Matt Hardy vs The Elite
The veteran icon clashed with The Elite during AEW's chaotic early years.
Matt Hardy vs The Elite represents the complex dynamic between AEW's veteran founding talent and its homegrown powerhouse faction during the promotion's formative years. While not a singular prolonged war like other rivalries, their interactions defined the early hierarchy of All Elite Wrestling. Matt Hardy served as an established icon bringing credibility from WWE and TNA, while The Elite (Kenny Omega, Cody Rhodes, and The Young Bucks, later joined by Adam Page) represented a new wave of international stardom that had already been established in AEW.
- Primary Figures
- Matt Hardy vs Kenny Omega / The Young Bucks
- Affiliation
- All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
- Era
- Founding Years (2020-2021)
- Key Event
- Double or Nothing 2020 Hardy's Debut & Subsequent Feud
- Status
- Historical Narrative
Lore & Background
When Dynamite launched in 2019, The Elite were already established as AEW's cornerstone—Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks had not been in NJPW for years, and Kenny Omega had left NJPW in early 2019. The Elite as a group was formed in AEW, not imported directly from NJPW. Matt Hardy did not debut until Double or Nothing 2020, entering AEW as an established icon bringing credibility from WWE and TNA. Tension arose not just from competition for titles, but from ideological differences regarding what AEW should represent. Hardy often challenged their dominance through direct confrontation or by aligning with other factions to check their power.
In Their Own Story
The arena lights hummed low as Matt Hardy stepped into the ring, his eyes fixed on Kenny Omega. The crowd roared, sensing the weight of two eras colliding. No bell was needed; the tension in the air was enough. Hardy adjusted his glove, a silent challenge to the man who claimed to be the best in the world. Behind him, the Elite watched from the ramp, their presence a reminder that this wasn't just about one match—it was about who owned the future of wrestling.
Reader's Guide
The narrative chemistry between Matt Hardy and The Elite drove early AEW programming by establishing legitimacy through conflict. By pitting a veteran icon against the faction's superstars, the company validated its new titles and hierarchy. This friction forced writers to balance nostalgia with innovation. Hardy represented the past and present of American wrestling, while Omega and The Bucks brought a global, high-flying style. Their clashes highlighted the diverse talent pool available in AEW compared to competitors. Ultimately, their relationship evolved from rivalry to uneasy alliance, showing how early tensions could be resolved through shared goals against external threats like Jericho's O.C. This progression helped stabilize the brand during its volatile launch phase.
Did You Know?
- Matt Hardy's AEW debut occurred at Double or Nothing 2020, not on the first episode of Dynamite.
- Hardy challenged for the TNT Championship in 2020, after the title was introduced, but never faced Cody Rhodes for it while Rhodes was aligned with The Elite.
- Contrary to some claims, Matt Hardy and Kenny Omega did not have a significant prior rivalry in NJPW; they never wrestled each other there before joining AEW.
- Matt Hardy and The Elite never teamed together in the Blood and Guts match, which is a single match format, not a tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the key figures in the Matt Hardy vs The Elite storyline?
This narrative centers on veteran icon Matt Hardy clashing with AEW's founding faction, The Elite, which included Kenny Omega, Cody Rhodes, and The Young Bucks. Their interactions defined the power structure during the promotion's chaotic early years between 2020 and 2021.
What roles did Matt Hardy and The Elite play in this feud?
Matt Hardy served as an established legend bringing outside credibility from WWE and TNA, while The Elite represented a new wave of international stardom already entrenched within AEW. Their conflict highlighted the tension between the promotion's veteran founders and its homegrown powerhouse group.
How did the Matt Hardy vs The Elite story begin?
The rivalry ignited following Matt Hardy's high-profile debut at Double or Nothing 2020, where he immediately challenged the established hierarchy of The Elite. This event marked a pivotal moment as Hardy sought to assert his authority against the faction that had dominated early AEW programming.
Why is this feud considered important in AEW history?
This storyline was crucial for establishing the early pecking order and narrative stakes during All Elite Wrestling's formative period. It showcased the collision of different wrestling philosophies and helped solidify the identities of both Hardy as a veteran force and The Elite as the promotion's primary attraction.
How did the conflict between Matt Hardy and The Elite conclude?
Rather than ending in a singular, prolonged war, their story evolved into a complex dynamic that shifted as AEW expanded its roster and focus. The initial tension eventually faded into history as both parties moved on to new rivalries, leaving behind a foundational chapter for the company.
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