During a recent episode of WWE SmackDown, Tonga Loa came dangerously close to pulling off Matt Cardona’s trunks in the middle of a high-stakes ten-man tag team match. The incident happened as Loa held onto Cardona’s trunks, and despite Cardona’s attempts to pull away, Loa maintained his grip, risking a significant wardrobe malfunction that was narrowly avoided. The moment quickly caught the attention of fans and sparked concern over Cardona’s modesty during the live broadcast.
Five-on-Five Tag Match Features Former Champions and Rising Stars
The bout included notable competitors such as the current and former United States Champion Carmelo Hayes, who had entered the ring to give Ilja Dragunov a chance at the title before being interrupted by Solo Sikoa and his allies. This confrontation escalated as Matt Cardona, along with Apollo Crews and Shinsuke Nakamura, joined the fray, creating an evenly matched five-versus-five. Nick Aldis then declared the encounter a ten-man tag team match. Although The MFT ultimately won the contest, it was this near wardrobe mishap involving Tonga Loa and Cardona that dominated discussions afterwards.
Fan Reactions and Previous Loa Botches Highlight Incident
The close call on SmackDown quickly went viral, with fans from around the world calling out the botch on social media platforms. Tonga Loa has previously gained attention for various in-ring errors, making this wardrobe incident another addition to his list of viral moments. Despite the widespread attention, neither Loa nor Cardona—formerly known as Zack Ryder—have issued comments about the near mishap. Cardona’s active presence on social media leaves fans wondering if he might address the situation soon.
TONGA LOA WHAT ARE YOU DOING BRO 😭😭😭#SmackDownpic.twitter.com/bXwEO0BW0z
— Tribal Wrestling (@TribalMegastar)
Potential Implications for Future WWE Shows
Moments like these highlight the unpredictable nature of live professional wrestling, where accidents can happen despite intense preparation. The close call between Tonga Loa and Matt Cardona raises awareness about the importance of costume security during physical contests. Going forward, WWE’s production team may implement additional precautions to prevent such incidents, preserving the professionalism and presentation of future SmackDown events. Meanwhile, fans eagerly await any response from the wrestlers involved, especially given their popularity and social media presence.
TONGA LOA WHAT ARE YOU DOING BRO 😭😭😭#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/bXwEO0BW0z
— Tribal Wrestling (@TribalMegastar) February 14, 2026
