Zack Ryder Addresses Backlash Over Breaking ‘Never Going Back’ Claim After WWE Comeback

Zack Ryder’s WWE comeback during the “Last Time Is Now” tournament caught attention—but not everyone welcomed him back. Some fans were quick to call out Ryder for going back on his past statements that he’d never return to WWE. Now, he’s speaking up and shutting it down.

On the latest Major Wrestling Figure Podcast, Ryder didn’t hold back when addressing the negativity. He made it clear he’s not here for the drama, especially when so much of the situation wasn’t even in his control.

“Now, there are negative people online, and I can’t even respond to them. The people who say, ‘You said you’d never go back!’ Guys, shut up. Come on. What does that even matter?”

Ryder acknowledged the criticism but emphasized that wrestling is unpredictable—and personal plans don’t always work out.

“Some things are clearly out of your control. I can’t play into it. I can’t. Right? Guys, come on. Would I have kept that story going? Yeah. It is what it is.”

His return match didn’t end in victory—he lost to LA Knight—but it still reminded fans that Ryder can go toe-to-toe with WWE’s current roster. And while a portion of the audience focused on what he said in the past, the pop he got said more than enough.

Ryder’s message is simple: he’s not interested in pleasing everyone, and he’s not letting social media noise dictate how he lives his career. For many fans, just seeing him back in a WWE ring was enough.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.