In a surprise addition to IMPACT Wrestling’s Hard To Kill, Matt Cardona entered the ring to face Ace Austin. Scott D’Amore made the impromptu match after Austin took to the ring demanding he be added to the X-Division title match. Having won the Super X Cup at Genesis, Austin believed himself to be the #1 Contender. D’Amore informed Austin that it was too late for that, however, there was an opponent waiting for him. Then D’Amore stepped aside, making way for the former Zack Ryder. Matt Cardona Debuts in IMPACT Wrestling.
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The impromptu match lasted 2:30, ending in a disqualification after interference from Madman Fulton. However, in those two minutes, Austin and Cardona displayed an interesting chemistry. Following the match, Cardona hit his “Radio Silence” finisher on Austin’s henchman. While the DQ victory may seem lackluster for Cardona’s debut, fans have much to be excited about. The DQ finish opens up a feud with Ace Austin and Madman Fulton should he decide to stick around.
Matt Cardona Debuts in IMPACT Wrestling
Later, Cardona expressed his gratitude to Scott D’Amore for the opportunity to work for IMPACT Wrestling. He also responded to well wishes from EC3, who returned to IMPACT Wrestling following a four-month hiatus.
I needed tonight. Thanks @ScottDAmore for the opportunity. Thanks @IMPACTWRESTLING. Thanks to all my fans! I’m #AlwayzReady…I’m #HardToKill…and I’m NOT DONE with @The_Ace_Austin & @FultonWorld! pic.twitter.com/2oMOAbp8w4
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) January 17, 2021
This appearance marks Cardona’s first televised appearance since AEW All Out in September. Cardona had wrestled a number of matches for AEW over the summer, however his contract expired following All Out. This is also the second major North American promotion Cardona has worked with since his WWE release. As Zack Ryder, Cardona had a 13 year run with the global wrestling giant. WWE severed his contract, along with several others, as part of cost-cutting measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cardona joins a number of former WWE talent in IMPACT, such as Heath, Rhino, EC3, and Knockouts Champion Deonna Purrazzo. As of January 17th, neither Cardona nor IMPACT Wrestling have come forward with contract details.
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