WWE: Matt Cardona on His WWE Return, Michin Confirms Shoulder Injury & Says She Will Be Out “Temporarily”, Liv Morgan vs. Lyra Valkyria Set for 1/5 WWE RAW Show

WWE
Jan 3, 2026

Matt Cardona Comments on His WWE Return at Jan. 2nd WWE SmackDown Show

As noted before, Friday’s WWE SmackDown show in Buffalo, New York featured indies and TNA talent Matt Cardona making his official return to WWE. Cardona was announced to have been the newest signing for WWE’s SmackDown brand.

Following his victory over Kit Wilson in a singles match on the show, Cardona reflected on Twitter about his surprise return to WWE.

Prior to his official return, Cardona last made an appearance for WWE this past November as part of WWE’s The Last Time Is Now Tournament. Cardona previously worked in WWE from 2005 to 2020.

Michin Confirms Shoulder Injury & Says She Will Be Out “Temporarily”

As noted before, Michin had suffered a shoulder injury during a match against Jade Cargill at last week’s WWE’s 2025 Holiday Tour. Michin had been scheduled to face off against Cargill on Friday’s WWE SmackDown show in Buffalo, New York but this match did not take place in the end due to her injury situation.

Michin released a video on Friday on Instagram that showed her wearing a sling and her confirming that her she had suffered a shoulder injury. Michin also stated that she will only be out of action temporarily.

“I may be out, but I am out temporarily. And with all the money and fame and aura…what you don’t have that I do is grit, is the love of this business,” she said. “So Jade, enjoy your vacations and your photo shoots because while I’m getting better, I’m focusing on you and nothing is going to keep me away from that ring and nothing is going to keep me away from you.”

Liv Morgan vs. Lyra Valkyria Announced for Jan. 5th WWE RAW Show

WWE announced one new match for the card of next week’s WWE RAW show on January 5th at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

This new match announced was a singles match of Liv Morgan vs. Lyra Valkyria.

Current card for January 5, 2026 WWE RAW show:

  • WWE World Heavyweight Championship – Bron Breakker vs. CM Punk (c)
  • WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship – Becky Lynch vs. Maxxine Dupri (c)
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship – Rhea Ripley & IYO SKY vs. Kabuki Warriors (Kairi Sane & Asuka) (c)
  • Liv Morgan vs. Lyra Valkyria
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