turned him into one of the most valuable free agents in wrestling. The fact that he isn’t tied down to TNA makes him the perfect wildcard for the NXT invasion storyline. But here’s the bigger question: will WWE fully commit to using him beyond cameos, or is this a short-term nostalgia pop? If WWE decides to let Cardona run with the momentum he’s built since 2020, the “Internet Champion” could finally get the major league recognition he always chased.
