12 Bizarre WWE Brand Split Gimmick Changes

9. Matt Hardy

Matt Hardy Version 1

Shortly before the initial brand split, Matt Hardy turned against his brother because he was jealous of his success. This was over a decade before their battle involved a dilapidated boat and fireworks.

Matt was then sent off to SmackDown, where he continued his villainous ways. He was no longer just Matt Hardy, though, he was now Matt Hardy Version 1.0.

Matt adapted an entirely new lifestyle. He graced us with Matt Facts, which were facts about himself that would pop up on the screen. “Matt has seen all the Friday the 13ths.” “Matt likes English muffins.” Tell us more! He also became a bit of a lifestyle guru, and picked up some devoted followers. Shannon Moore and Crash Holly became his closest “MF’rs”.

It was a great heel act that showed Matt could be a singles star. He may not have had his brother’s charisma, but for awhile, he was easily the best character of the two.

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As Rust Cohle from True Detective said "Life's barely long enough to get good at one thing. So be careful what you're good at." Sadly, I can't solve a murder like Rust...or change a tire, or even tie a tie. But I do know all the lyrics to Hulk Hogan's "Real American" theme song and can easily name every Natural Born Thriller from the dying days of WCW. I was once ranked 21st in the United States in Tetris...on the Playstation 3 version...for about a week. Follow along @AndrewSoucek and check out my podcast at wrestlingwithfriends.com