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Here are three suitable replacements for Matt Cardona on SmackDown following his injury:
#3. Joe Hendry
Joe Hendry has been a part of RAW for quite some time now, but his appearances have been sporadic. Transferring him to SmackDown offers WWE a ready-made and highly charismatic mid-card talent who can step in immediately to fill the void left by Matt Cardona. Hendry’s viral appeal and crowd-engaging entrance naturally mirror Cardona’s high-energy and personality-driven style.
The Prestigious One has been facing heavy competition on Monday Night RAW due to the bloated roster. He barely gets any screen time to showcase his in-ring skills and his promo work. However, moving Joe Hendry to Friday Night SmackDown gives the brand an instant fan favorite capable of anchoring mid-card storylines while raising excitement in the feuds and rivalries.
His ability to mix comedic flair with serious in-ring work makes Hendry an ideal replacement to maintain SmackDown’s mid-card division. The Prestigious One could also go after the United States Championship, giving rise to some incredible feuds and storylines on the roster.
#2. Lexis King
Lexis King has established himself as one of the prominent names on NXT over the past year, building a strong reputation. Calling him up on the main roster provides Friday Night SmackDown with a fresh, heat-seeking heel who can carry mid-card storylines. The NXT star could bring the same energy that Matt Cardona used to bring with his presence on the blue brand.
Introducing Lexis King on SmackDown would give the roster a fresh dynamic. He could feud with several top stars like Trick Williams, Sami Zayn, Finn Balor and many more. The 32-year-old could eventually establish himself as a cornerstone of the blue brand’s mid-card division. King therefore stands out as a good replacement for Cardona on the SmackDown roster.
Making his SmackDown debut to fill the former Intercontinental Champion’s void would offer Lexis King a clear launchpad to establish his main roster presence. It would help WWE build some great mid-card rivalries or perhaps form a faction involving King on the blue brand.
#1. Montez Ford can replace Matt Cardona
One of the biggest names who could suitably fill Matt Cardona’s void on SmackDown is Montez Ford. The 36-year-old has been working in the tag team division for several years now. However, fans have always desired to see him break out as a singles star and establish his own path. Cardona’s unfortunate injury gives WWE the ultimate opportunity to do that.
The company could repackage the Street Profits member and bring him on SmackDown as a singles star. While Montez Ford has long possessed main-event potential, tag team commitments have stalled his solo breakout. But bringing him to SmackDown would allow WWE to capitalize on his high-flying charisma and natural babyface connection with the audience.
Ford can target mid-card titles like the United States Championship, delivering show-stealing television matches and permanently transitioning into singles star status. He could fully expand his presence on the blue brand, suitably filling Matt Cardona’s void on SmackDown.
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