This week’s episode of AEW Dynamite saw the in-ring debut of Matt Cardona, better known to WWE fans as the former US Champion Zack Ryder.

The former WWE star teamed up with the TNT Champion Cody to face John Silver and Alex Reynolds of the Dark Order, after setting up this tag team match during his debut for the promotion last week.

The match was won by the faces and Cardona picked up the victory for his team after hitting his finisher Radio Silence on Reynolds.


Matt Cardona’s long career with WWE ended back in April when he was released as a cost-cutting measure. He had been with the organization for 15 years.

After the conclusion of his 3-month “no compete” period, he showed up in AEW last week on Dynamite to save Cody from an attack by the Dark Order.

Though Cardona’s himself has confirmed that he is currently on a short term deal with the company and while he has said that he plans to stay with the promotion, we will have to see what the future brings for the newest AEW star.