WWE: Matt Cardona Posts Statement on His WWE Return, LA Knight & Jacob Fatu Return Plans Update, Dr. Carlon Colker Appeals Court Order For Documents That Show Vince McMahon Paid Janel Grant’s Medical Bills

As noted before, Friday’s WWE SmackDown show in Buffalo, New York featured TNA and indies talent Matt Cardona making his official return to WWE.

Cardona released an official statement earlier today on Twitter about his recent return to WWE and thanking people for their support to make it possible.

“April 15, 2020…Zack Ryder was released from @WWE. It had to happen. Being a WWE Superstar was my lifelong dream. I had been signed for 14 years…on TV for 13. I traveled all over the world, had action figures, won championships, and experienced everything else that came with living the dream. I experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. While it was a heartbreaking day, I was grateful for my time in WWE.

I knew I had 3 options. I could feel sorry for myself, become bitter, and fade into obscurity. I could coast off my WWE name and make some money for the rest of my life playing the greatest hits. OR I could reinvent myself, work my ass off, try to outwork every motherfucker out there, and create my own path. I chose option 3.

These past 5 years on the indies have been the greatest time of my career…so far. I have to thank every promotor who booked me, every opponent I wrestled, and every fan who supported me in some way. There’s way too many people to thank. I love you all. There’s no way to wrap up these 5 years in a social media post…it’ll have to wait for the book.

From the moment I got released, I knew I couldn’t focus on proving people wrong. I wanted to prove myself and my fans right…and I believe I did that.

I’m often asked for advice. My advice is don’t quit. You might make it if you don’t. You definitely won’t make it if you do. I took my own advice. I never quit.

My goal was to get back to WWE. And as of last night, January 2, 2026, I am back in WWE…MATT CARDONA is in WWE. I am Alwayz Ready and I’M NOT FINISHED!”

April 15, 2020…Zack Ryder was released from @WWE. It had to happen. Being a WWE Superstar was my lifelong dream. I had been signed for 14 years…on TV for 13. I traveled all over the world, had action figures, won championships, and experienced everything else that came with… pic.twitter.com/Fsjw72PIsd

— Matt Cardona (@TheMattCardona) January 3, 2026

---

LA Knight & Jacob Fatu Return Plans Update

As noted before, Jacob Fatu has been out of action for WWE since this past December due to a non-wrestling-related injury that was later revealed to involve a dental procedure. Besides Fatu, LA Knight has been absent from WWE since the December 7th episode of WWE RAW due to a storyline injury at the hands of The Vision.

WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that Fatu and Knight are among several talents who have been out of action or absent from WWE programming that WWE officials have scheduled to be at this month’s Royal Rumble 2026 event in Saudi Arabia.

Others who are currently expected to return in time for this month’s event reportedly are Brock Lesnar, Chad Gable, Tiffany Stratton, and Dominik Mysterio. Randy Orton’s name was also included in the list and he made his surprise return on the Friday, January 2nd WWE SmackDown show in Buffalo, New York.

---

Vince McMahon Sex Trafficking Lawsuit Update – Dr. Carlon Colker Appeals Court Order For Documents That Show Vince McMahon Paid Janel Grant’s Medical Bills

As noted before, former WWE employee Janel Grant filed a lawsuit in January of 2024 against former WWE/TKO Executive Chairman Vince McMahon accusing McMahon of committing sex trafficking and sexual abuse towards her during her time in the company. Grant filed a new amended lawsuit this past February detailing new evidence and claims against McMahon, WWE, and others. Grant had also a filed petition against a WWE Wellness doctor named Carlon Colker and his clinic in July of 2024 for medical records related to her lawsuit, which was court ordered to be released this past August. Colker was ordered by the court this past December to provide all documents related to how McMahon had paid for Grant’s medical treatment at his clinic.

Post Wrestling and Wrestlenomics’ Brandon Thurston reported that attorneys representing Colker and Peak Wellness Inc. filed a notice of appeal on December 30, 2025 in regards to a Connecticut judge’s order that compelled them to produce billing statements related to Grant’s medical bills that were paid by McMahon by January 12th.

In the filing, Colker and Peak Wellness Inc. claimed that they have produced hundreds of pages of documents and have complied in good faith with discovery and court directives.

Thurston reported that while medical records related to Grant have been turned over to Grant’s legal team, there remains a dispute about billing or payment records that are marked “paid” but don’t indicate who made the payments.