Cardona Vows WWE Return
WWE Star Matt Cardona Vows Recovery After Sustaining Triceps Tear During Main Event
Key Points
The injury occurred during WWE Main Event taping on August 21 in Toronto at Scotiabank Arena, where Cardona wrestled Kit Wilson ahead of SmackDown.
Earlier in the month, Cardona had an Aug. 14 SmackDown match against Gunther, during which he took multiple powerbombs and was checked by medical officials afterward.
Cardona had already returned to WWE as a full-time SmackDown member in January, reinforcing that the current injury is a setback rather than the end of his run on the brand.
Chelsea Green, Cardona’s wife and Interim WWE Women’s Champion, was also dealing with an injury at the time, adding to the injury context around the couple.
Cardona publicly acknowledged the seriousness of the injury on social media, stating he would keep fans updated and emphasizing, 'I’M NOT FINISHED.'
WWE star Matt Cardona tore his triceps during a Main Event match on August 21, 2026, in Toronto, revealing the injury with a photo of his severely swollen arm. Bleacher Report and eWrestling News reported that the injury occurred during his match against Kit Wilson, taped before SmackDown. Cardona vowed he is not finished, posting on social media that he would keep fans updated despite the serious setback.
The triceps tear comes just one week after Cardona wrestled Gunther on August 14 SmackDown, where he took multiple powerbombs and was checked by medical staff. Wrestling Attitude noted the injury was confirmed via social media, with recovery timelines still unclear. His wife, Chelsea Green, the Interim WWE Women's Champion, was also dealing with her own injury at the time.
What Happened During the Match
Cardona tore his triceps while wrestling Kit Wilson at WWE Main Event on August 21. 411mania confirmed the injury occurred during the Main Event taping, which was filmed in Toronto at Scotiabank Arena before SmackDown. The triceps muscle, which runs along the back of the upper arm, is critical for wrestling moves that require arm strength and stability.
Just seven days earlier, Cardona had faced Gunther on SmackDown and absorbed multiple powerbombs—moves where an opponent lifts and throws a wrestler onto their back. Medical officials checked him after that match, according to Wrestling Attitude. The back-to-back high-impact matches may have contributed to the triceps injury that followed.
Recovery Timeline Remains Uncertain
A triceps tear can be either partial or full, which affects healing time significantly. Partial tears may heal in a few weeks, while full tears can take several months, according to medical sources cited in coverage. eWrestling News and Bleacher Report noted that WWE has not announced a definite return date for Cardona yet.
Cardona shared a photo showing the extent of swelling in his arm, making the severity of the injury visually clear to fans. Wrestling Attitude reported that further medical updates would follow as information becomes available. The timing of the injury is particularly challenging since Cardona only returned to WWE as a full-time SmackDown member in January.
Cardona's Return to WWE and Family Injury Context
Cardona, formerly known as Zack Ryder, had recently rebuilt momentum as a full-time SmackDown performer. His return to the brand in January represented a significant comeback after time away. The August triceps tear marks a major setback just months into his renewed run with the company.
Wife Chelsea Green Also Sidelined by Injury
Cardona's wife, Chelsea Green, the Interim WWE Women's Champion, was also managing an injury during this period. AOL reported that Green suffered a broken orbital bone earlier in August, adding to the injury challenges facing the couple. Both wrestlers facing medical issues simultaneously highlights the physical toll of WWE's schedule and high-impact matches.
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