WWE Stock Review: Matt Cardona Faces an Uphill Battle in WWE
In the world of professional wrestling, where rivalries and storylines shift rapidly, one might think of power rankings. However, here at Cageside, we prefer to take a different approach with our stock report.
In this weekly analysis, we spotlight three Superstars (or groups of Superstars) who are experiencing a rise in their careers, alongside three who are unfortunately on the decline. This week has seen significant developments, including Finn Balor making a bold challenge against World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk, GUNTHER triumphing over AJ Styles in Raw's main event, and Jordynne Grace proudly displaying the WWE Women’s Championship on SmackDown. These events have certainly altered the landscape for many wrestlers.
Now, let’s dive into who has seen their stock drop the most this week:
Stock Down #3: Kiana James & Giulia
Currently, WWE is facing challenges in crafting engaging storylines for its women’s singles champions on SmackDown. In light of this, Kiana James and United States Champion Giulia suffered a loss in a tag team match against Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair during last night’s broadcast. Despite this defeat, inexplicably, both James and Giulia are slated to compete in a three-way tag team number one contender’s match next week. It appears that WWE may be pushing Giulia towards the women’s tag team titles since they seem to lack a creative direction for her current championship.
Stock Down #2: Matt Cardona
During last night’s SmackDown, fan-favorite Cardona was decisively defeated by the heel Trick Williams in a qualifying match for the Fatal 4-Way WWE Championship number one contender bout set for Saturday Night Main Event. Following the match, Cardona was attacked by jobber Kit Wilson, marking a rather disheartening end to his appearance.
As Cardona makes his return to WWE, fans are eager to understand how he will be featured on SmackDown. Unfortunately, this post-match scenario feels reminiscent of the treatment received by lower-card wrestler Zack Ryder, although it's worth noting that it lacked the dramatic flair of a wheelchair moment.
Stock Down #1: Kabuki Warriors
The Kabuki Warriors faced a disappointing follow-up after losing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship last week, suffering yet another defeat in a tag match on Raw, with Kairi Sane taking the loss in a three-way number one contender’s clash. Furthermore, WWE has announced an upcoming three-way number one contender’s tag match on January 23 that does not involve the Kabuki Warriors, meaning they will have to wait a bit longer before challenging for the titles again. Perhaps it might be wise for Asuka and Kairi to shift their focus away from the belts and instead prepare for the imminent women’s Royal Rumble match, which currently has all 30 spots available for declaration.
Now, let's take a look at the Superstars whose stock has risen this week:
Stock Up #3: Bron Breakker
Some fans were left questioning Bron Breakker’s standing within WWE after he lost a highly promoted match against World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk at the beginning of 2026. However, just one spectacular spear on Dragon Lee this week, paired with a fervent shout of "I’ll kill you!" directed at Adam Pearce, succeeded in capturing the audience's attention and reaffirming his status. While it’s true that Breakker is currently under indefinite suspension, this hasn’t hindered him, as he has already participated in a house show since the announcement. He remains a strong contender for victory in the Royal Rumble match.
Stock Up #2: Carmelo Hayes & Leon Slater
Admittedly, it’s somewhat of a cheat to include Leon Slater, the TNA X-Division Champion, in this section as he isn’t a WWE wrestler. Nevertheless, the praise he received from the commentary team during his challenge against Carmelo Hayes for the United States Championship on SmackDown made it clear that WWE is keenly interested in signing this incredibly talented 21-year-old once he becomes available.
Carmelo Hayes also gained momentum from this title match, further solidifying his role as a beloved babyface champion on SmackDown, marking the most significant push he’s experienced on the main roster thus far.
Stock Up #1: Trick Williams
WWE has successfully crafted an impressive presentation for Trick Williams since his recent promotion to the main roster, eliciting enthusiastic reactions from live audiences who view him as a potential future star. Williams exudes the charisma and demeanor of a main event competitor, making his pursuit of the WWE Championship a logical next step. His interactions with other upper-card talents like Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, and Damian Priest have greatly enhanced his credibility. Notably, he even overpowered Zayn to stand tall at the conclusion of last night’s SmackDown, all while having already qualified for a number one contender match for the WWE Championship. Trick has undeniably made a significant impact so far, and WWE seems intent on pushing his character hard.
So there you have it, Cagesiders! Which Superstars do you believe experienced the most significant changes in their stock this week? Let us know your thoughts!
