Matt Cardona has described the sequence of events leading to his full-time return to WWE on the SmackDown roster in January 2026. The former United States Champion also expressed confidence that he is closer than ever to winning a world title.
Cardona recounted on Insight with Chris Van Vliet how his path began with an NXT invasion in September 2025 while representing TNA Wrestling. Appearances followed against Josh Briggs in October and in the Last Time Is Now tournament in November.
He said contact with WWE President Nick Khan and a call with Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque led to a full-time offer after Thanksgiving. Cardona debuted as Matt Cardona on the January 2 edition of SmackDown, defeating Kit Wilson with a Rough Ryder.
Cardona stated he feels he is the closest he has ever been to the WWE Championship. He noted his improved condition at age 41 and said he has no backup plan beyond winning the title.
