Matt Hardy Reveals Dangerous Incident That Nearly Sparked Legitimate Fight

In a shocking revelation that highlights the sometimes hazardous nature of independent wrestling, TNA star Matt Hardy has shared a harrowing incident from 1997 when an opponent’s dangerous actions nearly triggered a full-scale brawl during a show.

Speaking on his “Extreme Life of Matt Hardy” podcast, the wrestling veteran recounted how a match at a motorcycle rally – held on unpadded clay ground – took a dangerous turn shortly before the Hardy Boyz signed their first WWE contracts.

The incident began when one of their opponents insisted on catching Jeff Hardy during a planned dive, dismissing Matt’s safety concerns with overconfidence.

I remember telling Jeff, ‘Well, we have some pretty big things coming up. Maybe we could do something different. And he [the opponent] said, ‘Look at me. I’m big. Of course, I’ll catch you.’

What followed appears to have been a deliberate act of endangerment, according to Matt Hardy.

He ran and dove out. And this guy completely sidestepped him, and Jeff just smacked [the clay]. I mean, it almost felt purposeful in some ways… He either did it purposely or he was an idiot.

Jeff Hardy’s reaction was immediate and intense.

Jeff went and punted this guy in the ribs the hardest I’ve ever seen him punt anybody. I mean, he lifted him off the ground. Jeff kicked him again twice, because Jeff was hot.

The situation escalated rapidly when their opponent challenged them to a legitimate fight, shouting expletives and threatening the Hardys. The confrontation reached its climax when Jeff delivered a decisive blow.

Jeff dropkicks him in the side of the head, like right in the temple as hard as he could, a thrust kick. And that guy gets knocked out and down.

The Hardys quickly ended the match and left the venue, with future WWE star Shane Helms (Hurricane Helms) standing guard with an improvised weapon to ensure their safety – a testament to the genuine danger they felt in that moment.

What Did Matt Hardy Say About A Possible WWE Return?

Matt Hardy spoke about plans for him and Jeff Hardy to return to WWE in the future. Matt reflected on his and Jeff’s tag matches on NXT in February and March and said that while he believes the chapter is closed on their run in NXT, they have been talking with WWE about a return to the main roster in the near future.

H/t to 411mania.com