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WWE Star Issues Emotional Statement After Vacating Title

By Lyle Kilbane • Published Jan 06, 2026 09:10 EST
WWE logo over blurred Chelsea Green Matt Cardona

One WWE star has tried to get emotional after being forced to vacate championship gold.

It was the start to 2026 that Matt Cardona could only dream of as he made his shock return to WWE on the first SmackDown of the year. No longer known in the company as Zack Ryder, Cardona used his own name, as he has been on the independent scene as well as in AEW and TNA since he was released by WWE in 2020.

As a result of his comeback, the self-described “Indie God” has left a hole on the independent scene, not least in the promotions where he still held championship gold.

WWE’s Matt Cardona Gives Up Another Title

Cardona has already relinquished the ACW Championship, and now he’s delivered a message to World Series Wrestling on social media that he’s giving up their title as well:

Hey guys, this is ‘The Complete’ Matt Cardona. I’ve got some good news, some bad news, but this is more good news. Good news, after five years of busting my a** all over the world for places like World Series Wrestling, I am finally back in WWE.

But unfortunately, that means I must vacate the World Series Wrestling Championship. I won’t be there in May, but the good news is the show goes on without me. The good news is that the Rise Against tour, there will be a new World Series Wrestling Champion. I was proud, so proud to be the champion, not once, not twice, but three times. World Series Wrestling, all your fans in Australia.

Adrian, I love you guys. You guys are like family to me, and I will miss you all. Somebody. Please have some Hungry Jacks for Matt Cardona. See you later, guys.