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Matt Cardona’s Bold Statement After WWE SmackDown Loss

By Sridhar Krishnan • Published Jan 17, 2026 14:06 EST
Matt Cardona - Source: WWE.com
Matt Cardona - Source: WWE.com

Matt Cardona has broken his silence after his recent defeat on WWE SmackDown.

On the January 16 episode of the blue brand in London, UK, Cardona faced Trick Williams in a #1 Contender’s Qualifying match, with the winner securing a place in the four-way bout at Saturday Night’s Main Event XLIII.

The Indy God started on the offensive, controlling the fight briefly. Williams fought back to assert dominance, showcasing his determination to earn the SNME spot.

Back-and-forth action continued for a while. In the closing minutes, Cardona went for the Rough Ryder, but missed. Trick soon neutralized the 40-year-old before ending the match in his favor with a Trick Shot.

After the match, Matt Cardona’s opponent from a couple of weeks ago, Kit Wilson, made his way out. He seemed to be headed for the ring, but instead took out Cardona by sending him into the steel stairs.

Matt Cardona Stakes His Claim For WWE Championship

Matt Cardona is bound to feel dejected after his loss in the high-profile match against Trick Williams.

Regardless, he is not letting one defeat divert him from his goal of winning the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Cardona took to X, claiming that one loss would not stop him.

Three other bouts took place for the #1 Contendership Qualifying match.

Randy Orton defeated The Miz in the opening match of the night, whereas Damien Priest won against The MFT’s leader, Solo Sikoa.

In the main event, Sami Zayn clashed with Ilja Dragunov, to whom he had lost his United States Championship in October.

This time around, Zayn came out on top, defeating The Mad Dragon after hitting a Helluva Kick.

The winner of Saturday Night’s Main Event four-way match will challenge Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Royal Rumble.