Professional wrestler Matt Hardy has expressed his stance on the use of chair shots during recent AEW matches, including the Blood & Guts match. Hardy isn’t completely against it but doesn’t want these shocking moves to become routine in AEW.
In the Blood & Guts match, wrestler Jack Perry received a chair shot to the head, a move that has grown quite uncommon given what is now understood about the risks and effects of concussions.
Speaking on his podcast, “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy”, the wrestler discussed this particular move, saying:
“It’s an intriguing point because the chair shot was a legitimate one, and it is what it is. It might hinge on the image that AEW wants to portray because I know they have been strongly against any unprotected chair shots in the past… and this time, it was approved for some reason. Perhaps it was due to the magnitude of the match or for added drama.”
“If it was a unique circumstance and there was a sufficient rationale behind it, then I’m fine with it. I don’t object. However, I’d prefer for the performers to ensure that they execute these moves in the safest manner possible”.
Matt Hardy has experienced controversy in his own AEW career, with a particular spot with Sammy Guevara in 2020 raising concerns about the overall safety of the wrestling company.
Matt Hardy departed AEW earlier this year and has since returned to TNA Wrestling, where he has reunited with his brother, Jeff.
His discussion of the controversial chair shot and his perspective on safety in wrestling can be listened to in episode #134 of “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy” podcast.