Matt Hardy has been with AEW since 2020 when he joined at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hardy has been in some notable feuds, one of which saw him team with The Elite against the Inner Circle.

However, Hardy hasn’t been featured as much on AEW television in recent months as he used to. He previously acted as the manager figure for Private Party and Butcher and Blade, but that association ended this year.

Afterward, he teamed with his brother Jeff when the latter signed earlier this year, but that angle has since ended. Fans remember that Jeff was sadly arrested for a DUI and suspended to enter rehab.

It’s still unsure when he will return, but it’s said that he is doing well. In the meantime, Matt is working to get back in the good graces of Private Party.

The pair are being taken advantage of by Rush and Jose, the Assistant as of late. While speaking on Busted Open Radio, Matt spoke about how he handles not being featured on TV as often.

Despite not being used as much, Matt is unbothered as he feels he trusts the system in AEW.

Matt Hardy the Mentor

“I’m okay with it in the big scheme of things. First and foremost, I love working with AEW. I love working with Tony Khan, he is such an easy boss, and he’s very, very generous in many ways. There are ideas I 

have, and we have a huge roster, so TV time is thin for a lot of people, and we kind of cycle in and cycle out, but I’m okay with it,” Hardy said. “I feel I’m in important positions and whenever I’m put in a position, I’m put in a position to succeed, which is something that didn’t happen in my last run in WWE.” (H/T WrestlingInc.com)

It’s good that Matt isn’t taking his lack of use personally, because many have criticize AEW for signing many stars. His current storyline is an interesting one, and it may see Matt and Private Party on TV more.

For the time being, Hardy still acts as a mentor for younger talent, with many praising him for his help.

The post Matt Hardy Opens Up About Not Being Used On AEW Programming appeared first on Wrestling Republic.

All Elite Wrestling have sent Wrestling Republic the following press release in the past few minutes:

The Hardys Make Their AEW Tag Team Debut Tonight on “AEW: Dynamite”

— After reuniting for the first time on national TV in three years, Matt and Jeff Hardy face Private Party on a stacked St. Patrick’s Day Slam —
March 16, 2022 –AEW CEO, GM and Head of Creative Tony Khan announced that the newly reunited Matt and Jeff Hardy will make their AEW tag team debut on tonight’s AEW: Dynamite, live from the Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio. Together again on national TV for the first time in three years, the Hardys are seeking revenge against Private Party’s Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen for their shocking betrayal of Matt last week. The AEW debut of Matt and Jeff Hardy elevates an already stacked “St. Patrick’s Day Slam” edition of the red hot AEW: Dynamite, which was the No. 1 show on cable last Wednesday.

Fans got their first glimpse of the Charismatic Enigma in AEW last week when Jeff Hardy saved his brother Matt from a beatdown at the turncoat hands of Kassidy, Quen and the other members of the AHFO. The Hardys later stepped up to assist Darby Allin and Sting from being outnumbered against the AFO on the March 11 edition of AEW: Rampage. Matt warned his former proteges, “When you come for the Legit Kings, you best not miss.”
“It was incredible to hear the huge pop from the crowd when the Hardys’ music hit, and to see Jeff Hardy reunited with Matt at AEW: Dynamite last week was an amazing moment for fans around the world,” said Tony Khan, CEO, GM and Head of Creative of AEW. “Jeff Hardy transcends time and is associated with some of wrestling’s most iconic moments. Reuniting the Hardys and bringing their encyclopedia of experience to AEW will give fans another exciting chapter in Matt and Jeff’s storied legacy in wrestling. Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen turning on Matt Hardy, a wrestler they grew up idolizing, is a betrayal that cuts deep, and now Isiah and Marq will face the brothers who inspired their careers.

This will be a battle of two of the most innovative tag teams today – Private Party vs. Matt and Jeff Hardy tonight on AEW: Dynamite.”

Tonight’s show also features AEW World Champion Hangman Page, with AEW World Tag Team Champions Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus, teaming to battle Adam Cole and reDRagon (Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly). “The Face of the Revolution” Wardlow challenges new TNT Champion Scorpio Sky, with Dan Lambert in his corner, for the title. The Jericho Appreciation Society, featuring Chris Jericho, 2point0, Daniel Garcia and Jake Hager, will have their official commencement. Plus, Bryan Danielson and Jon Moxley join forces with William Regal at their side once again to take on Best Friends’ Chuck Taylor and Wheeler Yuta. And, nearly one year to the day of their wild Lights Out Match at last year’s St. Patrick’s Day Slam, Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D., and Thunder Rosa meet inside a Steel Cage with the AEW Women’s World Championship on the line.

About AEW

Founded by CEO, GM and Head of Creative Tony Khan in 2019, AEW is headlined by Hangman Page, Dr. Britt Baker, CM Punk, Matt and Jeff Hardy, Bryan Danielson, Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), Adam Cole, Sting, Jon Moxley, Jungle Boy, Luchasaurus, Jade Cargill, Sammy Guevara, Miro, Lucha Bros., PAC, MJF, Darby Allin, Nyla Rose, Red Velvet, Ruby Soho, Hikaru Shida, Thunder Rosa, Malakai Black, Andrade El Idolo, Christian Cage, Eddie Kingston, Scorpio Sky, Ethan Page, Orange Cassidy, Ricky Starks, Powerhouse Hobbs, Lance Archer, Keith Lee and many more.

“AEW: Dynamite” airs every Wednesday from 8-10 p.m. ET on TBS and attracts the youngest wrestling audience on television. The fight-forward show “AEW: Rampage” airs every Friday from 10-11 p.m. ET on TNT. AEW’s multi-platform content also includes “AEW Dark” and “AEW Dark: Elevation,” two weekly professional wrestling YouTube series, “Being the Elite,” a weekly behind-the-scenes YouTube series, and “AEW Unrestricted,” a weekly podcast series. For more info, check out Twitter.com/AEW; Instagram.com/AllEliteWrestling; YouTube.com/AEW; Facebook.com/AllEliteWrestling

Photo Credit – All Elite Wrestling

The post The Hardy’s To Take On Private Party Tonight On AEW Dynamite appeared first on Wrestling Republic.

With many contracts in AEW reported to be nearing their end, company President Tony Khan went on record and said that not every contract would be renewed. However, we can now report as per Fightful that Matt Hardy’s deal has been officially extended to match up with his brothers (Jeff), who also made his AEW debut this past week.

Numerous talents within the company have said that Matt has been very helpful during his tenure. The veteran made the news official on his Twitch stream, saying, “I’ve extended my contract with AEW. I’m going to be there a little bit longer. They matched myself and Jeff up, which is very cool. We can still do outside appearances.”

The brothers have been commanding a lot of interest on the indie scene ever since Jeff’s release from WWE late last year. Matt also stated that his being able to have a cameo account is nice as he does pretty well on the site.

The post Matt Hardy Extends AEW Contract After Jeff Hardy Signing appeared first on Wrestling Republic.

Nese was unhappy with how AEW rolled out the red carpet for Swerve and not him when he debuted. This week on Rampage, Swerve intends on reminding Tony why he deserves all of the Fanfare and show this is Swerves house.

QT Marshall will take on Keith Lee after Keith not accept the assistance of the factory.

Darby Allin will wrestle Marq Quen after being attacked by Private party during the emergency meeting.

Below is the card for AEW Rampage – March 11

• Swerve Strickland vs. Tony Nese
• Jamie Hayter vs. Mercedes Martinez
• Darby Allin vs. Marq Quen
• QT Marshall vs. Keith Lee

The post Swerve Strickland’s AEW In-Ring Debut, More Set For 3/11 AEW Rampage appeared first on Wrestling Republic.

On March 9, 2022, Jeff Hardy officially became a free agent after being released by WWE in December 2021. He seemed to confirm a move to AEW during an interview in February, but commented a few days later saying that “Nothing is official.”

Ahead of Dynamite on March 9, Matt Hardy promised a change following a loss at AEW Revolution where he, Andrade El Idolo, and Isiah Kassidy were defeated by Sting, Darby Allin, and Sammy Guevara.

It was during this emergency meeting of the A.H.F.O that Matt apologized for being an asshole. Matt Hardy was voted out of his own group with Private Party turning on him and attacking him along side Andrade and The Butcher and The Blade. Sting and Darby Allin then came out to help Matt but the numbers games were not in their favor. Jeff Hardy came out to his Hardy Boyz theme and helped clear the ring. After embracing his brother, he and Matt showed a sign of respect to Sting and Darby.

According to Fightful Select AEW was trying to land the classic Hardy Boyz theme song “Loaded”. Fightful also confirmed that Jeff Hardy was backstage at AEW Dynamite.

The post Jeff Hardy debuts and signs with All Elite Wrestling appeared first on Wrestling Republic.

Last Friday during Rampage AEW President Tony Khan announced that a “top wrestler will walk through the forbidden door” on AEW Dynamite when they face Isiah Kassidy in the first qualifier to compete in the Face of the Revolution ladder match.

During tonight’s AEW Dynamite, the mystery person turned out to be Keith Lee. The former NXT Champion did quick work of Isiah Kassidy, earning himself a spot at the face of the revolution ladder match on March 6. Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen tried to attack Lee after the match, but he quickly fought them off.

WWE released Lee on November 4, 2021. Lee won the NXT Championship and NXT North American Championship during his three years with the company. He was called up to Raw following SummerSlam 2020, though he would miss time from February 2021 to June 2021 due to a health scare. In June, he returned to RAW in an open challenge against Bobby Lashly. He rebranded as “Bearcat” Keith Lee in September. His last match in WWE came on the October 25 episode of Raw, defeating Cedric Alexander.

The post “Limitless” Keith Lee is All Elite appeared first on Wrestling Republic.

Last Friday on Rampage, Colten & Austin attacked Jurassic Express after the tag champs defended the titles against Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen). Along with their father, Billy Gunn, they have attacked Christian Cage. The Gunn Club attacked this week’s Dynamite Jungle boy outside the arena.

Here is the updated lineup for next Friday’s AEW Rampage:

AEW Rampage (2/11)

– HOOK vs. Blake Li
– AEW Tag Team Championship: Jurassic Express (Luchasaurus & Jungle Boy) (c) vs. Gunn Club/Ass Boys (Colten & Austin Gunn)

The post AEW Tag Team Title Match and Hook in action Set For 2/11 AEW Rampage appeared first on Wrestling Republic.

First, Isiah Kassidy has answered Sammy Guevara’s TNT Championship Open Challenge, and the two men will battle for the title on Rampage. Matt Hardy initially accepted the offer for a match for the TNT Title. However, Hardy instead offered Isaiah Kassidy as an opponent for Guevara. Private Party lost their AEW Tag Team Title match last week and Kassidy is looking to make it up to Andrade and Matt Hardy, who were not happy with the result.

As previously announced last Friday on Rampage, the FTW Championship will be on the line between Ricky Starks and Jay Lethal.

A grudge match between Thunder Rosa and Mercedes Martinez will happen after weeks of this ongoing feud.

Lastly, Adam Cole will take on Evil Uno this Friday on Rampage. During a Backstage promo Adam Cole explained that after he hurts Evil Uno, the whole world will know what he wants.

The full card for AEW Rampage (2/4)

• FTW Championship: Ricky Starks (c) vs. Jay Lethal
• Thunder Rosa vs. Mercedes Martinez
• TNT Championship: Sammy Guevara (c) vs. Isiah Kassidy
• Adam Cole vs. Evil Uno

The post TNT Title match, Thunder Rosa v Mercedes Martinez & More Announced For AEW Rampage appeared first on Wrestling Republic.

The second title match will see Jade Cargill defend her TBS Championship against Julia Hart. Mark Sterling presented Julia with an offer backstage, making her sign a waiver to protect them if Julia gets killed by Jade during the match.

Jon Moxley will take on Anthony Bowens. The Acclaimed still remembers when Moxley attacked them ahead of their Tag Team match against them and Moxley attacking Caster after one of his matches, and they want revenge.

FTR Vs. Lee Johnson & Brock Anderson will take place on Rampage. The match was supposed to happen on the January 19 episode of dynamite, but it was postponed due to medical protocols.

Below is the card for AEW Rampage (1/28)

• AEW World Tag Team Championship: Jurassic Express (c) vs. Private Party
• Anthony Bowens vs. Jon Moxley
• AEW TBS Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Julia Hart
• Lee Johnson & Brock Anderson vs. FTR

The post AEW Tag Team Titles Defended, TBS Title on the line & More Announced For 1/28 AEW Rampage Championship Friday appeared first on Wrestling Republic.

We saw talents such as Adam Cole, Bryan Danielson, and CM Punk signed to All Elite Wrestling in 2021, and those superstars have managed to be some of the top talents in all of AEW in just months. However, do all of these new signings allow for some of the original AEW superstars to be forgotten?

In the debut year of AEW, we saw tag teams such as Private Party, SCU, Santana and Ortiz, and Jurassic Express take the world by storm on TNT as Wednesday Night Dynamite began. These teams were seen on almost every single Dynamite throughout 2019 and early 2020. Now, we see Private Party barely wrestling on Dynamite, SCU broken up, Santana and Ortiz wrestling on really only AEW Dark and Rampage, and fortunately Jurassic Express still wrestling on all shows. Through the four teams named above, only one of those teams is consistently wrestling on TV. The other three have slowly over time transitioned from wrestling big matches on Dynamite, to wrestling meaningless Dark matches on Youtube. 

Now, we see the point. Why are there so many original AEW superstars who are so talented, barely being used on TV? The answer simply is the amount of signings AEW has made. With Tony Khan consistently bringing in new talent, more and more great talent is just being shoved away from TV and storylines, and towards AEW Dark and meaningless matches. For example, we look at Private Party. In 2019, Private Party exploded with amazing matches with the Lucha Brothers, Young Bucks, SCU, and more. Private Party was a fan favorite through the beginning days of AEW and never failed to put on a good match. Now, they are teamed up with Matt Hardy and have rarely even wrestled on TV. In their last seven matches, they have wrestled on TV only three times, and only two of those times were on Dynamite. The rest were on AEW Dark Elevation. In just the span of three years, Private Party went from a top tag team to jobbers. With every new debut, there is always hype behind it. The awesome “All Elite” graphic, the usual big surprise on Dynamite or on PPV. There is always an awesome pop for a new debut. However, when such talented superstars are being shoved to the ground just so AEW can debut more and more new talents, it makes the product more stale. We see less of our old favorite superstars who made AEW what it is today, and more of the new WWE alumni.

Not only does consistently bringing in new talent bury lots of talented superstars, but some of these new talents that were once hyped up when they debuted, have fallen right off the hill one they stepped foot on AEW turf. Jay Lethal was a former ROH World and World Television Champion. Lethal debuted in AEW in November and immediately got a title shot as his first match against Sammy Guevara. Lethal and Guevara put on a good match and Guevara retained his title. Ever since he main evented an AEW Dynamite two months ago, he has wrestled only five matches in AEW. One of those five matches was on TV and it was a battle royale. The other four matches were during AEW Dark Elevation tapings. Tony Khan signed Jay Lethal, gave him a title shot on the main event of their weekly program, and then immediately cut him out of the picture and took him off TV for more than two months. We saw this exact same trend with superstars like Lio Rush, and Ethan Page. The superstar is hyped up in a debut, gets a big match or two on TV, and then immediately is pushed towards AEW Dark tapings or even completely off the program.

Should AEW slow down on signing new talents and let their current packed roster continue to shine? Or should Tony Khan continue to sign new talents to boost the ratings of their program? That answer is up to you.

The post Honestly AEW Should Focus On The Talent They Have appeared first on Wrestling Republic.