Add as a preferred source on Google Matt Cardona has once again become a target of complaints from WWE fans after yet another loss on Friday Night SmackDown, this time against Ricky Saints.
The match took place on this Friday’s show, May 8, in Jacksonville, and came after a backstage segment with Nick Aldis. Saints had been talking about his debut match against Cody Rhodes the week before when Cardona showed up and made it clear he wasn’t there to “pass the torch” to new names.
In the ring, Cardona had his moments and managed to control parts of the match, but couldn’t turn that into a win. Saints fought off the former Zack Ryder’s best offense and picked up the victory after hitting the Rochambeau, earning his first win on SmackDown.
The loss added to the growing frustration among fans with Cardona’s current run. Since he officially returned to WWE on the January 2 episode, where he beat Kit Wilson with the Rough Ryder, the wrestler hasn’t been able to replicate that same impact on the blue brand.
On social media, many fans pointed out once again that Cardona is 0-6 on SmackDown since that first win. On top of that, his recent stretch also includes losses to the likes of Aleister Black, Randy Orton, and Trick Williams, which only adds to the feeling that WWE still hasn’t found a clear direction for his return.
It remains to be seen whether the company plans to turn this losing streak into an underdog story or if Cardona will continue to be used just as a stepping stone for up-and-coming talent.