WWE Urged To Bring Back Ex-World Champion Following Matt Cardona
WWE sprung a surprise for fans by officially signing Matt Cardona.
On the January 2 episode of SmackDown, Cardona was revealed as the mystery opponent of Kit Wilson. The short-lived bout saw Cardona emerge victorious after hitting his Rough Ryder finisher.
Matt Cardona’s last appearance in the Stamford promotion was on the November 14 episode of the blue brand, where he lost to LA Knight in the first round of the ‘Last Time Is Now’ tournament.
At the time, Cardona was a freelancer and competed across various promotions, including Total Nonstop Action, Game Changer Wrestling, and WrestleCade Entertainment.
During his entrance, the commentators confirmed that the former WWE United States Champion had officially signed with the company.
Expressing happiness over Matt Cardona’s return, ex-employee Jonathan Coachman took to X, claiming how he and Vince Russo had vouched for his return.
He further wrote that the company should now try to bring back Nic Nemeth (Dolph Ziggler) as well.
🤷🏾‍♂️ love Matt and happy for him. But like @THEVinceRusso always says on @TheCoachandBro “how do they miss on Matt and Nic Nemeth”. Well clearly they listened on one. Now bring the other back too. https://t.co/2LjQlal5Ag
— The Coach (@Thecoachrules) January 3, 2026
Like Cardona, Nemeth, who is signed to TNA, competed in the Last Time Is Now tournament, returning as the mystery opponent of Solo Sikoa.
WWE Title Changes Hands On SmackDown
After speaking about a potential second stint with WWE on multiple occasions, Matt Cardona got his wish.
Another individual who seemingly ought to be credited for the same is his wife, Chelsea Green. Until the beginning of the show, Green held the Women’s United States Championship and was scheduled to face Giulia.
While she tried to back out of the match, citing excuses, general manager Nick Aldis said she could either defend the belt or be stripped of it.
Green obviously defended her championship, but failed to win the result in her favor.
Giulia was the aggressor for the most part, as Chelsea got a few handy hits. In the closing minutes, the Japanese star hit the Northern Lights Bomb for the win.
Giulia, thus, became a 2-time Women’s United States Champion.