During his time at All Elite Wrestling (AEW), former AEW wrestler Matt Hardy revealed the reasons for transitioning from his well-known “Broken Matt” character to the “Big Money” persona in a seldom-seen look at the inner workings of the industry. In his podcast “Extreme Life of Matt Hardy,” Hardy openly discussed how the change occurred due to creative disagreements and the changing environment of AEW.
The Birth of ‘Broken’ Matt in AEW
The moment Matt Hardy arrived at AEW was a memorable event in the company’s history. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Hardy displayed his well-known “Broken” persona in the debut episode of “AEW Dynamite”, a character that had enthralled wrestling fans while he was with TNA (now Impact Wrestling). Fans were excited about Matt Hardy’s return to AEW and were satisfied with the introduction of the Stadium Stampede match at Double or Nothing 2020.
The figure known as “Broken” gained popularity for their crazy antics, strange commercials, and unique actions, endearing them to loyal fans but having a brief tenure in AEW. Even though it seemed like the character would be important in Hardy’s AEW career, his abrupt exit from “Broken Matt” was unexpected, causing speculation about his reasons for abandoning a beloved persona.
Tony Khan’s Influence: The Change in Direction
According to Hardy, the decision to move away from the “Broken” character was largely influenced by AEW president Tony Khan. “Broken Matt wasn’t Tony Khan’s cup of tea,” Hardy admitted during his podcast. While the persona had worked magic in other promotions, it didn’t quite resonate with the direction AEW was heading. Hardy elaborated that Khan’s preference leaned more toward a grounded, relatable character, which eventually led to the introduction of “Big Money Matt.”
In Hardy’s own words, “I think ‘Big Money Matt,’ a guy who’s out there bragging about his wealth and status and how much money he’s made in this industry, was what fit better. After we did The Elite Deletion, you saw me cutting promos on TV, boasting about how I destroyed Sammy [Guevara] and that it was the best thing on the pay-per-view.”
This persona marked a drastic shift for Hardy, as he transitioned from the quirky, supernatural figure of “Broken” Matt to a brash, arrogant millionaire. The “Big Money” character was all about flaunting success, using material wealth and status to manipulate and control his opponents in the ring.
The Rivalries: Sammy Guevara and Hangman Page
The transition to “Big Money” Matt wasn’t instantaneous but was part of a gradual storyline shift. The “Broken” character had been tied to Hardy’s feud with Sammy Guevara, which culminated in the cinematic Elite Deletion match at Full Gear. After Hardy’s victory over Guevara, the wheels were already turning for a character shift.
Hardy’s next feud with Hangman Adam Page further solidified this transformation. No longer embracing the mystical elements of “Broken” Matt, Hardy began showcasing his “Big Money” persona, using his financial influence to secure victories and manipulate others in the AEW locker room. This evolution allowed Hardy to explore a new side of his character, one that fit into AEW’s growing roster and expanding storylines.
The Arrival of Jeff Hardy: The Brothers Reunite
As Matt Hardy continued in AEW, the plotlines shifted significantly when his brother, Jeff Hardy, made an entrance. The Hardy Boyz are renowned as a highly accomplished and revered duo in the history of professional wrestling, and their comeback in AEW sparked enthusiasm among wrestling enthusiasts. Fans were excited to witness both brothers thrive in the AEW tag team division and capture the AEW Tag Team Championship after they became part of AEW.
Nevertheless, despite their strong determination, The Hardys were unsuccessful in winning a tag team championship during their time in AEW. The dream of ending their careers as AEW Tag Team Champions remained unfulfilled, and in 2024, the brothers parted ways with the company.
End of the Road in AEW
The end of an era was signified by The Hardys leaving AEW. Their influence on AEW and the professional wrestling scene is undeniable, even though they didn’t win a championship. The shift from “Broken Matt” to “Big Money Matt” was a crucial move in Matt Hardy’s AEW career, influenced by both creative decisions and the need to adjust to the changing company dynamics.
When thinking back on his time with AEW, Hardy mentioned that he had no regrets about making the move. “Wrestling involves change, and at times, strategies that were successful in one location may not be effective in other places.” I have always taken pride in my ability to adjust and provide fans with fresh content.
Looking back on Matt Hardy’s time in AEW, it’s evident that despite “Broken” Matt not making a lasting impact as predicted, the legacy of “Big Money” Matt and the iconic Hardy Boyz will endure and motivate wrestling fans for generations to come.
