Matt Cardona Reacts to Taking Losses Already Since WWE Return

Matt Cardona’s return to WWE came with a lot of hype—but just two matches in, the company already has him back on the losing end.

After defeating Kit Wilson on the January 2 episode of SmackDown, Cardona took a loss in his second match back. On the January 16 edition of SmackDown from London’s OVO Arena Wembley, he was defeated by Trick Williams in a #1 Contender Qualifying Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Following the loss, Cardona wasted no time speaking out on social media—clearly aware of the optics surrounding his return and how quickly WWE booked him to take a step back.

“I didn’t win my match last night on #SmackDown. Not happy about it, but it’s not going to stop me. Check my win/loss record for my entire career. I’ve lost… A LOT. But when I win… I win BIG! I’m back in @WWE to win the Undisputed WWE Championship… I’M NOT FINISHED!!!”

The post was accompanied by two intense backstage shots showing Cardona flexing and glaring into the camera—his vest reading “I’M NOT FINISHED,” loud and clear.

Cardona’s early WWE booking is already raising eyebrows. Despite his massive reinvention outside the company, there’s a sense that WWE still views him through the same lens as his Zack Ryder days. Recent reports claim WWE doesn’t see Cardona as a long-term main eventer, and two weeks into his return, that perception might already be playing out on screen.

But if Cardona has proven anything over the years, it’s that he knows how to turn setbacks into momentum. Just don’t expect him to stay down for long.