9 Lessons AEW Should Learn From Revolution 2021
4. Matt Hardy's Race Is Run
Matt Hardy's AEW run has been tumultuous but his current incarnation seems to be the best fit so far. Hardy portraying a sleazy, wealthy veteran makes a lot of sense, opens up plenty of characters avenues and also means AEW can wind back on the paranormal magic. 'I'm rich and great and rich' is just about as foolproof as heel wrestling gimmicks get.
As fun as the character is, there is absolutely no need for Matt Hardy to be wrestling on AEW pay-per-views anymore, especially not against potential game-changers like Hangman Page. Thankfully for all involved, Page picked up the win (and Matt's Q1 earnings in the process), but the Drunken Cowboy didn't really benefit too much from overcoming Hardy. As great as Matt has been, he simply isn't in the same bracket as Jericho, Sting, Wight and the other legends that AEW has picked up.
Throw in the litany of injuries and potential concussions and it is time for Hardy's in-ring career to wind down. There is plenty of value in him working as a sleazy rich mentor for young heels in the company, and that is really what should have happened here.