10 WWE Jobbers Who Became Wrestling GAME-CHANGERS
3. The Hardys
Both Matt and Jeff Hardy worked as singles jobbers in the mid-1990s before coming together as…tag-team jobbers after that. They conjured up images of The Rockers during an era when that definitely wasn't cool. Tag acts like the New Age Outlaws were cutting edge, whereas Shawn and Marty's party boy antics were considered old hat. Being compared to them presentation wise was not favourable.
By 1999, The Hardys were sowing seeds to become one of the most impactful teams of their generation. Their high-risk style provided a template others still follow today. Seriously, it's like pro wrestling training schools just said: 'Watch Jeff dive off ladders and Matt bump through tables', then called it a class, gave everyone certificates and off they went.
It's easy to see Jeff's style in modern warriors like WWE's Je'Von Evans today. He was only born in 2004, so missed the rise of The Hardys, but he might've watched footage of Jeff and Matt latterly and been motivated to get bouncy. He is, after all, one of pro wrestling's bounciest bouncy boys.
Alongside The Dudleyz and other tag acts like Edge and Christian, The Hardys changed expectations for the tag game in bigger companies. Their TLC bouts became stuff of legend overnight, and it was Matt and Jeff's willingness to put their bodies through hell (these siblings had even less fear than Penta!) that contributed hugely to reshaping what was demanded of doubles action.
From holding open doors at King Of The Ring to becoming one of the most over acts in the biz. What a trip.