In the world of professional wrestling, on-screen marriages almost universally end in disasters. But the coalition of Indy Hartwell and Dexter Loomis (called “Index” by fans) stands as a rare success story that will continue to resonate with the wrestling audience a few years later. Recent Interviews with Chris Van Vliet On InsightHartwell shared insights into unlikely pairings and their lasting impact.
When asked about the state of her current relationship with the quiet and enigmatic Rumi, Hartwell playfully kept Cayfabe alive:
“It’s complicated. When you’re looking at you… I’m not wearing the ring. Everyone asks me. Like all these signatures I’ve done recently, they’re like, ‘Are you still with Dexter?” I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s complicated.’ ”
Breaking the tradition of wrestling
What is particularly noteworthy about the “Index” storyline is its defiance of wrestling tradition.
“It was good that almost every wedding marriage in wrestling ended up with a bunch of people who are behaving each other, or they somehow end up fighting each other, fighting mixed tags, etc. I think everyone thought it was wrong. Yes.
From jokes to storylines
The unlikely pairing began as an improvisational moment that was originally not planned as a long-term storyline.
“I think it was just…it was supposed to be a one-off. I think I started with Johnny. [Gargano] We were playing against Dexter and they had me ringside so there was this moment when we looked at each other and thought I’d back up and hit the ring post. So we did it and it got a really good response. So every week, creative was something with me and Dexter.
Connect with fans
The spontaneous origins make the storyline even more remarkable. Hartwell expressed surprise at how strongly it connects with the fans. Especially considering what happened during the pandemic era when live crowds are limited.
“I love it just as 98% of people develop an index when they sign something like that.
Perfect character dynamic
The contrast between Hartwell’s expressive character and Loomis’s quiet, stoic persona created dynamics that fans couldn’t get enough of.
“He’s a very small number of words guy. He tells me a lot, so I tell people he’s not silent. It was like when the storyline first started, as I saw this clip on Twitter yesterday. And he’s not saying anything.
Despite both performers currently in different companies, the index’s storyline remains the highlight of both careers. It demonstrates the power of unexpected wrestling pairing when executed with commitment and creativity, allowing both performers to showcase different dimensions of the character.
