Vince McMahon DEMANDED This Ex-WWE Wrestler Pin The Undertaker
The Undertaker didn't challenge Vince McMahon's booking - this ex-WWE star was surprised.
Matt Hardy told listeners tuning into his new podcast that Vince McMahon was particularly keen to put him over The Undertaker back in 2002.
'Taker argued his corner and said the focus should be on his ongoing feud with Brock Lesnar. Vince said that was all well and good, but that they shouldn't miss out of the chance to put a little shine on Matt either. The boss was high on Hardy's 'Version 1' gimmick at the time.
For reference, Matt worked a 'Falls Count Anywhere' brawl opposite the 'Deadman' on the 3 October '02 episode of SmackDown. That match was taped two nights earlier on 1 October, and it was a huge deal to Hardy personally.
He was particularly pleased to stand and watch McMahon "going to bat for [him]" in front of a legend like 'Taker. That had to feel good. Though Vince agreed that The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar was a focal point, he didn't think it was wise to squash Matt's chances of getting over as a main event heel flat.
Hardy said on the pod that McMahon was very insistent about him winning.