On the latest episode of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, Matt Hardy provided a comprehensive look at the modern tag team landscape. Hardy discussed his recent experiences in TNA, offered a blunt assessment of WWE’s current tag team division, and highlighted the specific attributes that make tag team wrestling a vital part of the industry.
Critique of WWE’s Tag Team Division
Hardy offered a candid perspective on how tag team wrestling is currently handled within WWE, suggesting the division suffers from a lack of consistent momentum.
“It feels like right now with WWE tag teams, it’s like one step forward, two steps back. These tag teams are either wrestling in circles, or they’re not getting TV time, they’re not getting pay-per-view time. There’s been like two tag team championship matches on pay-per-view in the last year. I think that’s just such a shame.”
Hardy noted that while teams like FraXion are high-caliber performers, they often receive the “short end of the stick” in terms of booking. He also observed the repetitive nature of current feuds, such as the ongoing conflict between the Wyatt Sicks and Solo Sikoa’s crew. “It’s just cyclical, and I’m just waiting to see something new out of this tag division,” Hardy remarked, pointing to the loss of Ciampa (one half of DIY) to AEW and the fact that the Lucha Brothers (Penta and Fenix) have yet to work as a team as factors thinning the ranks.
Favorite Modern Opponents in TNA
Reflecting on his return to TNA from 2024 through early 2026, Hardy identified the teams he has most enjoyed facing.
- Brian Myers and Eddie Edwards: Hardy praised this duo for their traditional approach to the craft. “They were like legitimate heels trying to get legitimate heel heat. They didn’t do cool sh*t, so they just made our job very easy as babyfaces.”
- FraXion: From a pure performance standpoint, Hardy cited FraXion as his top choice. “I really loved working with those guys, and I wish we could have worked with them a lot more. In-ring banger perspective, they were your best match in this run so far.”
The Philosophy of Tag Team Excellence
Hardy emphasized that tag team wrestling requires a different mindset than singles competition, which is why it remains a “crowd baiter” when done correctly.
“Tag team wrestling is so different from a singles match because it’s a different pace, it’s a different style. It adds such an extra dimension to the match. I think it’s important to keep the tag team division relevant… it’s something that helps benefit you as far as people wanting to tune into your product.”
Development of Younger Talent
Hardy also touched on his role in mentoring younger teams, specifically citing his work with Private Party. Host Jon Alba noted that Hardy acted as a “big father figure” in helping the duo grow from “boys to men” during their time together.
When asked about teams that seem to be “missing in action” or lacking significant storylines, Hardy mentioned Top Flight. He noted that while the Young Bucks had been “high” on the team and they possessed immense potential, injuries had hampered their progress.
