Why should we believe Matt Hardy is better than he was a year ago?
I’ve got a lot of momentum on my side now. The reunion of The Hardys has been great for both me and Jeff. It’s always something we can return to, if need be, but I think it’s also strengthened us as singles competitors. It’s a matter of knowing that there’s someone out there who will always have your back.
Yeah, but aren’t you jealous that Jeff has already worn gold since coming back?
Once and for all, there is no jealousy on my end. And I am 100 percent sure there’s none on his end, either. Jeff has grown up a lot since his time off, and he’s so appreciative of being back. He appreciates my viewpoints and what I’ve accomplished on my own. I appreciate his opinions and the differences between us. Because of that, When we function together we’re a well-oiled machine.
In the past, people questioned Jeff’s respect for the business. Do you respect wrestling more than him?
I don’t think he has less respect for the business, but I’d argue that I’m more of a historian. I’m into traditions of the business. Jeff loves the business, that’s for sure. But it’s not his entire life. With me, it is.
What’s the best advice he’s ever given his older brother?
He told me to build my house where we grew up. I was determined to move away and set up camp elsewhere, but Jeff convinced me that being close to our father, and where we grew up, was important. And I’m glad I listened.
Jeff’s back, but Lita’s gone. How’s life without her backstage?
It’s a lot less stressful. People didn’t see what went on behind the cameras. It was just a roller-coaster all the time. There were so many feelings involved, and there still are. I’m definitely glad she’s not around anymore–out of sight, out of mind.
Your return wasn’t exactly as triumphant as most people would have hoped. Would you agree?
I knew I’d be fighting an uphill battle, and there are defiantly some things I would have done differently. But the cage match I had with Edge–I still hold that match in the highest regard, and I think that overshadowed many of the things I wasn’t such a fan of. The bottom line is, I wanted to be back in WWE, and that’s what happened.
When can we expect Matt Hardy to take the next step?
I don’t expect things to happen overnight. What makes me Matt Hardy is the fact that I’m willing to work hard to pursue my goals. A lot of people come in and, within a year, are right where they need to be. I happen to be a slow learner. But, once I learn something and process it, I’m good at it, and I only become better as time goes on.
As a veteran of several ‘Manias, tell us what makes them so special.
I used to watch WrestleMania when I was a kid and dreamed about competing in it. And here I am. How many people can legitimately say, “I lived my dream?” Not many. That’s why it’s so special to me.
Which celebrity ‘Mania appearance was tops in your book?
Mike Tyson’s Mike was a real fan of wrestling, and the fact that he actually got involved with the match was cool.
And your personal favorite ‘Mania appearance?
WrestleMania X-Seven is the one that stands out in my mind. Jeff and I had ladder matches before, but there was just something special about that particular one.
Bottom line–which version of Matt Hardy are we talking to now?
I’m not sure, but it’s definitely an evolved version. That’s the thing with me; I’m constantly evolving. As I grow, I start to better understand how things work. I try not to make the same mistakes twice. Of course I want to the the best that I’m capable of, but I think I’m passed the pressure point. I’m confident is my abilities, and I’ll make the most of whatever scenario I’m faced with.
