Matt Hardy already knows that his final match will not mark the end of his professional wrestling career. The TNA star plans to remain involved behind the scenes after he retires from physical in-ring competition.
During an appearance on Busted Open, Matt reflected on the lessons he learned from Dory Funk Jr., Michael Hayes and other wrestling veterans who helped guide him and Jeff Hardy during their careers.
The discussion turned to whether Matt could eventually pass his knowledge to younger wrestlers through coaching, consulting, creative work or possibly operating a wrestling school. After surviving several eras and reinventing himself across WWE, TNA, AEW and the independent scene, Matt believes he has plenty to offer the next generation. Matt did not commit to one specific backstage position, but he made it clear that he has no intention of leaving the wrestling business.
“I certainly think I will. I’m a lifer. I’m pretty convinced of that. I’ll be backstage agenting or in creative or dipping my toe in whatever, but I’ll be involved in professional wrestling in some way, shape or form when I retire from physical in-ring competition.”
Jeff Hardy may handle retirement very differently. Matt joked that his brother could return home, focus on his artwork and disappear from public view once their wrestling careers are finished.
“Jeff, on the other hand, maybe he changes, who knows? In a lot of ways, I think he’s just going to come back here and melt into nature, and we’ll never see him again. He’ll be the mysterious Charismatic Enigma, as he always is.”
Matt also explained that his long career has taught him about both the rewards and dangers of the wrestling industry. He believes those experiences could help younger talent avoid mistakes and dangerous paths.
“I have lived many lives, it feels like, and I have learned the good and the bad. I can also, I think, help people avoid slippery slopes. It can be very dangerous.”
Matt said he would not be afraid to share the techniques and knowledge that helped him succeed. His goal would be to give younger wrestlers a stronger foundation instead of forcing them to learn every lesson through painful experience. He also wants future wrestlers—including his own children, should they enter the business—to become better performers than he was.
“I can help people right from the jump, and I’m not someone who is afraid to share my secrets. I can get someone off to a very good start and say, ‘You should have done this,’ or, ‘Try this. This will be more effective. People buy into it so much.’”
“There are so many things that I know. I have so much knowledge in my head, and I want to see guys be better than me. I want my kids, if they decide to go into it, to be better than me. I hope I can teach them and show them the way to do it—the safest and smartest way.”
Matt Hardy has experienced massive success, painful setbacks and several complete character transformations. That history could make him a valuable producer, trainer or creative voice when his days of taking bumps finally come to an end.
Matt may eventually stop competing, but he clearly does not see himself retiring from professional wrestling. His next chapter could involve helping younger talent create their own careers while avoiding some of the traps he encountered along the way.
What role do you think would suit Matt Hardy best after his in-ring retirement? Let us know what you think in the comments.
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