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SmackDown Star Reacts To Continued Burial Since WWE Return

By Ahmed Hamdy • Published May 31, 2026 08:49 EDT
WWE Logo Over Matt Cardona - Source: WWE.com
WWE Logo Over Matt Cardona - Source: WWE.com

A former Intercontinental Champion’s WWE return has turned into a disaster.

Matt Cardona had a 15-year run with the Stamford-based company before he was released in 2020 as part of the COVID-era budget cuts. After a successful stint on the independent circuit, the 41-year-old officially returned to WWE last January.

Cardona’s comeback, however, has been shockingly disappointing. After defeating Kit Wilson on his first night back on SmackDown, the former Intercontinental Champion has been on a losing streak on the blue brand.

Last Friday, he was beaten by Sami Zayn, marking his eighth consecutive defeat on SmackDown. Cardona recently took to X to address his situation, stating that while his return has not gone his way, he has no complaints and no excuses. He also noted that it would take more than a few losses to stop him, stating that he was not finished.

This @wwe return hasn’t exactly gone my way… No complaining…No excuses. It’s going to take a lot more than a few losses to stop me. I’M NOT FINISHED! #SmackDown

Matt Cardona Revealed Who Brought Him Back To WWE

During his chat with Cody Rhodes on the What Do You Wanna Talk About? podcast, Matt Cardona revealed how his WWE return came about earlier this year.

The SmackDown star noted that WWE President Nick Khan was the one who orchestrated his comeback.

So I’m working for TNA, but not technically under contract. TNA did the invasion of NXT and they asked to have me. I knew I wasn’t under contract, but if we were going to sneak me in, sure, I’d do it. That led to a match.

Chelsea was doing media for the Royal Rumble in Saudi, and Nick Khan was there. She said to Nick, ‘You see my husband wrestle at NXT?’ Nick said something like, ‘I’ve always wanted to meet and talk to your husband. Give him my number.’

So she gave me Nick Khan’s number, and I texted him immediately. Nick called me and said, ‘What do you want?’ I said, ‘I want to come back,’ and then the ball kind of got rolling from there. [H/T: Ringside News]

Also read: “Toxic” Matt Cardona Advised Female Ex-WWE Star To Leave Him

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