Matt Cardonas WWE return on the January 2, 2026 episode of SmackDown caused immediate waves across the indie scenebut now we know just how big a deal he was before he walked back through the WWE curtain.
In the January 9, 2026 edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer revealed that Cardona was believed to be the highest-paid full-time independent wrestler before re-signing with WWE. According to one promoter, Cardonas asking price was $5,000 per bookinga rate that put him among the top earners outside of mainstream promotions.
While thats nowhere near the part-time appearance fees of someone like Mercedes Monwhose rate hit $25,000 per shotits a massive figure for someone working the indie grind week-in and week-out. Meltzer noted that Cardona had previously claimed he was making more money than he ever did in WWE during his post-2020 run as The Indy God, adding that WWEs improved pay structure and benefitsincluding injury coverageplayed a major part in luring him back.
This follows Cardonas recent decision to cancel indie dates, including his scheduled match at GCW and Orange Crushs Superpower Slam on February 1. In a recent interview, Cardona made it clear that continuing his indie run was simply impossible given his WWE obligations.
Now back in the big leagues, Cardonas not only rejoining WWE as a hot acthes doing it after becoming one of the most valuable names on the indies.
Was Matt Cardona worth $5,000 per appearance on the independent scene? And do you think his return to WWE will top his post-Zack Ryder run? Share your take in the comments below.
