Matt Cardona credits deathmatch success for WWE return

Professional wrestler Matt Cardona has credited a 2021 deathmatch against Nick Gage as the turning point that led to his return to WWE. The match, which took place at the GCW Homecoming 2021 event, resulted in Cardona winning the GCW World Championship.

Cardona stated that the match and the subsequent career momentum "changed my career and it changed my life." He has since released a documentary detailing the events of that night.

Additionally, Cardona noted that while he wished to use his independent wrestling entrance theme, "When The Lights Go Down" by Downstait, upon his WWE return, he was not permitted to do so. He expressed hope that the company might eventually allow him to use the song.