John Cena’s farewell tour may have another unexpected chapter, as the WWE legend is now teasing a future showdown with the recently returned Matt Cardona.
The “Indie God” made a surprise appearance on the September 23 edition of NXT, his first WWE television appearance since his April 2020 release. Formerly known as Zack Ryder, Cardona received a loud reaction from the crowd and was shown alongside TNA stars Moose and Eric Young in a crossover storyline with NXT Champion Trick Williams and TNA Champion Oba Femi.
Cena fueled speculation by posting a photo of Cardona from the broadcast on his official Instagram account. The tease aligns with the theme of his The Last Time is Now tour, where he has paid tribute to rivals who shaped his career. Throughout this run—highlighted by a brief heel turn—Cena has used signature moves from former opponents, including CM Punk’s GTS, Adam Copeland’s Spear, and Kurt Angle’s Ankle Lock.
This isn’t the first time Cena has acknowledged Cardona on WWE programming. During a parody of CM Punk’s pipe bomb promo this past summer, he mentioned him by name, along with Claudio Castagnoli and Nic Nemeth.
Cena’s next confirmed match is against AJ Styles at Crown Jewel: Perth, but his social media post has fans speculating about one more clash with a ghost from his past.
Cardona’s return sparked widespread online reaction, including a welcome from his wife, WWE Superstar Chelsea Green, who wrote: “That’s my man ♥️ Welcome back to #WWENXT baby.” The night also carried meaning for Eric Young, who, like Cardona, was released in April 2020, making their returns parallel moments.