WWE legend Matt Hardy debuted in AEW as the fifth man on “Team Elite” during next week’s Blood and Guts double-cage match. Hardy will join Matt Jackson, Cody, Hangman Adam Page and Kenny Omega to take on the Chris Jericho-led Inner Circle in a War Games-style clash.
Hardy became a free agent as of March 1, 2020, and the wrestling world has been waiting with bated breath to see where he pops up next.
One of the biggest stars of the Attitude Era and, more importantly, one of the most creative minds in wrestling today, Matt Hardy understood the value of making a connection with his audience via social media before just about anybody.
Hardy has once again used the platform to presumably hatch a public exit from WWE. Given his pro wrestling carny DNA, nobody could ever be 100 percent sure as to what Hardy’s next move was going to be. Still, he deftly played off rumors of his impending exit to strongly suggest that not only will he be AEW bound, but he could also be the Exalted One as part of the ongoing Dark Order story-line.
Turns out that role went to Brodie Lee (f.k.a. Luke Harper) and Matt Hardy’s surprise appearance was saved for the main event.
To close out tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite, the Inner Circle defeated The Elite, gaining entry advantage for their upcoming Blood & Guts match during the Blood and Guts special episode of AEW Dynamite. However, after the match, Matt Hardy made his debut to All Elite Wrestling, shocking the superstars in the ring.
Following the match, Vanguard 1 – Matt Hardy’s drone – made its out way to the ring and landed in the middle of the mat. From there, Matt Jackson took to the microphone to announce that none other than Matt Hardy would be joining the Elite inside Blood and Guts. From above the ring, Hardy looked down on the superstars with his typical crazed look.