Matt Cardonas shocking WWE return didnt just change his own career path it appears to have forced a major creative shift inside JCW.
Just days after Cardona revealed himself as the masked Mysterious Carnival of Carnage and captured the JCW World Championship on the January 1, 2026 episode of JCW Lunacy, his sudden move back to WWE has created ripple effects across multiple promotions. Cardona has already relinquished the ACW World Championship due to his WWE contract, and now it looks increasingly unlikely that hell continue with JCW either.
On January 4, 2026, JCW head of creative Vince Russo addressed the situation directly on social media, strongly suggesting that Cardonas WWE return has forced last-minute changes behind the scenes. Russo first made it clear that theres no animosity toward Cardona, instead framing the situation as a personal win for him. Russo also acknowledged that Cardonas appearance in JCW was always brief, but meaningful to him personally.
Then came the part that raised eyebrows across the indie wrestling world. Russo openly admitted that Cardonas WWE signing has forced JCW to go back to the drawing board creatively.
Russo framed the situation as bigger than any one performer, invoking advice he once received from Vince McMahon decades ago.
He ended his statement by shifting the focus away from Cardona entirely and toward the rest of the JCW locker room.
Cardonas title win at JCW Lunacy now feels like a lightning strike moment impactful, controversial, and short-lived. With WWE once again in the picture, JCW appears ready to pivot quickly and see who emerges next in the wake of his departure.
Do you think JCW should vacate the title or build a new story around Cardonas sudden exit? And who do you see stepping up now that hes back in WWE? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
