On a recent edition of the “Insight” podcast, Matt Hardy discussed his current AEW contract status, what’s crucial for a new deal, the original plans for his AEW debut, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On his thoughts on what’s important to him nearing the end of his AEW contract: “What’s important to me, I think more than anything else right now, it’s just the legacy of Jeff and Matt. Because we do get that we are mentioned in the conversation of the greatest tag team and we want to help younger teams, we want to build teams. But also you have to be put into a position to succeed where you do seem relevant, where you do seem like you’re at the top of your game, you can’t just go out there and get beat every single week. So it’s very important to me that we’re utilised in the right way so that when we do have a programme with someone, and we build to a big match, and when they beat us, then it means something. Because if you just get beat without reason, it doesn’t really mean anything.”
On what he wants to add to his legacy: “I think a legacy could be completed, like a good run as Tag Team Champions somewhere else where we have good quality matches, especially working with guys that we are smartly booked against. Because Jeff right now is in one of the best stages of his life that he’s ever been in throughout the entirety of his wrestling career. He’s just got everything together in his personal life, which is really good. And he’s also a maniac now that he’s in this position. He gets up every morning at 5 am and he does cardio for an hour. This is kind of what he does, and that’s his drill, but he’s also taking really good care of himself and he’s got it together. So I think between him and I kind of going through this midlife transformation and trying to be in the best shape that we can possibly be. I do think there’s legs in us being successful as a tag team, wherever it may be.”
On possibly winding down: “Yes, I do. And I think a couple more [years], just depending on how my body feels. And like the way my body felt over the winter break. And it was so good, it was weird. I was feeling so good and so healthy. Sting had an injury and he wasn’t there, and they ended up doing Jeff vs. Darby and Jeff had some singles matches for a few weeks. And just during that time I was ready, that’s when I started dieting and I was trimming down, I was ready to like get in the ring and started rock and roll, whatever, and it’s just I’ve had time off, but just the way my body felt so good during that time, that makes me feel like I can go for a little bit longer. But I would love to do another two years, especially if I’m capable. Because I feel like I don’t have to do the things the young guys do. As long as I can go out there and be competitive and do my stuff, do the greatest hits of Matt Hardy, and sell for these people or take their stuff and then we’re good.”
On the original plan for his AEW debut: “The original plan was that we were still going to do a double reveal. It was going to be in Rochester, New York, Brodie Lee’s hometown. We were both going to reveal on that day, so that didn’t necessarily change. But it was going to be a deal where I joined the Elite and I was their fifth man, because Nick Jackson was out, and I was going to be in that first Blood and Guts, which ended up getting postponed for a year.”
Matt Hardy, a professional wrestler currently signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), recently discussed his contract status, his goals for his legacy, and the original plans for his AEW debut on the “Insight” podcast. Hardy’s insights shed light on his mindset and aspirations as he navigates his career in the wrestling industry.
One of the key points Hardy emphasized was the importance of his and his brother Jeff’s legacy. The Hardy Boyz are often regarded as one of the greatest tag teams in wrestling history, and Matt wants to continue contributing to the tag team division by helping younger teams and building new talent. However, he also stressed the significance of being utilized in the right way. He believes that in order to maintain their relevance and credibility, they should not be consistently defeated without reason. When they do have a program with another team and eventually lose, it should carry weight and meaning.
In terms of his legacy, Hardy expressed a desire to have a successful run as Tag Team Champions elsewhere. He believes that working with talented wrestlers who are strategically booked against them would allow him and Jeff to have high-quality matches and further solidify their legacy. Hardy also mentioned that Jeff is currently in one of the best stages of his life both personally and professionally, which adds to their potential success as a tag team. Both brothers are committed to being in the best shape possible and going through a midlife transformation to prolong their careers.
When asked about winding down his career, Hardy acknowledged that he does see himself retiring in a couple more years, depending on how his body feels. However, he mentioned that during a recent break, his body felt incredibly good and healthy, which made him believe he could continue wrestling for a little longer. He expressed a desire to have another two years in the ring, as long as he can still be competitive and perform his signature moves. Hardy understands that he doesn’t need to do what the younger wrestlers do, but as long as he can entertain the audience and deliver his best, he is content.
Regarding his AEW debut, Hardy revealed that the original plan was for a double reveal with him and Brodie Lee in Rochester, New York, Lee’s hometown. Hardy was supposed to join The Elite as their fifth member and participate in the first Blood and Guts match, but the plans were postponed due to unforeseen circumstances.
Overall, Matt Hardy’s interview provides insight into his mindset and goals as he navigates his AEW contract and his wrestling career. He prioritizes his and Jeff’s legacy, aims to contribute to the tag team division, and hopes to have a successful run as Tag Team Champions elsewhere. While he acknowledges the possibility of winding down his career in a few years, he remains committed to performing at his best and entertaining the audience.