On the September 23 episode of NXT, WWE fans witnessed a surprising invasion by wrestlers from Total Nonstop Wrestling (TNA), including the notable return of Matt Cardona. This marked Cardona’s first WWE appearance since his release in 2020, prompting a reaction from Cody Rhodes, a prominent WWE Champion and longtime colleague. The event unfolded amid mounting anticipation following a heated buildup involving NXT Champion Oba Femi and TNA Champion Trick Williams.
The NXT Homecoming show had set the stage the previous week by announcing a Winner Take All match between Oba Femi and Trick Williams, intensifying tensions between WWE’s NXT roster and TNA athletes. Several TNA wrestlers had expressed dissatisfaction on social media, fueling rumors of an impending invasion that was confirmed when the TNA contingent stormed the ring during the main event, disrupting the flow and sparking confusion among fans and wrestlers alike.
Details of Matt Cardona’s Role in the TNA Invasion
Among the TNA wrestlers appearing that evening, Matt Cardona stood out prominently. Prior to the broadcast, he was even seen observing Oba Femi outside the venue. After the episode aired, Cardona shared his thoughts about returning to WWE through social media, highlighting the significance of his comeback after five years away from the promotion.
In response, Cody Rhodes amplified Cardona’s message by reposting his tweet with an ‘eyes’ emoji, an indication of his surprise and attention to the development.
👀 https://t.co/9dendATZQK— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) September 24, 2025
Rhodes and Cardona share a long-standing friendship rooted in their time together during the 2010s at WWE, where they both struggled to establish themselves. Their bond grew stronger as they reinvented their careers after departing WWE, finding success in independent wrestling circuits and other promotions. Cardona also briefly appeared in AEW, even partnering with Rhodes in a tag team victory in August 2020.
Cardona’s wife, Chelsea Green, also voiced her reaction to his WWE return, underscoring the personal impact of this unexpected comeback within their close circle.
Other Notable WWE and Wrestling Developments
Apart from the surprise invasion and returns, WWE continues to see shifts in its championship narratives. Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre had proposed ideas for their upcoming WWE title match, though these concepts were reportedly not incorporated into the final event. Meanwhile, Chelsea Green publicly reflected on her husband’s reappearance, expressing mixed emotions about his renewed presence on the WWE stage.
Elsewhere, TNA has initiated an internal investigation following allegations of domestic abuse involving one of its stars, demonstrating ongoing challenges behind the scenes in the wrestling world.
WWE is also preparing for a major showdown at Crown Jewel, where John Cena will face a legendary opponent for their final match, highlighting the significance of marquee events in the company’s calendar.
In other WWE-related news, Nikki Bella expressed dissatisfaction with how her character is depicted in the WWE 2K25 video game, signaling broader concerns about representation in gaming adaptations.
On the storyline front, Jey Uso appears to be moving toward a heel turn on WWE RAW, while a seven-time WWE Champion recently turned heel after 598 days, indicating shifting dynamics within WWE’s on-air talent.
Lastly, Mickie James received the announcement of her induction into the 2025 TNA Hall of Fame, recognizing her outstanding contributions and achievements throughout her wrestling career.
Significance of the TNA Invasion and Cody Rhodes’ Response
The unexpected appearance of Matt Cardona and other TNA wrestlers on NXT marks a tense moment in WWE programming, reflecting a complicated relationship between WWE and its former talent who have found success elsewhere. Cody Rhodes’ public reaction, though minimal, conveys a level of surprise and perhaps uncertainty as these developments unfold.
As Oba Femi prepares to defend his NXT Championship against Ricky Saints at the No Mercy event on September 27, this ongoing rivalry may see further interference or storyline evolution tied to the TNA faction’s presence. The invasion introduces fresh tension and unpredictability in WWE storylines, potentially altering the status quo and raising questions about future collaborations, rivalries, and the company’s approach to talent management amid an increasingly competitive wrestling landscape.
ALWAYZ F’N READY! I’ll defend @ThisIsTNA against @WWENXT any day of the week…
📷: @aj_autograph pic.twitter.com/4wxJaOm1vB
— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) September 24, 2025
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) September 24, 2025
