During a recent appearance on the “Busted Open Radio” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley commented on his classic TLC feud involving The Hardys and Edge & Christian in WWE.
When asked if the company could pull something like that off again, D-Von said he believes they could if they were a lot smarter.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On how they’d be a lot smarter about putting TLC together today: “I think we could. We’d be a lot smarter with some of the things that we would do now today as opposed to back then, we were young, didn’t give a damn, we threw our bodies around and that’s just the way it was. But now, we would be more cautious on how we would do things, certain risks we probably wouldn’t take, but we would make up for that with whatever we’d decide to do to make up for it.”
On hanging from the belts during the DLC match and being afraid of heights: “I have a hold on that ring so tight that I wouldn’t care, you could have shot me in the chest and I wasn’t letting go, but Jeff was going to test that theory to see if it was true. He was kicking for dear life, and I always said like, ‘What the hell, did I do something to you?’”
D-Von Dudley Reflects on Classic TLC Feud and the Possibility of Recreating It
D-Von Dudley, a WWE Hall of Famer and one-half of the legendary tag team The Dudley Boyz, recently appeared on the “Busted Open Radio” podcast to discuss his iconic Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) feud involving The Hardys and Edge & Christian in WWE. During the interview, D-Von shared his thoughts on whether the company could pull off a similar spectacle in today’s wrestling landscape.
When asked about the feasibility of recreating the TLC matches, D-Von expressed his belief that it could be done if approached with more intelligence. He acknowledged that during their initial TLC matches, they were young and reckless, willing to sacrifice their bodies for the sake of entertainment. However, he emphasized that with their experience and maturity, they would now approach such matches with caution and make smarter decisions.
D-Von highlighted the importance of balancing risk-taking with safety measures. While they may not take certain risks they did in the past, he assured fans that they would find creative ways to compensate for it. This demonstrates a shift in mindset towards prioritizing the long-term well-being of the performers while still delivering thrilling and memorable moments.
One memorable moment from the TLC matches was when D-Von and his partner, Bubba Ray Dudley, hung from the belts suspended above the ring. D-Von admitted that despite his fear of heights, he held onto the ring tightly, unwilling to let go. However, Jeff Hardy, one of their opponents, tested D-Von’s resolve by kicking him, causing him to question if he had done something to deserve such treatment.
The TLC matches featuring The Dudley Boyz, The Hardys, and Edge & Christian are considered some of the most groundbreaking and innovative matches in WWE history. These matches combined high-flying maneuvers, daring stunts, and the use of various weapons, such as tables, ladders, and chairs. They captivated audiences with their intensity and showcased the incredible athleticism and resilience of the wrestlers involved.
The TLC concept revolutionized the tag team division and paved the way for future generations of wrestlers to push the boundaries of what is possible inside the squared circle. It not only elevated the careers of The Dudley Boyz, The Hardys, and Edge & Christian but also solidified their places in wrestling history.
While it may be challenging to replicate the magic of those original TLC matches, D-Von Dudley’s comments offer hope that a modern-day version could still be successful. With advancements in safety protocols and a greater emphasis on wrestler well-being, WWE has the potential to create thrilling and memorable TLC matches while ensuring the performers’ long-term health.
As fans eagerly await the possibility of witnessing another epic TLC encounter, they can take solace in knowing that D-Von Dudley and his peers are committed to delivering an unforgettable experience while prioritizing the safety and longevity of the wrestlers involved.