WWE Officials Wanted Matt Cardona to Return as Zack Ryder

TLDR

According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, several WWE officials and creative team members reportedly wanted Matt Cardona to return to the company as his established WWE character Zack Ryder rather than under his real name, feeling it carried more familiarity with television audiences. It was revealed that Cardona personally wanted to return as Matt Cardona and WWE agreed, though sources questioned whether the decision has connected with fans, especially amid recent Danhausen storyline teases.