• SmackDown Star Relinquishes His Championship
Matt Cardona has signed with WWE and returned to the company on the January 2nd episode of SmackDown.
Before returning to WWE, Cardona held multiple titles on the indy scene. He previously relinquished the ACW World Championship. He has now relinquished the World Series Wrestling Championship as well.
Cardona issued the following statement:
“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 gambler to me, and I will miss you all. Somebody. Please have some Hungry Jacks for Matt Cardona. See you later, guys.”
• Big Return Planned For This Friday’s SmackDown
WWE’s plans for Jacob Fatu’s next chapter are centered less on when he comes back and more on how he comes back. Internal discussions within WWE creative have focused on reshaping Fatu’s on-screen role ahead of his expected return to television, with a potential shift in alignment now on the table.
According to Self Made Pro, Fatu is scheduled to return on this Friday’s SmackDown in Berlin, Germany, but not in the same role fans last saw.
Jacob Fatu has been off television for several months following a storyline attack and time away for dental surgery. While his absence began with him positioned as a fan-favorite, sources say WWE has since explored directions that would move him away from a straight babyface presentation.
Those familiar with the discussions say pitches have been made for Fatu to return with a more aggressive edge, potentially placing him on the opposite side of the crowd reaction he previously commanded. The idea has been circulating internally even though Fatu’s exit was firmly babyface.
BodySlam previously reported that WWE views 2026 as a potential breakout period for Jacob Fatu, with that trajectory delayed only by medical issues that forced him out of action late in 2025.
RELATED: Spoiler For This Friday’s 3 Stages Of Hell Match
