USA Network Star's Tooth Chipped, Nose 'Messed Up' After Brutal Kick

Kit Wilson reveals dental work and lingering facial injuries from match with Matt Cardona on WWE SmackDown

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Kit Wilson, a 31-year-old wrestler on the USA Network, suffered a chipped tooth and damaged nose after receiving a hard kick to the face from his opponent Matt Cardona, 40, during a recent WWE SmackDown match. Wilson said he had to visit the dentist and still had visible marks on his face two weeks later, while Cardona claimed he was "laying it in a little extra hard" to make his moves look good.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the physical toll that professional wrestling can take on performers, even during scripted matches. It also shows the ongoing rivalry between the two wrestlers as they continue to feud on SmackDown following the incident.

The details

During the January 2nd episode of WWE SmackDown, Wilson and Cardona had a match that included a 'Broski Boot' move from Cardona that landed hard on Wilson's face. Wilson said this chipped his tooth and 'messed up' his nose, requiring him to visit the dentist. Wilson jokingly said he sent Cardona the bill for the dental work.

  • The incident occurred during the January 2, 2026 episode of WWE SmackDown.
  • Wilson said he had visible marks on his face for two weeks after the match.

The players

Kit Wilson

A 31-year-old wrestler who performs on the USA Network.

Matt Cardona

A 40-year-old wrestler who previously performed as 'Zack Ryder' and made his full-time return to WWE for this match.

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What they’re saying

“Matt Cardona comes out. Fantastic. I'm very excited. (Matt) messed my nose up. … [It] was this was a mess for two weeks. I had two big boot marks [on my face], which are still faintly there. I've chipped my tooth. I went to the dentist.”

— Kit Wilson, Wrestler (INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet)

“I sent him the bill, though. I emailed him the bill. I found his email and I sent it to him. It was '[email protected]', mocking Cardona former catchphrase when he was the character Zack Ryder.”

— Kit Wilson, Wrestler (INSIGHT with Chris Van Vliet)

“Sorry not sorry.”

— Matt Cardona (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the physical risks and rivalries that can arise in professional wrestling, even in scripted matches. It underscores the need for proper safety protocols and medical care to protect performers from serious injuries.