Pro wrestling doesn't need a final Hardy Boyz run

Professional wrestling is an industry with a not-so great track record when it comes to seeing top performers walk away. It has become too commonplace to see stars from decades ago barely able to move or living in unfortunate physical conditions. This thought comes as word of Jeff Hardy leaving AEW hit the news space this week. PWInsider reported that Hardy is set to head back to TNA Wrestling, but the bigger question is if wrestling needs another Hardy Boyz run. The answer is a definitive “no.”

Jeff and Matt Hardy are icons in professional wrestling. Since 1995, this pair of brothers has wowed the industry, creating legions of fans along the way. They’ve been champions in nearly every top promotion and performed around the world. There’s nothing else left for them to achieve at this point. And after watching their last run in All Elite Wrestling, it’s OK to say that the industry doesn’t need them on television for another run at this point.

No more Swanton dives. No more Twist of Fates. No more jumping off ladders and crashing into steel steps. The time for all that has passed. Jeff and Matt should be immediate entrants into every Hall of Fame that professional wrestling has to offer. But at 46 and 49 years old, their best days as in-ring performers are well behind them. Both men have talked about the numerous injuries that have plagued them throughout their careers. Plus, there are the personal challenges each one has faced at different moments as well. They’ve given so much to the industry. So much that it is acceptable to say, “That’s enough.”

Matt and Jeff could make contributions behind the scenes. Matt has shown an ability to develop interesting characters and storylines. That is a valuable resource to fill a need for teaching young performers how to present themselves to audiences. Jeff can certainly be a coach figure, helping guide new signees in the same way major sports leagues leverage past players to talk to younger athletes as they come out of college. Matt and Jeff have value to offer professional wrestling, but it shouldn’t be in the ring at this point.

The Hardy Boyz deserve every bit of praise they receive for everything they’ve done in the ring. They helped revolutionize tag team wrestling, and much of wrestling in their own way. As their careers wind down, it is time to see less of them in front of the camera. The wrestling industry does not need another Hardy Boyz run in any promotion.