John Cena WWE reaction captured attention after he publicly addressed Matt Cardona’s official comeback to WWE on the latest SmackDown. Cena, a longtime figure in the company, took to social media to share his pride and support for Cardona, who rejoined WWE as a full-time competitor.
Matt Cardona, previously released in 2020, made headlines when he returned during SmackDown by accepting Kit Wilson‘s open challenge. What started as speculation over a single appearance was confirmed to be a permanent signing as Cardona, known in wrestling as the “Indy God,” marked his reinstatement with an in-ring performance. The return signifies a major shift for Cardona, who spent years building his reputation outside WWE before being welcomed back.
John Cena and Matt Cardona share a rich history as both rivals and tag partners during their overlapping careers in WWE. Upon Cardona’s return, Cena, recognized as a 17-time world champion, posted a heartfelt message to both Cardona and his wife and fellow wrestler Chelsea Green, applauding their perseverance and dedication to wrestling.
“I couldn’t be more proud of both Matt Cardona and Chelsea Green. They stand as a tremendous example of making luck through effort. Welcome home Matt.”
— John Cena, WWE Superstar
The Miz Voices Disappointment Over Missing Cena’s Final Match
With John Cena recently retiring from in-ring competition after a decorated two-decade-long career, his last WWE match drew significant attention across the wrestling world. In this much anticipated bout, Cena faced Gunther and submitted for the first time in nearly 20 years, an outcome that signaled the close of a legendary era.
The aftermath of Cena’s farewell has sparked reactions from his peers, especially The Miz, one of Cena’s iconic rivals. The Miz expressed regret and frustration over not being the person to face Cena in his retirement contest. He had participated in the “Last Time is Now” tournament, designed to determine Cena’s final opponent, but ultimately lost his chance for what he saw as a fitting closure to their storied rivalry.
“I asked for one match, one moment with John Cena’s retirement tour. Not for nostalgia or [to] be enduring but for obligation because our story needed closure. I should’ve been the one to tap John Cena out. Instead, he’s off smiling, riding in the sunset, and I’m stuck here in Buffalo,” he said.
— The Miz, WWE Superstar
During SmackDown, The Miz’s emotional address was abruptly cut short by the arrival of Randy Orton, another multiple-time world champion, who made his presence felt by attacking The Miz with several RKOs, concluding a dramatic segment on the show and further enhancing the tensions among top WWE stars.
Impact of Cardona’s Return and What Lies Ahead
Matt Cardona’s full-time return to WWE ushers in new possibilities for rivalries and storylines, especially with Cena’s own remarks highlighting both personal achievement and company history. For Cardona and his supporters, the move represents a chance at new opportunities within wrestling’s biggest platform, reinforcing WWE’s tradition of bringing back fan favorites and seasoned performers.
The ongoing responses from figures like The Miz and Randy Orton reflect the evolving power dynamics and shifting alliances within WWE post-Cena. As the company navigates these changes, fans can expect increased competition for the spotlight and future main events, with Cena’s reaction acting as a symbolic passing of the torch to the next wave of talent.
