10 Wrestlers Who Hated Parodies Of Their Work

6. Jeff Hardy

Kevin Nash Arn
WWE.com

As an A-Z story - a mystery that evolved into high-stakes ultra-violence between two compelling characters practically born to clash - the 2009 CM Punk Vs. Jeff Hardy programme is one of the best things WWE ever did.

Indignant, sanctimonious straight edge heel apoplectic at the love shown towards the addict he perceived as an immoral career f*ck-up: the conflict was in effect the most believable grudge programme in wrestling history, and it was elevated by Hardy's in-ring peak and Punk's newfound confidence. He was playing the role he was born to play, and WWE had finally allowed him to talk in his own voice. The man was intent on proving to WWE that he should never have been handed a script and was on sensational form on the mic.

Together, they worked the best singles TLC match in history - watch it again, it was shockingly violent and committed by the standards of a PG plunder match - and the feud ended when Punk beat Hardy out of town in a Cage match.

It didn't quite end there; Punk dressed up as Hardy the following week to rub it in one more time and referred to him - without receiving permission this time - as the "charismatic enabler".

Hardy resented this and indeed the feud itself; in an infamous diner scene, an addled Hardy berated Punk months later for being a preachy "nerd" who he "made into a star".

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!