Matt Hardy Calls Vince McMahon “Fearless” For Post-9/11 WWE SmackDown
Matt Hardy spoke about Vince McMahon’s leadership in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
The events of September 11, 2001 changed the course of history. Speaking on the latest episode of The Extreme Life Of Matt Hardy, AEW star Matt Hardy opened up about working in WWE when the tragedy took place, noting that the company was supposed to tape an episode of SmackDown the night of the terrorist attacks.
“I remember we were waiting like, ‘What is going to happen?’ because we have ‘SmackDown’ [in Houston, Texas]. This happened at what 9 [or] 10 o’clock is when the planes hit the buildings, right? Early in the morning. Our call time is noon, 1 o’clock. I know we’re on Central Time in Houston.
“We’re just like, ‘What is going on about the show?’ We were trying to find out, and then there was a company-wide email, and they were texting people, whatever. And they said, ‘We’re not sure what we’re going to do; just everybody stand by. Everybody stand by. We’ll have you an answer by this afternoon.’
“So we don’t know if the show was [going ahead], whatever. And then, obviously, everything shut down, so the show was not a go. And they said, ‘So we’re going to get back with you.’ I remember me and Jeff [Hardy], we just wanted to drive home. I just wanted to get home and be with my dad, be with my family, because we didn’t know. And everybody was like that. Shane [Helms] was like that. Nobody knew what was happening or what was coming … Everybody wanted to go home.”
Continuing, Hardy explained that the WWE roster received a text message saying that their hotel stays in Houston would be extended so the company could present a live edition of SmackDown on September 13th, a decision that came as a surprise to many of the talent involved as large public gatherings were a scary prospect in such an uncertain time. According to Hardy, it was a “long two days” in Houston.
“Vince McMahon Is a Fearless Human Being” – Matt Hardy
Hardy went on to note that Vince McMahon had his mind made up about presenting the live edition of SmackDown despite fears about public gatherings at the time.
“Vince is a fearless human being. He wasn’t afraid of stuff. There were so many people that were just worried, like, ‘If we’re the first big public gathering, does that make us a target?’ I felt like that. It was very strange. I was very concerned and worried during that day, but Vince had his mind made up. He was like, ‘Nobody stops me, nobody stops World Wrestling Entertainment, and we’re going to do the show, dammit.'”
Hardy made it clear that despite his concerns, he wasn’t against the idea of holding a live SmackDown on September 13th, and he also noted that talent were given the option of whether they wanted to wrestle or not.
h/t WrestlingInc