Tyrus is still the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion, and he might have a new challenger lurking on the horizon.
At NWA Nuff Said on February 11, Tyrus defended the title against former champion Matt Cardona. The stipulation of the match dictated that no seconds were allowed at ringside, as the two stars would battle it out to determine the undisputed champion. Cardona was previously forced to relinquish the title due to an injury, and he wasn’t pinned when he challenged for the gold in a three-way match with Tyrus and Trevor Murdoch at NWA Hard Times in November.
Plus, Cardona’s foe Bully Ray, who has feuded with the former champion as recently as December, was on commentary for the match. Ray’s presence ultimately factored heavily into the outcome. Tyrus accidentally took out the referee with a Heart Punch, and Rolando Freeman attacked him, but the powerhouse persevered. Tyrus then inadvertently took out the referee with a splash in the corner, and Mike Knox ran to the ring to help Cardona gain the upper hand. Knox went for the ring bell, but Ray stopped him.
Ray then argued with Cardona, and Tyrus capitalized by locking the challenger in the Tongan Death Grip and slamming him for the win.
Tyrus is still the NWA Worlds Champion. ? #NWANuffSaid pic.twitter.com/8T4ofN73k0
— ?????? (@WrestlingCovers) February 12, 2023
After the bell, Ray praised Tyrus and stated that he deserved the title. He noted that some people love Tyrus, and others hate him, but everyone has to respect him. Tyrus responded by saying that the words meant a lot, and because Ray helped him, he’d give him a match any time he wants.
Here’s how the match broke down, courtesy of our play-by-play coverage:
Cardona fires back and hits the Reboot three times. He goes to the outside and gets the title. Cardona pushes the referee, and the official grabs the gelt. Tyrus goes for the Heart Punch, and Cardona moves, so Tyrus hits the referee. Tyrus hits an elbow drop and pins Cardona, but the official is down. Rolando Freeman runs down and hits Tyrus with a chair. Tyrus no-sells it and throws Rolando across the ring. Cardona hits Tyrus with a chair and blasts him with the title for a two count. Tyrus goes for a splash in the corner, but Cardona dodges it, so Tyrus takes out the referee again. Mike Knox runs down and attacks Tyrus.
Knox grabs the ring bell, but Bully Ray stops him. Cardona yells at Ray, and Tyrus capitalizes by putting Cardona in the Tongan Death Grip. He slams Cardona and pins him for the win.
Winner and still NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion: Tyrus
Bully Ray grabs the title and asks for a microphone. He says he respects Tyrus and gives him the title. Ray references Tyrus’ days as Brodus Clay and says now he’s one of the most credible world champions out there. He says Tyrus deserves the title, and he has won the people over. Ray says you have to respect Tyrus for what he’s done. Tyrus says the words meant a lot. He brings up his work on FOX TV and says he’ll face Ray anytime he wants.
RELATED: NWA Nuff Said Results (2/11/23): Tyrus vs. Matt Cardona
