Former WWE Intercontinental Champion competes in AEW for the first time in 258 days

Modified Dec 14, 2024 03:42 GMT

The WWE Intercontinental Championship is one of the most iconic titles in the company [Photo: WWE Official YouTube Channel] — The WWE Intercontinental Championship is one of the most iconic titles in the company [Photo: WWE Official YouTube Channel and allelitewrestling.com]

A former WWE Superstar has just made his AEW in-ring return for the first time in 258 days. He ended up getting a much-needed win heading into a crucial title match next week.

Matt Cardona (fka Zack Ryder) has become the latest thorn in the side of The Learning Tree, as he staked his claim to the ROH World Championship. Cardona is set to face Chris Jericho next Friday at ROH Final Battle at the legendary Hammerstein Ballroom.

The Indy God made a surprise appearance on Dynamite earlier this week and challenged Bryan Keith to a match on Rampage. This would be his first match since March 30, when he challenged Adam Copeland for the TNT Championship.

Keith's primary goal tonight was softening Matt Cardona up for Chris Jericho. He was effective as The Bad Apple was in complete control of the match. The former WWE Intercontinental Champion had brief flashes of offense, but Keith was quick to turn the momentum to himself.

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Just when it seemed like Bryan Keith was setting himself up for the win, the former WWE Superstar hit him with his Radio Silence finisher out of nowhere, which was enough to give him the win.

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Now Cardona has all the momentum, and he'll look to do the same to Chris Jericho next week and if he manages to do so, he will become the next ROH World Champion.

About the author

Enzo is a Pro Wrestling journalist at Sportskeeda, reporting on AEW. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Multimedia Studies, which influenced his decision of taking up sports writing professionally, and has been an avid fan of the athletic theater since childhood. He believes readers deserve authentic and unique content and aims to report in a manner which pro wrestling fans can easily relate to.

Growing up, Enzo admired former world champions like AJ Styles, Will Ospreay, Bryan Danielson, Triple H, and Randy Orton for their finishing moves. As an adult, he started to appreciate their character work, as they juggled between heel and babyface gimmicks.

If allowed to produce one final storyline involving his idols, he would have Orton lock horns with John Cena, would be their one last big feud as both of them seem to be approaching the tail end of their careers.

Other than pro wrestling, Enzo enjoys keeping up with Basketball, Football, and Formula One. He also loves watching films, playing video games, and listening to music.

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Edited by Harish Raj S