Matt Hardy and Dax Harwood differences in wrestling philosophies came to a head on social media.
On his podcast, Matt Hardy talked about what he thinks TNA’s focus should be.
“I want us to focus on story more than f——g five-star matches because that’s f—–g way too overdone now. I, AEW, they can have all those but the type of audience we’re looking for are people that are getting compelled by the storytelling in the characters. That is something I want to focus on. I’ll say that blatantly right out front,” he said.
That comment seemed to spark a reaction from AEW’s Dax Hardwood who is no stranger to controversy on X.
“I think, in wrestling, the older you get, the more you complain about ‘5 star matches’. I also think, the older you get, the more you (secretly) wish you had 5 star matches. Whatever a 5 star match even is,” he wrote.
He also defended Dave Meltzer’s highly controversial takes.
“I think calling Dave a moron is insane. He’s probably wrestling’s most accurate historian. While I may not agree with some of his star ratings, that doesn’t mean he’s wrong. That means he has a different opinion than I do; which is absolutely ok! To me, BrainBusters vs Hart Foundation SS 89 is a 5 star tag match. To Dave, it’s a 2. Who’s wrong? Who’s right? Who gives a f–k? As long as we all enjoy wrestling,” he said.
Matt Hardy responded to Harwood’s comments by writing: “I think, on wrestling twitter, if you’re gonna decide to moan about someone’s take, you should @ them, @DaxFTR. I also think, the older I get, I give less than a f–k about what someone on the internet thinks a 5 star match is. What I care about what our matches are drawing at the box office & how they make people feel. I enjoy FTR’s work ethic & talent. I also think @AEW emphases “matches” more than “story/character/emotional investment” & it makes it challenging to grow your audience from a niche core – Which is MY opinion. I want AEW to succeed, it’s good for the industry. I love & enjoy great matches that get me emotionally invested. I don’t (secretly) wish I ‘had 5 stars matches.’ Whatever a 5 star match even is. Who’s wrong? Who’s right? Who gives a f–k? As long as we all enjoy wrestling! (Your words in this same thread),” he wrote.
A confused Hardwood responded: “Matt, I have no idea what you’re talking about, why you think this is about you, or why you’re so upset with me. I’ve only EVER had good things to say about you & your brother and what you’ve meant to tag team wrestling. I thought, until today, we always had a great relationship.”
That is where the debate ended.
