WWE IS MORE FAMILY— FRIENDLY NOW: HARDY
Nine-time tag team champion of World Wrestling Entertainment gets candid about his career; says in order to stay relevant one must evolve
It has been long since World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) fans across the globe heard The Deletion Anthem, the song which marked the entrance of WWE superstar, Matt Hardy. The then young talent, who along with his reallife brother Jeff Hardy made history during the Attitude Era (in the late ‘90s) by winning multiple tag team championships, recently made a comeback to the wrestling arena. The 44-year-old, who is in India for the first time, spoke about the upcoming WWE tryouts, why he chose wrestling as a career and what helps him stay relevant even in the new-age of wrestling. Excerpts:
What do you think of WWE tryouts and how is it an advantage for aspiring wrestlers? It is a great platform for people who aspire to become WWE superstars someday. The tryouts are scheduled in March 2019 and looking back, when we started out, we never had these opportunities. We would hop into our car and drive eight hours to Philadelphia (USA) or 10 hours to New York (USA) or even further to Central America to get noticed by someone from the industry. When my brother and I started out, it almost took us five years to make it into the ring. And now, platforms like WWE tryouts are discovering new talents not just in India, but all across the world. These new wrestlers get to be on WWE’s radar, which is an opportunity that you don’t want to miss.
You have been part of WWE since you were 19-years-old. What has kept you relevant even now in the industry?
A big part of the secret is changing or evolving. You have to change at some point of time. In the world that we live in now, people’s attention span is so short, especially compared to how it used to be. This is because we are constantly consuming information from different sources like the Internet, social media, etc. There is a constant change. Over a certain time in my career, I thought that I could do some kind of a character that would be more entertaining. Because, the first 10 years or more, Jeff and I were really hard on our bodies. When you look at someone’s career, it should be like a story. The continuity and evolution is extremely important to be relevant.
What has changed in the wrestling industry in these many years?
The major change is that WWE is more family-friendly now (laughs). There is lot more gender equality, globally. There is more respect now, within the industry and outside too. We have more cultures than we ever had before. Apart from this, it is a lot more focused on what happens in the ring. You have to be a lot more athletic inside the ring. If you look back, during the ’80s and the ’90s, the athletics inside the ring weren’t that impressive. However, things have changed for the better now.
What inspired you and your brother to become wrestlers?
It all began as part of a bet we had with each other. When we were teens, we would bet on who would win the WrestleMania 4. I had my bet on Macho Man Randy Savage and he won. That is how we got more interested in this sport. I was inspired by the way Savage spoke, with that baritone and his finishing moves. These people were real unlike one of the comic book characters. Then, there was no looking back.
Since you and your wife, Reby Sky, enjoy Indian food, are you looking to explore anything in particular?
I am still unclear on what are the must-try dishes of any particular place. I have told the Indian members of my crew to get me the best of some chicken and lamb dishes available in the city. Though I don’t enjoy much of the spicy flavours like my wife, I would love to taste what Indian gastronomy has in store for me.
Is there anything you want to tell your fans here?
Indian fans have been loyal and India has been a major hub for WWE since its inception. On a personal note, I just want to say thank you for your constant support, thank you for everything.
When you look at someone’s career, it should be like a story. The continuity and evolution is extremely important to be relevant. MATT HARDY, WWE SUPERSTAR