April 9, 1999
It was 1988. The big event was WrestleMania IV. Growing up in Cameron, North Carolina, two brothers and not-so-huge fans of the wrestling business took a swing at who would win the famous championship tournament. Such legends as Hulk Hogan, Ted DiBiase, Andre the Giant, and the Macho Man Randy Savage all competed for the most coveted title in wrestling, the WWF Championship. The brothers took a guess that the Macho Man would win it all. Needless to say, they chose wisely. Thus, the wrestling business gave birth to another pair of die-hard fans.
Fast-forward to the year 2000. The place: the Double Tree Hotel in Anaheim, California. April 2nd was a long day for both of them, who made the trip out for Mania. Even though the big event was over, the post-WrestleMania party had just begun. One of the brothers made his way through a sea of screaming fans, patiently awaiting an appearance from their favorite WWF superstars.
A young teen questioned him: "I thought you were really hurt after your match."
As more on-lookers gathered 'round, a young Jeff Hardy refused security, allowing the fans to approach him. Even though every footstep to the elevator brought on a wincing pain, Jeff posed for pictures, signed autographs, and casually chatted with anyone who approached him.
Conspicuous by his absence was the other half of the duo. As we go up a few stories and enter his hotel room, we see older brother Matt Hardy on the computer. Posting on their official site at www.mattandjeffhardy.com, Matt reaches out to another group of loyal fans. He provides a report concerning the extent of his and his little brother's injuries while, at the same time, relaxing and nursing those very same injuries.
One might question if "hanging out with your fans at the party" or if "reaching out to your Internet fans" would be the first activities you would be concerned with, provided you were hurt after competing in what is soon to be a strong Match of the Year candidate. However, life moves on in the fast-paced world of wrestling, as we have Raw to be broadcast live tomorrow in L.A. and Smackdown to be taped in San Diego, the following evening.
Fans who have studied the business for years realize, there is virtually no time to heal wounds and nurse injuries while, all the while, taking time out to talk to your loyal fans. Would Matt or Jeff ever give it up to lead a "normal" life once again? Not on your life!!
Just how did such a dream turn reality for the youngsters? Imagination and dedication proved to be the two powerful keys that set their futures free. After receiving a trampoline for Christmas, the brothers began inviting friends over to compete in matches. Other props such as wooden posts, a garden hose for the ropes, and even cardboard championship belts were added to the mix.
Eventually, the Hardy's saved enough money to rent a video camera periodically to film themselves. With the brothers and their friends decked out in such lavish costuming as ski masks and baseball pants, a compilation of approximately 50 videos were made. It wasn't long before Matt and Jeff began wrestling at local county fairs. After meeting a local indy wrestler, the two were invited to perform at an independent show.
However, with the WWF needing jobbers at the time, the eager duo leaped at the opportunity, even if it was for the sole purpose of taking bumps to make the current WWF roster shine. Respectively, Matt and Jeff were 19 and 16 years of age and began competing in a national wrestling organization. In May of 1998, the brothers signed a long-term contract with the World Wrestling Federation. As to be expected though, life wasn't easy for the youngsters. Success often eluded them, as they found themselves continually jobbing to the remaining WWF roster. That, coupled by the fact they wound up being the brunt of endless ribs (practical jokes) from their co-workers. On one occasion, their wrestling gear vanished without a trace, as their match quickly approached. Eventually, their gear was recovered.
Sheer will power and determination were about the only things that Matt and Jeff could hold onto. As they refined their skills... and their attitudes toward their peers, they soon became a welcome addition to the WWF fraternity. It wasn't long after this when Matt and Jeff became a force to reckon with in the tag team ranks.
In June of 1999, the lifelong dream of Matt and Jeff Hardy came to be more than just that. At a taping of Raw Is War, in Matt and Jeff's backyard -- Fayettville, North Carolina -- the brothers seized the WWF Tag Team Championship from the Acolytes. What was even more special was that many friends and family were in attendance for this joyous occasion. Success finally paid off.
Matt and Jeff have since competed in many memorable matches. As part of the Terri Runnels Invitational Tournament, the brothers defeated the team of Edge and Christian in the first ever Tag Team Ladder Match at No Mercy. The performance in this match of the Hardy's along with Edge and Christian earned them the award for Match of the Year in 1999. This match also propelled No Mercy to be named the Pay Per View of the Year.
An epic battle also erupted at the Royal Rumble 2000. Competing in what is named the World's Most Famous Arena, the Hardy Boyz took on the infamous Dudley Boys in a memorable Table Match at Madison Square Garden. Executing his famous Swanton Bomb from a balcony, Jeff Hardy drove Buh Buh Ray and D-Von through two separate tables, securing the victory.
Of course, this year's WrestleMania is history. Did the Hardy's impress the fans with their performance in the first ever Triangle Ladder Match for the Tag Team Championship? Yes. Were they victorious? No. The Hardy's joined the Dudley Boys in putting the team of Edge and Christian over on this night. However, "losers" is hardly the word to describe Matt and Jeff Hardy.
Away from the bright lights and the sizzle of the WWF, Matt and Jeff are true winners when it comes to giving back to the fans. Both superstars frequent endless autograph signings, make personal appearances for the less fortunate, and generally mingle with their fans from coast to coast. Whether in the ring or out of the ring, Matt and Jeff prove to be an awesome force in the wrestling world. However, separating the two, Matt and Jeff are still among the WWF's most-respected and unique individuals.
Matthew Moore Hardy frequents his website during his spare time, occasionally responding to certain posts from many of his adoring fans. Once per month, he will post an eagerly anticipated commentary. Possessing a gift in literature and psychology, Matt dives deep into himself as he converts his feelings into words on such various topics as his life, the inside world of wrestling, and sociological factors. One can only feel inspired by his insightful writings.
Jeffrey Nero Hardy also possesses many gifts of his own. Excelling at creative forms of art, such as poetry and sketching, Jeff serves as an inspiration in his own right. Usually defying death every time he enters the squared circle, the younger Hardy soars like an eagle through the air with the greatest of ease, continuing to dazzle all audiences alike. All this, of course, when he isn't consuming his favorite snack that he's been nicknamed after--Skittles.
Individually, or as a team, Matt and Jeff Hardy are undoubtedly the future of the WWF. Many wrestling experts have already dubbed Jeff Hardy as "the next Shawn Michaels". Where as this may be considered an honor, the potential exists to achieve so much more than what Michaels has accomplished in his abruptly-ended career. At the same time, Matt has been dubbed by many within the company to be "the smartest wrestler on the WWF roster". Where as many insiders are predicting the futures of Matt and Jeff to be cut short due to career-ending injuries, this does not apparently hinder a dream from being playing out. When advised by a WWF merchandise employee to tone down their risk-taking (for their own well-being) Jeff replied, "I love it too much to do that." The excitement of pulling off a dangerous maneuver creates an intense adrenaline rush, causing the duo to thirst for even more. It began as a dream on a trampoline encompassed by a garden hose. The eyes of a young Matt and Jeff Hardy gleamed with excitement, hope, and fortitude. Two brothers from Cameron, North Carolina were determined to unlock their futures.
That was then, and this is now. And yet, ironically enough, so many things of the past remain the same. The ambition to succeed remains the same. The desire to compete still remains. And yet the risks become more death-defying as Father Time ticks on.
Just when is enough going to be enough for Matt and Jeff Hardy? Don't the Hardy's fear what the future may hold for them? No.
After all... Fear is only a four-letter word.