Tag: matt cardona

Matt Cardona re-signs with WWE, appears on SmackDown

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Zack Ryder is back, kind of.

Matt Cardona officially returned to WWE on Friday’s SmackDown, squaring off against Kit Wilson in a surprise appearance under his given name. During the match, Michael Cole announced via GM Nick Aldis that he was officially part of the SmackDown roster moving forward. He scored the win after hitting the Rough Ryder.

Cardona has appeared several times on WWE programming in the last year, both under his real name and his former WWE name. He made a couple of appearances on NXT as part of the ongoing TNA storyline, facing off and losing against Josh Briggs. During the Last Time is Now tournament, Cardona returned as Ryder in a losing effort against LA Knight.

A former Intercontinental and United States champion, Cardona gained a cult following in the 2010s as a singles wrestler. In 2020, he and his former tag team partner Curt Hawkins were released from their WWE contracts as part of COVID-19 budget cuts. During his time away from WWE, Cardona continued to find success as an independent wrestler for promotions like GCW and also made appearances in AEW and TNA.

Chelsea Green credits ‘pestering’ for Matt Cardona’s WWE return: ‘They caved’

Posted on by Ian Carey

Chelsea Green spoke about her husband Matt Cardona’s WWE return as Zack Ryder during a recent interview, saying that “pestering” factored into it.

Speaking to Unlikely with Adrian Hernandez, Green said that she and her husband only found out at the very last moment about his return.

“We didn’t really know what was happening until the very last moment. You know how WWE is, you know how professional wrestling is,” she said. “It can be in talks for months or it can be in talks for 24 hours. Either way, when they call you, you pick up the phone and then you get on a plane.”

Green mentioned that it was the same for Ethan Page for a recent appearance on WWE SmackDown, where he was given little notice before having to travel to the show.

She continued to say that Cardona has been in contact with WWE “constantly” since his departure in 2019. She says he always makes sure to let Triple H know that he is available for appearances, the Royal Rumble, etc.

Green continued:

“He’s been in contact with WWE constantly. The whole five years he’s been in contact with WWE. He’s always making sure that Triple H knows what he’s doing or that he’s available for a Rumble and things like that.“

She also said that Cardona’s return can be attributed to her pestering WWE, John Cena pestering WWE, and Cardona pestering the company as well, calling it a “perfect storm.”

“I just think it was a perfect storm of this made the most sense because he does have a personal friendship and relationship with John Cena, so why wouldn’t he want to be John Cena’s final opponent? It worked perfectly between me pestering WWE, between John Cena pestering WWE, and Matt pestering WWE, they caved.”

Green’s comments about Cardona’s return come in around the 13-minute and 53-second mark of the interview. It is cued in the below video:

Matt Cardona thanks fans one week after WWE ‘Ryder Resurrection’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

One week after his surprise SmackDown return, Matt Cardona sent out a message thanking fans for making the “Ryder Resurrection” possible.

Cardona made a one-night-only return to WWE last Friday as part of the Last Time is Now tournament. He stepped back into his Zack Ryder persona for the first time in more than five years, losing a matchup against LA Knight.

“It’s been 1 week since I showed up on SmackDown. I think I have milked the appearance as much as I can…haha,” Cardona posted today. “This business moves so fast. It doesn’t care what you did last week. What are you doing now…what are you doing NEXT?!

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity I was given last week. Thank you @wwe. But most importantly, I have to thank the fans. You all caused the Ryder Revolution in 2011. In 2025, you caused the Ryder Resurrection!

“It’s unknown what’s next for Zack Ryder…but I am ALWAYZ READY. Woo Woo Woo…You Know It!”

Cardona has signed a temporary merchandise deal allowing WWE to release new Zack Ryder T-shirts. As far as any in-ring future with WWE, the match against Knight was a one-off for now. Cardona stars on the indies for promotions like GCW in addition to making appearances for TNA.

The Last Time is Now tournament continues on SmackDown tonight with Bronson Reed vs. Carmelo Hayes and Penta vs. Finn Balor. They are the last first-round matches in the tournament, which has already seen Knight, Sheamus, Rusev, Jey Uso, Gunther, and Solo Sikoa advance. The tournament winner earns the right to be John Cena’s final opponent.

TNA Impact live results: The fallout from Turning Point

Posted on by Arya Witner

A week after losing the TNA World title, Mike Santana will appear on tonight’s TNA Impact to let fans know what’s on his mind.

Santana lost to Frankie Kazarian in under a minute after NXT wrestlers attacked Santana and injured his arm. Kazarian then cashed in a title opportunity to take the gold. He then was late to the venue for Friday’s Turning Point in his tag team match alongside Steve Maclin against Nic Nemeth and Kazarian.

A pair of four-way matches in the Knockouts division will help take things one step further to deciding a new top contender to TNA Knockouts Champion Kelani Jordan.

In one match, it will be Xia Brookside vs. Victoria Crawford vs. Killer Kelly vs. Jody Threat while the other will feature Dani Luna vs. Indi Hartwell vs. Rosemary vs. Myla Grace. The winners of those bouts will then square off in two weeks with the winner challenging Jordan at December’s Final Resolution.

After Matt Cardona appeared on last week’s WWE SmackDown, he will be back in action against Mance Warner.

A singles match between Myron Reed and John Skyler rounds out the broadcast.

**********

-The show began with an In Memorial graphic for George Tahinos, before airing a recap of last week where Frankie Kazarian cashed in his Call Your Shot trophy and won the TNA World Title, much to the disdain of most people who saw and heard about it. It also included footage from Turning Point where Mike Santana beat Kazarian in a tag team match.

**********

Mike Santana addresses the fans and NXT

-In the arena, we were joined by the former World Champion, Mike Santana. Santana sat in a chair in the ring and started by saying he loves the fans to death. He talked about how a month ago, he was on top of the world and celebrating with his baby girl, who saved his life. Then last Wednesday he celebrated 1,000 days sober. Then the very next day, everything was taken from him. When you think you’re at the top, life will humble you. Santana talked of being scared and how dark things got. Instead of coming to Turning Point last week, he went to a safe space-a meeting. In that meeting he realized the fans deserve for him to be here. The fans pay their hard earned money for him to give them an escape and an experience and Santana thanked them. Having the title for a little bit just makes him want it that much more, telling Frankie Kazarian to not get too comfortable because the TNA World Title is coming home to Papi. However, before he takes care of Kazarian, he told the cameraman to zoom in to tell the NXT boys that he is going to pick each and every one of them off one by one until there’s nothing left. He will make them regret ever setting foot in TNA. Santana closed by saying he gave them fair warning and to beware.

**********

-Santino Marella was on the phone with Ava when Frankie Kazarian walked in and said he had nothing to do with the attack last week. He wants a written apology, signed by Carlos Silva. Santino said he had a meeting with JDC. JDC walked in and told Kazarian how he should be dressed as champion. Kazarian questioned when was the last time anyone cared about JDC and brought up JDC’s wife. JDC got serious and asked for a title shot. Santino booked JDC vs Eric Young and if JDC wins then he gets a title shot. Kazarian said he hopes EY cripples him.

They never said if Young wins if he’d get a title shot.

**********

Dani Luna pinned Indi Hartwell in a 4-way match that included Myla Grace w/Harley Hudson and Rosemary

A strong 4-way and I thought it was crisper than several of the women’s matches I saw last night at the AEW Dynamite/Collision show.

The winner of this match will face the winner of another 4-way match later tonight in two weeks to determine the new top challenger for the TNA Knockouts Title. Tom Hannifan plugged the 3-way match this Tuesday at NXT Gold Rush where Kelani Jordan will defend the TNA Knockouts Title against Jordynne Grace and Lei Ying Lee.

Myla, Rosemary and Dani especially ran some really well put together spots to start the match. Indi cleared the ring and had the advantage on Myla as they went to commercial. I never watch on TNA+, so I am not sure if this is a regular thing, but when Hannifan pitched a commercial, we just stayed on the match. After a few minutes of Indi and Myla wrestling, Luna and Rosemary yanked those two out of the ring to get them back in the match. Rosemary threatened to spew the green mist on Luna, but Luna backed off and resumed her attack on Myla. 

After Rosemary bit Indi, we were magically whisked away to a commercial, which featured Christian Cage vs Frankie Kazarian in a ladder match from Genesis 2007. 

After the commercial, Myla did a Corkscrew Moonsault to the floor to Rosemary. My favorite Demon Assassin pulled a chain out from under the ring, but Myla posted her. Dani picked up the chain and KO’d Indi with it for the pin.

**********

-Eric Young told some masked guys to hand out flyers and that The Cleanse was coming. Gia Miller walked up for an interview. Young said that if he wins the main event, all he gets is a pat on the back. EY said after he beats JDC and shows the world the truth, that the Cleanse will come and there’s nothing any of us can do about it.

**********

-Santino was now with Arianna Grace to debate how the NXT people got in. In walked Steve Maclin and the Hardys, all of whom encouraged Santino to open the doors and let the NXT people in. Jeff Hardy offered the TNA Tag Team Titles as bait.

Is it too obvious to say that NXT’s Arianna Grace is opening the door for the NXT people to come in?

**********

Mance Warner w/Steph DeLander pinned Matt Cardona

Absolutely nothing wrong with this match. 

This was set up during the Call Your Shot Gauntlet Match when DeLander kept trying to help Warner cheat but he still got eliminated by Cardona. During the entrance we saw Dolph Ziggler and Zack Ryder lose matches on Raw and SmackDown last week.

Cardona was setting up Radio Silence, but SDL grabbed his ankle, distracting him long enough that he got laid out with a powerbomb when he got loose from DeLander. Warner blocked an Unprettier and used the Move Formerly Known as The One-Percenter and a running knee lift. Warner teased using a chair, but the referee took it. Warned teased using SDL’s purse but got dropped with Radio Silence. However, SDL put Warner’s foot on the ropes. In the ensuing confusion, Warner hit Cardona with the purse and a Pay Window for the win.

**********

TNA Injury Report, presented by Bioflex

Mike Santana has a torn UCL, but is cleared

Elijah is still out with a torn triceps

**********

-The NXT Guys said they are doing the same thing TNA guys are doing, just better. Charlie Dempsey said he knows how to put on a real wrestling move. Robert Stone said he’s not behind this and did reference being in TNA before. Lexis King said all the king’s horses and all the king’s men can’t put TNA back together again.

**********

-Matt Cardona was mad backstage, saying he wasn’t ready tonight. He thought Mance was like his brother, but apparently not. This business only cares about who’s on top and challenges Mance to a Street Fight in El Paso. Hannifan clarifies it would be at Final Resolution if the match is accepted.

**********

John Skyler pinned Myron Reed

The rest of The Rascalz and Order 4 stayed backstage.

This looked like it could have been a style clash, but Reed is spectacularly smooth and Skyler is an underrated solid worker. During the match, we saw a picture-in-picture where Special Agent Zero and Tasha Steelz appear to have laid out the other Rascalz. The finish saw Jason Hotch come out and when Reed had Skyler roiled up, Hotch reached in, rolled them over and Reed won.

**********

-Up next, we had footage of Leon Slater pinning Rich Swann. After that we saw First Cla$$ outside and AJ was giving Swann grief about losing and even more grief for shaking Slater’s hand. Francis mentioned that he won at Turning Point, while Swann lost to a flippy little kid from England. Speaking of the flippy little kid from England, up walked Leon Slater. AJ said that in the 90s when kids showed no respect then you got it beat into them. They set up a match.

**********

The Search For Mr. Elegance

-The Personal Concierge hosted the search for Mr. Elegance before introducing us to the co-hosts, Ash, M and Heather By Elegance. The only rule is you can’t go behind the curtain. Ash immediately went after the first guy. Concierge told guy #2 that the only person who could wear a salmon suit was Mark Henry. Heather asked the third guy (Alejandro) about steroids, but he had no idea. Alejandro hit on all three of them, but they all called him a loser.

**********

Xia Brookside pinned Killer Kelly in a 4-way match that also included Victoria Crawford w/Tessa Blanchard and Jody Threat

This match wasn’t as good as the first 4-way, but it certainly wasn’t awful

Hannifan said Kelly hasn’t been in TNA “in a minute”, implying it’s been a while since she’s been here. She was just on the show in September. 

Tessa Blanchard joined the announce desk, disgusted about how her and Victoria are treated, saying if she was medically cleared, they’d be the tag team champions. She threw down the headset and ran around the ring to lend immoral support to her partner. Threat and Kelly squared off, reminding fans of the battles a few years ago between Spitfire and MK Ultra over the belts. Brookside pinned Kelly in the ring out of nowhere.

So, in two weeks it will be Xia vs Dani Luna and the winner of that match will challenge Kelani Jordan for the Knockouts Title at Final Resolution.

**********

-A Jada Stone video aired, discussing growing up, how her brother gave her the nickname The Spark and how she trained with Al Snow, Doug Bashem, Fred Rossier and Kushida before pestering Tommy Dreamer to get a tryout. Her first tryout didn’t go well, but she has worked hard to get to this point where she has earned her spot.

**********

-Between a backstage segment with Santino Marella where he listed a bunch of matches as fast as possible “Santino Style” and an on-camera with Hannifan and Rehwaldt, the following matches were made official…

Final Resolution: 

Mike Santana vs Charlie Dempsey
Hardyz vs Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe
Steve Maclin vs Stacks
X-Division Champion Leon Slater vs AJ Francis
Matt Cardona vs Mance Warner in a Street Fight

Next week on Impact: 

HTM vs Brooks Jensen
Mike Santana vs Robert Stone
Hardys, Cendric Alexander & Steve Maclin vs Lexis King, Stacks, Tyson Dupont & Tyriek Igwe

Santino called Tyriek “Shrek” and when he’s listing 10 things in 25 seconds and you’re trying to quickly type everything out, you are bound to miss something, especially when you have no idea at first who “Shrek” is, but I think I got everything.

**********

JDC pinned Eric Young

This was an alright match, but was a lot more entertaining when listening to the announcers.

Frankie Kazarian joined the announce desk for this match and it has been acknowledged that JDC will retire after Genesis. 

After doing a tope out of the ring, JDC did the “d-dance” (to quote Rehwaldt) in front of Kazarian, who disgustedly reminded JDC that he’s married. It never really got explained why Young wouldn’t get a title shot if he won and Rehwaldt and Kazarian made fun of Hannifan. Hannifan said Kazarian may deserve to be World Champion, but he is the biggest scumbag and “p.o.s.” in the company. Rehwaldt agreed that Kazarian is a “p.o.s.”, but a “point of sale”, saying Kazarian sells tickets. 

During this commercial break, we got Samoa Joe vs Frankie Kazarian from Destination X 2011. I wish they’d bring back Destination X. 

Back from commercials, they went into the finish. JDC used his former partner’s finish, as he hit Tyler Breeze’s Beauty Shot (spinning heel kick) for a near fall. Young dropped a top rope elbow through JDC’s heart for another near fall and then JDC kicked out of a DVD. The finish saw JDC backdrop Young off the top rope and pin him with Down & Dirty aka the top rope legdrop.

Notably, Final Resolution is December 5, 2 days short of the 15-year anniversary of JDC’s national television debut, on season 4 of the original NXT.

**********

Overall thoughts: This was a good, solid show. There was nothing on it that will be talked about next month, but it was a fun way to spend two hours on a Thursday night.

Matt Cardona confirms temporary WWE merch deal

Posted on by Joseph Currier

He’s not back with WWE, but Matt Cardona has signed a deal to temporarily allow the company to sell Zack Ryder merchandise.

On SmackDown last Friday, Cardona made his surprise return to WWE as an entrant in the Last Time is Now Tournament. He wrestled using his old Zack Ryder name, losing a first-round match against LA Knight. WWE Shop released some new Ryder merch to go along with the appearance, which led to speculation that Cardona was back with WWE on a regular basis. He confirmed on his Major Wrestling Figure podcast that, for now, the match was a one-off and we’ll see what happens from here.

“I did sign something to let them do merch, temporarily,” Cardona said. “Could there be a Mattel figure? Could there be a Topps card? It’s really up to them. I’ve given them the rights, temporarily.”

Cardona noted that he flew into New York City instead of Albany (where SmackDown was taking place) to avoid being seen. His wife Chelsea Green was doing a media appearance in NYC, so he went to that appearance with her and then drove up to Albany. At SmackDown, he was hidden away so his return wouldn’t be spoiled.

For the match, Cardona had to get new Zack Ryder gear made at the last minute because he had sold all of his old gear except for items that have significant meaning to him like WrestleMania outfits.

“Great experience, great night. You know, five years — it’s been over five years, Cardona said about his return. “I had to, with 24 hours notice, get Zack Ryder gear made. Because all the gear that I had wasn’t something I’d want to wear. But I did use my old boots, and they were, like, ripped. The straps were ripped. I had to get Shotzi’s husband Jesus to fix them.”

Last night’s Raw saw Dolph Ziggler (Nic Nemeth) return to WWE for a one-off tournament match. Like with Cardona, WWE Shop released a new T-shirt for him.

The Last Time is Now tournament will determine John Cena’s final opponent for Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13. Gunther and Solo Sikoa earned their spots in the next round with victories last night.

WOL: Skye Blue’s Clues

Posted on by Jim Valley

It’s the Saturday Wrestling Observer Live with Jim Valley.

  • We had a fun WWE SmackDown on Friday focused on the build to WarGames.
  • TNA tried to work the marks but ended up working itself.
  • We’ll parse the words of Chris Jericho – what he said, what he didn’t say, and why.
  • It’s days later and many fans are still talking about AEW Blood and Guts for good reason.
  • We’ll play a round of “Do You Funk With It?” with Mel from Power Bombshells of Fight Game Media.

It’s a packed show, so check it out.

Click Here To Listen (sub needed)

Zack Ryder comments on WWE future after SmackDown return

Posted on by Ian Carey

Matt Cardona (aka Zack Ryder) is always ready.

Cardona was revealed as LA Knight’s mystery opponent in the Last Time is Now tournament on Friday’s edition of SmackDown. Following his loss to Knight, he spoke backstage about not being sure if the match was a one-off or a full return.

He said:

“Five years. It’s been five years since I put on Zack Ryder boots. Every single morning, the first thing I do before I even open my damn eyes, I say how can I get back here? What do I have to do to get back here? I busted my ass for the past five years, Death Match King, Indie God, The Complete, all for this moment.“

“This might be a one time shot, I might get the call tomorrow, but it doesn’t matter because I’m Zack Ryder and I’m always ready. And I guess I can say this: Woo woo woo, you know it.”

Knight then entered the scene, shook Ryder’s hand, and said:

“I don’t know if this is a welcome back or if this is a see you later but all I can say is, Yeah!”

Cardona would later write on X:

“I cannot express in words what last night meant to me, but if I had to try… Don’t Quit… Alwayz Ready… Thank You… WOO! WOO! WOO!”

Ryder’s wife, and two-time WWE Women’s United States Champion Chelsea Green also responded to a clip of Ryder’s return posted by WWE, writing:

“Hehe I knew before you knew!” Later adding, “What a day to be Zack Ryders wife!”

Ryder was released by WWE in April 2020 after having been with the company since 2005. He’s a former Intercontinental, United States, and two-time Raw Tag Team Champion along with Curt Hawkins.

The Last Time is Now mystery opponent revealed on WWE SmackDown

Posted on by Ethan Renner

LA Knight’s mystery opponent in The Last Time is Now tournament was revealed on Friday’s WWE SmackDown.

The returning Zack Ryder was introduced as the surprise opponent for Knight in the tournament on Friday’s SmackDown episode.

Knight pinned Ryder in the contest with a BFT to advance to the next round.

Triple H posted about Ryder’s return:

WWE has not officially announced Ryder as having signed a contract with the company, but new Ryder merchandise has been released on WWE Shop, often an indicator that some kind of contractual arrangement has been reached.

Friday’s bout was the first main roster match for Ryder since a March 2020 Raw episode where he lost to Bobby Lashley in a squash match. Ryder did take on Josh Briggs on an NXT TV episode last month.

In Friday’s other tournament match, Jey Uso defeated The Miz to advance to the round of eight. A bracket has yet to be revealed for The Last Time is Now tournament.

Sheamus, Rusev, Uso, and Knight have advanced to the quarterfinals. Two more first round matchups are set for Monday’s Raw — Gunther vs. Je’Von Evans, and Solo Sikoa vs. a mystery opponent. The final first round matches will take place on next Friday’s SmackDown with Penta vs. Finn Balor, and Bronson Reed vs. Carmelo Hayes.

Our full report from SmackDown is available here.

Chelsea Green, Matt Cardona share statements on Green’s WWE US title win

Posted on by Ian Carey

Chelsea Green and her husband Matt Cardona have both shared statements regarding Green regaining the WWE Women’s United States Championship.

The now two-time champion defeated Giulia for the belt on SmackDown with a roll up and her feet on the ropes. Following her win, Green promised to “rebuild our company” in her second “term” as champion.

She wrote:

“I vow to rebuild our company and this @WWE United States Women’s Championship starting TODAY. 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇲🇽 Red, White & GREEN begins now. The second term will be the most historic. 🫡 @WWENXT @luchalibreaaa”

Cardona, a former men’s United States Champion, also released a statement on social media after Green’s win, noting that Green’s win should serve as inspiration to anyone released from WWE, writing:

“When wrestlers ask me for advice, I say don’t quit…that’s it. You might make it if you don’t. You definitely won’t make it if you do. @ImChelseaGreen is proof of that. 
A career of highs and lows…didn’t complain…did the work…did the extra work…was Alwayz Ready! (she’ll hate that I said the part)
I’m very proud of you babe…I love you.”

Green responded to Cardona’s post:

“Underdog mentality is done. Im in the top 1% and I deserve it. Nobody did this for me. I did this.”

Green winning the WWE Women’s United States title was the second title win for Green this week. Along with Ethan Page, she won the AAA Mixed Tag Team Championships from La Hiedra and Mr. Iguana last Sunday, November 2. They are set to defend the belts against Thea Hail and Joe Hendry at NXT Gold Rush on November 18 after an angle set up the match on NXT on Tuesday.

Cardona and Green’s posts are below:

TNA wrestlers to compete on next week’s WWE NXT

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Interpromotional matches are set for next week’s NXT.

Although this week’s show featured NXT wrestlers taking on the TNA roster, more interpromotional matches have been set for next week. Matt Cardona was seen in Ava’s office wanting a match against Briggs. It was then that Briggs entered Ava’s office as Cardona hid behind the door. Briggs demanded the match against Cardona for next week and Ava made it official.

At the end of this week’s show, the NXT General Manager congratulated Santino Marella on his success, while the TNA Director of Authority did the same. Ava announced that a battle royal next week would determine NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne’s challenger for Halloween Havoc, and extended an invitation for the TNA Knockouts roster to participate. Santino accepted the offer.

Meanwhile, Dr. Wagner Jr. was being interviewed about his recent confrontations with Ethan Page when Lexis King showed up, accusing him of being Tavion Heights based on a recent angle. Wagner walked away as Heights showed up, asking King why his name was coming out of his mouth. A match between King and Wagner was then made for next week.

WWE NXT (October 14):

  • Josh Briggs vs. Matt Cardona
  • El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. vs. Lexis King
  • Battle royal for Hallowen Havoc NXT Women’s title match, TNA Knockouts roster invited

TNA Impact live results: Knockouts title eliminator, The Hardys in trios action

Posted on by Joseph Collins

TNA Impact airs live from Minneapolis, Minnesota, tonight as the road to this month’s Victory Road continues.

Indi Hartwell, Dani Luna and Jody Threat will compete in a three-way with the winner moving on to face Knockouts Champion Ash by Elegance for the title.

On that note, the entire Elegance Brand will be on hand to celebrate Ash’s title win at NXT Heatwave.

In trios action, TNA Tag Team Champions The Hardys will team with Mara Sade against The Great Hands & Tasha Steelz.

After magically appearing at NXT Tuesday to aid Hank & Tank from Darkstate, Joe Hendry will be live in the ring with some thoughts to share about Eric Young’s recent attack on him.

Veterans Frankie Kazarian and Matt Cardona will compete one-on-one for the first time ever.

Our live coverage kicks off at 8 PM Eastern.

**********

Live! And free! From Minneapolis, Minnesota. I believe the building they’re in has a capacity of 8,000 and it look slike they barely filled the seats on the floor.

Tom Hannifan & Matthew Rehwoldt were on commentary. 

Santino Marella In-Ring Promo. At the end of last week, Marella got into it with Trick Williams lawyer. Marella didn’t think with his head; he thought with his cobra. Marella announced that Trick Williams will defend the TNA World Championship against Mike Santana at Bound for Glory. Santana came out (wearing a TNA/Minneapolis “Strenght in Unity” t-shirt) to celebrate and promised to bring the TNA World Championship back home for his daughter, family, and all the fans of TNA. Trick Williams won’t be in back in TNA until Bound for Glory, so Santana promised to go find him. Santana cut a good babyface promo here. 

— Gia Miller interviewed Mara Sadé and The Hardys, who are going to give the members of Order 4 the extreme beating they deserve in the main event later tonight. 

— Moose wished Mike Santana good luck at Bound for Glory, and AJ Francis dimed out Santana for calling out Trick Williams. This led to a match between Moose and Francis for next week. 

Frankie Kazarian defeated Matt Cardona (10:51)

Ryan Nemeth came out before the match to remind us that his big brother is returning tonight, but didn’t return here. Cardona told Ryan his big brother “sucks” and bopped him on the head with the microphone. 

I know this show doesn’t stand a chance against the first football game in 7 months, but you’d think that TNA would have tried to use the 20 minutes there was no football on for something other than talking.

When the fight went to the floor, Kazarian used a still practically unconscious Ryan Nemeth as a human shield. Later, Nemeth tried to keep Cardona from getting back in the ring, so Cardona sent him into the ring barricade. But, the distraction allowed Kazarian to take control.

Kazarian whipped Cardona headfirst into the ringpost. Cardona teased getting counted out, barely being the count to get an easy pop from the crowd. Kazarian worked a chinlock for a bit. Cardona and Kazarian collided three separate times, hitting each other with crossbodies, clotheslines and big boots. Cardona started to mount a comeback. Kazarian ducked to the floor to avoid the reboot, but Cardona caught him anyway. Ryan Nemeth popped up to distract Cardona again, and Kazarian hit a slingshot cutter for a near fall. Cardona went for the Unprettier, but Kazarian escaped. Cardona hit a spinebuster for two. 

Ryan Nemeth jumped up on the apron again, and this time Cardona brought him into the ring and hit him with the Radio Silence. When Cardona turned back to Kazarian, Kazarian caught him with the Fade to Black and got the pinfall. 

After the match, Gia Miller tried to interview Frankie Kazarian. Frankie took the mic and interview himself while she stood there annoyed. Kazarian has his sights set on the TNA International Title. Kazarian insulted Steve Maclin’s military service, and Maclin chased Kazarian off. 

— The IINspiration will be keeping a close eye on the Elegance Brand celebration later tonight. 

The Elegance Brand Celebration. The other members of the Elegance Brand were in the ring, which was adorned in gold. A long distant (very long distant) relative of Picasso painted a portrait of the Ash with her Knockouts Championship. There was also custom champaign, “Elegance in a Bowl.” Ash took the microphone to cut a self-congratulatory promo, calling herself the “Savior of TNA” and insulting the former champion Masha Slamovich. Slamovich arrived and announced she’s getting a title match with Ash at Victory Road. Slamovich hit the ring and and got into a 3-on-1 fight. Xia Brookside and Lei Ying Lee come out to try and even the odds, but the Elegance Brand holds them off. Finally, the IInspiration ran out to chase off the Elegance Brand. And of course, the babyfaces destroyed the portrait of Ash.  

The TNA Injury Report: 

  • JDC remains out with a head injury. 
  • Mara Sadé has been cleared after getting clotheslined by Agent Zero. 
  • Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz have both been cleared of injury. 
  • Trick Williams shows no signs of injury. Even so, he’s still complaining about the attack at the end of last week’s tag match. 

— Mustafa Ali promised that anyone who opposes the Order 4 will be shut down, and that includes the members of The System. 

Indi Hartwell pinned Jody Threat in a Triple Threat match which also included Dani Luna to become the #1 Contender for the Knockouts Championship at Bound for Glory.   

TNA has been plugging “The Naked Gun” movie and I’m sure it’s not a coincidence they’re not mentioning Paul Walter Hauser’s role in it. 

With Slamovich getting the title match at Victory Road, the winner of this match is getting a title shot at Bound for Glory. Threat hit both Hartwell and Luna with a tope to the floor. Back in the ring, Hartwell caught Threat with a boot. Hartwell went to the top, but Luna pushed her off the ropes. Luna hit a modified fallaway slam for a near fall. Hartwell tried to get back into the match and Luna dropped her with a Northern Lights suplex. 

Luna clotheslined Threat to the floor, and Hartwell mounted a comeback against Luna. Luna came off the top with an elbow, but Threat broke up the pin attempt. Hartwell used Luna’s hand to backhand Threat. The crowd was behind Hartwell. Hartwell and Threat fought to the apron. Threat hit Luna with a somersault on the floor. Threat went to the top for something that missed, and they looked confused for a minute before Luna and Threat start exchanging small package attempts, and finally Hartwell caught Threat with a sunset flip pinning combination and held her down for three. 

After the match, Dani Luna attacked both Hartwell and Threat. Nonetheless, Indi Hartwell will challenge for the TNA Knockouts Championship at Bound for Glory. 

Joe Hendry Appears. Joe Hendry came out wearing a “Strength in Unity” TNA/Minneapolis t-shirt.  Hendry bragged about beating up The Miz on the WWE European tour and being the secret weapon for Hank and Tank on NXT. Hendry thanked the crowd for coming out to the show, then called out Eric Young. Young and his Northern Army members came out and Hendry a problem in TNA. Joe Hendry challenged Young for “right now!” But of course Young accepted for next week. 

— Santino Marella is cooking up a big TNA X-Division title defense for Leon Slater now that the Rascalz are both cleared from injury. 

— Trick Williams cut a promo on Twitter and said he’d rather be watching the Eagles/Cowboys came than be bothered with TNA right now. 

The Hardys and Mara Sadé defeated Tasha Steelz & The Great Hands (John Skyler & Jason Hotch) (w/ Agent Zero) (12:59) 

Sadé dressed like Lita. Jeff and Sadé gave a triple DDT to their opponents in a pretty cool spot. The Hardys might have been the most over act on the show. Sadé and Steelz squared off, and Steelz avoided a knee drop and sent Sadé to the floor. Back in the ring, Sadé caught Steelz with an enziguri. 

Matt and Hodge got in the ring, and Matt deleted Hodge’s head into the turnbuckles. Matt hit a chop off the middle rope and called for the Twist of Fate. Agent Zero yanked Matt to the floor. The ref ejected Agent Zero. While Zero left, Hotch hit Matt with a tope to the floor. 

Back in the ring, the heels took over on Matt Hardy. Matt dropped Skyler with a side effect, and tags were made to Sadé and Steelz. Sadé hit a nice looking powerslam for a near fall. Sadé went to run the ropes, but Hotch yanked her down by the hair and Steelz took control. 

Steelz dropped a series of elbows for a near fall. There was a “Let’s go Tasha/Tasha sucks!” chant between like 4 people in the crowd. 

Skyler cradled Jeff for a near fall. Skyler took the Poetry in Motion, a Side Effect and a splash off the middle ropes from Jeff for a near fall.  Jeff worked over Skyler with a side headlock. Hotch tried to help, but Jeff took them both out with Whisper in the Wind and got a near fall on both of them at once. 

Matt caught Hotch with a modified Side Effect, but ate a slingshot spear from Skyler. With all the men out of the match, Steelz and Sadé took over. Sadé hit the “Finish Her,” but Skyler grabbed Sadé to give her the Great Hands finisher. Matt Hardy broke that up and gave Skyler the Twist of Fate. Sadé hit a moonsault, Jeff Hardy hit the Swanton and got the pinfall. 

After the match, The Nemeths jumped the Hardys and took them out with the Danger Zone finisher. Sadé got in their faces, so Nic Nemeth superkicked her. The Nemeths held up the TNA tag team title belts to end the show. 

Next week on TNA: Moose v. AJ Francis and Joe Hendry v. Eric Young. 

House of Glory names opponent for Killer Kross debut

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Killer Kross now has an opponent for his House of Glory debut.

Following his apparent WWE departure, Kross will be wrestling for House of Glory in New York City on October 10. It’s now been revealed that Matt Cardona will be his opponent at the show — with House of Glory billing it as a match between “two of the most controversial stars in wrestling today.”

The announcement of this match comes after Kross and his wife Scarlett were involved in an angle where they laid out Cardona for Game Changer Wrestling over the weekend, helping their friend Shotzi Blackheart defeat him.

“I’ll drink your blood Matt,” Kross posted on Instagram. “I’ll eat your skin and chase it with a double shot espresso. Maybe even eat your brains… and gain your knowledge.”

Kross and Scarlett announced on August 10 that they were now taking bookings following the expiration of their WWE contracts. Despite speculation to the contrary, Kross has maintained that the situation is legitimate and not a work that’s being orchestrated by him and WWE.

Defy Wrestling and WrestlePro have booked Kross for upcoming events as well. The WrestlePro match will be against Richard Holliday in Rahway, New Jersey on September 21.

House of Glory’s October 10 show, titled “With Glory Comes Pride,” is taking place from the NYC Arena in Queens and will stream live via TrillerTV+. Leon Slater vs. Amazing Red is also set for the show, and Matt & Jeff Hardy and Indi Hartwell are among the others who will be part of the card.

Matt Cardona on John Cena ‘pipe bomb’ name-drop: ‘I certainly appreciate it’

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Matt Cardona doesn’t care why John Cena gave him a shout-out.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, the former Zack Ryder said he was working a TNA taping during Cena’s promo on CM Punk last month. Once he heard about it, only one thing was on his mind.

“Matt Cardona’s gonna milk this for all its worth,” he said. “I have a t-shirt right now, ‘Hey Matt Cardona’, right away…that weekend at GCW the turnbuckle I said ‘Hey, John Cena.” Got that clip going viral on the internet. I’m all about milking any moment I can till there’s no milk left. I had no idea that was coming, no idea why he did it, I certainly appreciate it. John I consider a friend, so maybe he was throwing me a bone.”

Jimmy Traina pushed further on why Cena name-dropped Cardona, with both referencing some online theories. But Cardona said at the end of the day, it didn’t matter.

“I don’t care, he said my name. And I milked it. I don’t care what the reason is,” he replied.

Since being released from WWE in 2020, Cardona has made a name for himself on the independents, wrestling for GCW and NWA while also making sporadic appearances in AEW and TNA. In an interview from earlier this year, he said he was surprised he hasn’t made a return to WWE yet.

Daily Update: Matt Cardona, George Kittle, Swerve Strickland

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest Headlines

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

Among the topics covered:

  • AEW heads to Arena Mexico, reaction of talent, background and key facts about Arena Mexico and wrestling history, the rise, fall and comeback of Mistico, the quadruple crown of wrestlers and even announcers and full coverage of the Tuesday and Wednesday night shows as well as this past Friday’s show.
  • Where New Japan stands today with its reset at Dominion, full coverage of the show, plus news ands thoughts regarding the G-1 Climax tournament
  • WWE preparing many major shows over the next few weeks
  • Coverage of TripleMania Regia
  • Vince McMahon, Linda McMahon and TKO make arguments to get out of the ringboys lawsuit and what statements made by McMahon and Gorilla Monsoon more than 30 years don’t look good regarding this case
  • A look at U.K. women’s wrestling pioneer and Scottish Hall of Famer Rusty Blair.
  • The most detailed look at the ratings of all the major shows
  • CMLL’s biggest show of the year announced
  • Konnan praises Corey Graves
  • A new television milestone reached this past month and an explanation of what it means
  • The U.S. team going to the world championships in Croatia
  • Hogan & Bischoff RAF promotion announces debut show and a very bad sign regarding their actual interest
  • Notes on two of the best attended indie shows of the year on the same night
  • El Hijo del Santo’s last match in Mexico as scheduled today
  • AEW women stars working in Europe
  • Advanced ticket sales for WWE, AEW and TNA shows
  • Tony Khan does interview, gets criticized regarding how he presented the info
  • More on Dana White and Nick Khan’s boxing project with Turki Alalshikh
  • What is the value of the UFC PPV shows?
  • Aaron Pico vs. Moovsar Evloev and what that says about UFC’s intentions
  • Reports on Vince McMahon getting back involved and what is and isn’t viable
  • Realities of AEW TV rating year-to-year
  • Gunther vs. Goldberg notes
  • Goldberg talks about why he’s coming back
  • Michelle McCool talks saving Undertaker’s life twice
  • Liv Morgan’s injury and changes that have to be made
  • Interesting note on WWE’s house shows in Mexico
  • WWE & AEW rivalry goes long past wrestling shows
  • Yet another WWE tournament

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full Jordynne Grace vs. Jaida Parker vs. Izzi Dame vs. Lash Legend main event from last night’s NXT, where Grace pinned Parker to earn an NXT Women’s Championship shot against Jacy Jayne at Evolution.
  • Florida Gators football players George Gumbs Jr. and Tyreak Sapp appeared on NXT in a backstage segment with Myles Borne and Lexis King. 
  • Bully Ray interviewed Lola Vice on Busted Open Radio After Dark.
  • On Cody Rhodes’ “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” podcast, Kevin Owens joked about Matt Cardona calling himself The Indy God while wanting to be back in WWE:
    • I love Matt. The only thing I’ll say is – for a guy who loves being on the indies so much, he sure f*cking talks about how much he wants to be back in WWE a lot. That’s all. Can’t call yourself King of the Indies and you’re going out there telling people, ‘I don’t know why WWE hasn’t signed me. I don’t get it. If I was them I definitely would have signed me.’ Are you f*cking happy or not, dude?
  • In an interview with WrestleStar, Zelina Vega said Asuka would be her ideal opponent for Evolution:
    • Asuka. I’ve always said that. I love Asuka so much… besides the fact that she’s my friend, I mean, I’m just one of her biggest supporters. I freaking love Asuka. And I think, like, male or female, she’s one of the best, and it feels like better every time I get into the ring with her. So definitely, definitely, Asuka.
  • San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle – who is a huge pro wrestling fan – told USA Today that he’d love to cross over to WWE when his football career is over:
    • I would love to do WWE. I think there’s definitely opportunity within that world, and I would love nothing more than to be a part of it.
    • I would only do WWE if I bought a ring and practiced my ass off for a while so I wouldn’t look like an idiot out there. I’ve been in a WWE ring like three times. I don’t know what I’m doing out there. I have an understanding of how it works, but I haven’t moonsaulted off the top rope at WrestleMania like Pat McAfee did.
  • Bayley, Sheamus, and Grayson Waller were in attendance for a surprise performance by Taylor Swift in Nashville last night. The performance happened at a Tight End University concert put on by Kittle, Greg Olsen, and Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce.
  • The No-Contest Wrestling Podcast interviewed Rey Mysterio at Fanatics Fest.
  • Ethan Page was a guest on Insight with Chris Van Vliet.

Other Wrestling

  • Swerve Strickland told Nisqually Valley News that the “secret sauce” to the success he and Prince Nana have had in AEW is that everything they do is genuine:
    • The secret sauce to everything Nana and I touch turning to gold is because everything that Nana and I do is genuine.
    • It starts with that. That’s the attachment. That’s the connection we have with the people. It’s up to the people to turn it into gold. The more people connect to us, the more people wear what we wear, post what we post, show up to where we’re at, like, retweet and share the things that we do, do the dances — that’s connection. That’s just us being ourselves. That wasn’t really anybody controlling, playing or navigating us. It was just putting us in the place and giving us the opportunity, the time to do it. Getting the platform is the first thing. Landing on the platform is the first thing, and what you do with that turns it into more over time.
  • Nana added that he and Strickland want to show the fans how passionate they are every single week:
    • We go by a saying, ‘everything we do is with a passion.’ That’s what our secret sauce is. We have passion. We have desire. This is what we do. We want to relay that to the fans each and every week.
  • This Saturday, Strickland will be the honorary pace car driver at a Quaker State 400 race at EchoPark Speedway in Atlanta.
  • Athena spoke to Sports Illustrated about the all-women’s event her Metroplex Wrestling indie promotion is putting on in Bedford, Texas on August 9. She praised some of the wrestlers who will be participating:
    • I love Masha [Slamovich] to death. She’s such an amazing athlete. She’s a little crazy, but she’s gonna give you a thousand percent. Vert Vixen, just an amazing, amazing woman. Hyan, who’s traveled all around the world, including her too. But then we have Abadon, absolutely amazing as well. I’ve worked with them before. They have so much heart and passion for what we do, but all my heavy hitters for the announcement reside in Texas and I’m very excited.
  • Kevin Knight will compete for Jersey Championship Wrestling in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey on August 3.
  • To build up their match that’s taking place for GCW in Dallas on July 11, Shotzi and Matt Cardona took part in an angle where Cardona ambushed Shotzi and ran over her arm with her tank.
  • Matt & Jeff Hardy appeared on Busted Open Radio today.
  • Isla Dawn will have her first UK indie match in more than five years when she wrestles for Burning Heart Pro in Manchester on August 3.

TNA International title match set for next week’s Impact

Posted on by Ethan Renner

The TNA International Championship match originally slated for Friday’s Under Siege event has a new date.

TNA announced during Thursday’s Impact episode that the originally scheduled Steve Maclin International title defense against Matt Cardona originally announced for Under Siege will now take place on the Thursday, May 29 TNA Impact episode sue to Maclin not being medically cleared for competition.

Under Siege streams Friday night, May 23 on TNA Plus beginning at 8 p.m Eastern time., with the pre-show kicking off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. The Under siege lineup is listed below.

TNA Under Siege, Friday, May 23 —

  • TNA World Champion Joe Hendry & Elijah vs. Trick Williams & Frankie Kazarian
  • Knockouts World Champion Masha Slamovich defends against Victoria Crawford
  • TNA Tag Team Champions Nic Nemeth & Ryan Nemeth defend against Matt Hardy & Leon Slater
  • Tessa Blanchard (w/Robert Stone) vs. Arianna Grace (w/Santino Marella)
  • AJ Francis vs. Mike Santana
  • Knockouts Tag Team Champions Ash by elegance & Heather by Elegance defend against Spitfire (Jody Threat & Dani Luna) — Falls count anywhere, no DQ, Spitfire disbands if they lose
  • Eddie Edwards vs. Cody Deaner — Deaner gets a new TNA contract if he wins
  • Mustafa Ali, John Skyler, Jason Hotch & Tasha Steelz vs. Zachary Wentz, Trey Miguel, Indi Hartwell & a mystery partner
  • Pre-show: Rosemary vs. Xia Brookside

TNA Impact, Thursday, May 29 —

  • International Champion Steve Maclin defends against Matt Cardona