After issuing an open challenge for his GCW World title at the Art of War Games yesterday, Matt Cardona met his match in the form of Jon Moxley.

Cardona first quickly beat Frank The Clown, the ever-present boyfriend of Mick Foley’s daughter Noelle. But that was not the end for Cardona as several druids came out to the ring. One by one, they left the ring but one remained, revealing himself to be the former AEW World champion Jon Moxley.

Moxley hit his finisher twice – one on several light tubes – and pinned Cardona to take the GCW World title much to the enjoyment of the fans.

Moxley’s first opponent, Nick Gage, quickly came out. Gage informed Moxley that the two would be facing each other in a death match on October 9 live from Atlantic City, New Jersey. The two have a long history together dating back to the CZW days and over the past months both hit their finishers on each other in surprise attacks during GCW shows.

Cardona was not the most loved GCW champion and was thrashed by fans when he won it from Gage in July. To continue angering fans, Cardona changed the design of the title and made it a spinner belt, calling himself the GCW Universal champ.

Absolute madness. Never would’ve expected Jon Moxley to show up let alone win the GCW title. pic.twitter.com/ws374TyhMR

— HijoDeSuchi (@WWMLucha) September 5, 2021