Zack Ryder Undergoes Knee Surgery, Comments On WWE Return

The road to recovery begins for Long Island Iced Z.

by Andy H Murray
Zack Ryder
WWE.com

For Zack Ryder, this week's WWE SmackDown provided triumph and tragedy in equal measure. He and partner Mojo Rawley scored the biggest win of their run as The Hype Bros by winning a battle royal to become number one contenders to the SmackDown Tag Team Championships, but they won't be fighting for the belts anytime soon.

Ryder sustained a knee injury during the match, and it took multiple trainers and Mojo himself to help him limp to the back. He was examined immediately afterwards, and after undergoing an MRI scan on Wednesday, Zack underwent surgery yesterday:-

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There's no word on either the injury's severity or how much time Ryder will miss yet, but Zack's most recent Tweet suggests he faces a significant spell on the sidelines:-

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The injury is another cruel twist of fate for the former United States Champion, whose up and down 2016 was defined by winning the Intercontinental Title at WrestleMania 32, then dropping it the next evening.

The injury halts The Hype Bros' momentum just as they were starting to break away from SmackDown's chasing pack, but it sounds like Ryder is already looking forward to getting back to the ring. Whatever the extent of his injuries, here's hoping for a speedy recovery.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.