Should ‘Woken’ Matt Hardy Win the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal?

Since his return at WWE WrestleMania last year, Matt Hardy has had an interesting run to say the least.

After winning the Raw Tag Team Championships, Matt Hardy and brother Jeff held on to the belts for 63 days. Soon after, Jeff was sidelined with injury, which left Matt on his own.

In that time, Matt was able to regain control over his “Broken Hardy” persona, which he made famous in TNA, calling himself “Woken” Matt Hardy in WWE. In that time, he has had a rather underwhelming feud with Bray Wyatt, including equally underwhelming matches at both Raw 25 and Elimination Chamber.

The feud then came to an end after the two took place in the Ultimate Deletion. Much like the Final Deletion, the bout took place at the Hardy Compound, and completed with Matt victorious.

But what does that mean for the Woken Warrior now? Now that his feud with Wyatt has inevitably come to an end, it leaves Hardy without an opponent for WrestleMania. But does that mean that Hardy has no place on the WrestleMania card? Absolutely not.

In fact, there is a match already taking place that is a perfect spot for him: the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

Credit: WWE.com

The Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal has been a WrestleMania tradition since its inauguration at WrestleMania 30. Like the Royal Rumble or Money in the Bank, it is supposed to be a stepping stone for a mid-card talent on their way to nearly main event status.

That may have worked for the likes of Baron Corbin and Cesaro. But in the other cases, it didn’t work as much. The other winners included Big Show, who was already a veteran in the company, making his win seem pointless, and Mojo Rawley, who didn’t do anything of value after his win.

So how does WWE make the Battle Royal mean something again? They have to give the winner some sort of purpose. And that is exactly what they could do with Matt Hardy.

Although he was the star during his time in TNA, Hardy’s run has fallen into the mid card during his time in WWE. Him winning the Battle Royal would really elevate his status from there. Not only that, but it gives him a fresh take from what was his feud with Wyatt.

It also allows him to use his “Delete” gimmick to its fullest. Since the Battle Royal is a multi-man match, it allows Hardy to eliminate several different competitors, or “delete” them. After WrestleMania, he can go on and talk about how he “deleted” his opponents, and will “delete” the rest of WWE.

It can also work as a way for Hardy to enter a title picture. At this point, it doesn’t seem likely that Hardy will come anywhere near a world title. It may not be the time quite yet, but if WWE give it time and build his character properly, a world title may be down the road.

But it wouldn’t be out of the question if Hardy were to use this as a way to win the Intercontinental or United States Championship. He may have to jump brands to compete for one or the other, but that doesn’t matter.

Credit: WWE.com

It also gives Hardy his first WrestleMania win with his “Woken” persona. It may not seem important straightaway, but down the road it might. If Hardy were to win the Battle Royal with his “Woken” persona, and people accept it, it really helps his run in WWE.

As of right now, there are still many that are skeptical about Hardy’s new gimmick. And to be fair, it is not for everyone. But there are many who would love to see Hardy go to the moon with this gimmick with how hard he’s worked on it.

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With as much faith as it’s been reported that Vince McMahon has in Hardy with this gimmick, it seems only fair that he were to be given a big win like the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Not only that, but it once again allows the match to do what it’s intended to: build a new star. And if WWE were to do so with “Woken” Matt Hardy, it would be absolutely DELIGHTFUL!!!