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

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.

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.

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