Matt Hardy highlighted the importance of character development over just delivering high-intensity matches and shared a clear vision for the future of TNA Wrestling on AMC’s show, Matt Hardy’s Extreme Life. The renowned tag team champion criticized the wrestling industry’s fixation on “five-star matches,” arguing that TNA needs to shift its focus to stand out in a crowded market.
Hardy stated that for TNA to thrive, it must differentiate itself from competitors such as AEW by emphasizing storytelling rather than striving for constant high-rated matches. He believes that the current emphasis on the “five-star” wrestling style is overdone and that the promotion should target an audience drawn in by compelling character narratives.
“I want them to focus more on the story than on the five-star matches, because that’s just too much. I mean, all of those things are possible in AEW,” Hardy shared. “But the type of audience we’re looking for is people who are drawn into the storytelling of the characters. That’s what I want to focus on. I’ll say it loud and clear.”
He also asserted that trying to deliver a “game of the year” match every night is unrealistic and ultimately diminishes the product’s value. Instead of mimicking other wrestling promotions’ in-ring styles, Hardy believes TNA must carve out its own unique identity.
“There will be some great wrestling, but we’re not going to become obsessed with it,” Hardy explained. “The heart of wrestling is what matters most. Look at AEW — that’s their focus, and they have a distinct style. But that’s not the path we want to take. We need to find our own identity and head in a different direction.”
Hardy further emphasized that memorable “moments” in wrestling hold more appeal for casual viewers than constantly showcasing technically perfect matches. He warned that trying to pack every show with top-tier bouts could ultimately undermine the long-term impact.
“You can’t have the game of the year in every match every night. That doesn’t work. It’s unsustainable and it will ruin what you’re trying to make special,” Hardy noted. “If you do a ‘game of the year’ every time, it won’t feel special anymore.”
Fan Take: Matt Hardy’s push for a stronger focus on storytelling and character development could be a game-changer for TNA Wrestling, giving fans a fresh alternative to the high-octane style dominating the wrestling scene. This approach not only promises to reignite emotional investment but also helps TNA establish a distinctive identity in a competitive market.
