5 Directions For Matt Cardona After Devastating SmackDown Loss

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#5. A mixed tag match between Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green vs. The Miz and Maryse

The biggest tease from the latest edition of SmackDown could ultimately lead to a mixed tag team showdown.

Following Matt Cardona’s battle with Gunther, The Miz approached the injured WWE Superstar and took shots at him. WWE’s backstage clip specifically highlighted The Miz insulting Cardona after the match. As mentioned, the interaction opens the door for an interesting feud between him and his wife against The Miz and his other half, Maryse.

There is already history surrounding The Miz and Maryse as a WWE power couple, including their previous mixed tag rivalry against Edge and Beth Phoenix. That said, a Cardona-Green pairing could create a modern version of that dynamic, with two wrestling couples battling over who truly deserves the spotlight.

#4. Forms a new faction with Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton

An entertaining option would be for Matt Cardona to build a new faction alongside his wife Chelsea Green and Tiffany Stratton.

Cardona and Green already have an established relationship outside the ring, while Stratton has recently been closely connected to Green on SmackDown. Stratton even came to the champ’s aid on the latest episode before her own United States Championship match against Fatal Influence’s Jacy Jayne.

Adding Cardona into the mix could create a loud and interesting stable built around three characters who know exactly how to get under their opponent’s skin. Piper Niven could even make a surprise return and join the group. It would bring back some of the chemistry fans enjoyed when Green and Niven worked together.

#3. He goes after Baron Corbin’s WWE United States Championship

Another strong option would be for Matt Cardona to turn his attention toward Baron Corbin and his United States Championship.

Corbin retained the title when he battled Carmelo Hayes during this week’s SmackDown in front of the latter’s hometown crowd. Cardona challenging Corbin would immediately give him a defined singles objective. Rather than simply being Chelsea Green’s husband or getting involved in someone else’s feud, he could establish himself as a title contender.

It would be an interesting clash of styles and personalities. The Lone Wolf could dismiss The Indy God as a former WWE Superstar trying to relive his glory days, while Cardona would have every reason to prove that he has returned to WWE for much more than nostalgia.

#2. Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green recreate the Edge-Lita partnership

Another possibility is also one with the most history behind it.

Matt Cardona is a certified Edgehead, and that connection makes a potential Cardona-Green pairing inspired by Edge and Lita especially fitting. Cardona and Green already have the real-life chemistry needed to make such a storyline work. WWE could lean into the nostalgia without simply copying the iconic duo. Instead, Cardona and Green could present themselves as the modern power couple of WWE.

Except for that infamous and controversial in-ring bed scene by Edge and Lita, there is plenty of material for them to work with. Edge and Lita were one of the most recognizable duos of the 2000s, while Cardona has openly embraced his admiration for Edge throughout his career. If done correctly, this could become a major character-defining run for both Superstars.

#1. A rematch against Gunther at Sunday Night’s Main Event

A rematch against Gunther could also be another possibility.

Matt Cardona’s latest encounter with Gunther was hardly a clean, competitive conclusion from his perspective. He initially confronted the former Intercontinental Champion after he insulted Chelsea Green, only for the situation to spiral into a match that Gunther eventually won. That creates an easy reason for him to demand another opportunity.

A match between the two Superstars at Sunday Night’s Main Event could also give Cardona a major platform to prove that he belongs among WWE’s top singles stars. Gunther has the credibility, while Cardona has the motivation. A more competitive rematch could be exactly what Cardona needs after his devastating loss.

For him, it would also be a deeply personal feud following his defeat to The Ring General. Rather than disappearing in defeat, he could immediately have another major storyline waiting for him.

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