Matt Hardy Then and Now

Matt Hardy Then

Matt Hardy, born Matthew Moore Hardy on September 23, 1974, in Cameron, North Carolina, demonstrated a wide range of talents and interests from a young age. 

As a child and teenager, he excelled in multiple sports, showcasing his athleticism and competitive spirit. 

His academic prowess was equally impressive; he was nominated for the prestigious “Morehead Award,” a scholarship that allowed students to attend any North Carolina university of their choice. 

This recognition highlighted his exceptional academic performance and potential.

Following high school, Matt Hardy pursued higher education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he majored in Engineering. 

However, his academic journey was interrupted when his father fell ill. 

Faced with family responsibilities, Matt made the difficult decision to leave university and focus on supporting his family. 

Despite this setback, he continued his education and ultimately earned an Associate’s Degree from Sandhills Community College.

During this period of transition, Matt, along with his brother Jeff Hardy and their friends, channeled their passion for wrestling into creating their own wrestling federation. 

This venture not only provided an outlet for their enthusiasm but also laid the foundation for their future success in the professional wrestling world. 

Matt Hardy’s early experiences in sports, academics, and wrestling shaped his path, leading him to become a notable figure in the industry.

Related Article: Kane Then and Now

Matt Hardy Wrestling Career

In 1994, Matt Hardy began his professional wrestling career with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), initially working as a jobber. 

During this period, he honed his skills and gained invaluable experience in the industry. 

By 1998, his dedication and talent were recognized, leading to a full-time contract with the WWF. 

This marked the beginning of a transformative phase for Hardy and his brother Jeff, as they formed The Hardy Boyz, a tag team that would become iconic in the wrestling world.

Related Article: Big Show Then and Now

The Hardy Boyz gained widespread acclaim for their high-octane, high-flying style of wrestling, which was a departure from the more traditional approaches of the time. 

Their dynamic and innovative performances helped rejuvenate tag team wrestling during the Attitude Era. 

Their notable feuds with Edge and Christian were instrumental in this resurgence. 

The Hardy Boyz’ participation in Tables, Ladders, and Chairs (TLC) matches further elevated their status, capturing the imagination of fans and contributing to the evolution of tag team wrestling in the 2000s.

Related Article: Mark Henry Then and Now

Over the years, The Hardy Boyz has achieved remarkable success, amassing 21 world tag team championships across various promotions. 

Their accolades include six WWE World Tag Team Championships, three WWE Raw Tag Team Championships, two TNA World Tag Team Championships, one WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship, one ROH World Tag Team Championship, and one WCW Tag Team Championship. 

This extensive list of titles reflects their enduring dominance and influence in the tag team division.

Related Article: Kurt Angle Then and Now

Matt Hardy’s career is distinguished by his ability to adapt and remain relevant across four separate decades. 

His solo career began in WWE in 2002, where he introduced the “Version 1” persona, which was widely praised and earned him the Best Gimmick award from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. 

In 2016, his “Broken” gimmick received critical acclaim and several awards, including a second Best Gimmick award. 

Related Article: Chris Jericho Then and Now

As a singles competitor, Hardy has also achieved significant success, winning three world championships: one ECW Championship and two TNA World Heavyweight Championships. 

Additionally, he is one of only three wrestlers to have won both the Cruiserweight Championship under the WWF/WWE banner and a WWE world championship, alongside Chavo Guerrero Jr. and Rey Mysterio. 

This impressive career trajectory highlights Matt Hardy’s versatility and enduring impact on the world of professional wrestling.

Related Article: Shawn Michaels Then and Now

Matt Hardy Wrestling Competition

• World Wrestling Federation (WWF) / World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
• Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) / Impact Wrestling
• Ring of Honor (ROH)
• World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
• Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW)
• All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
• Jeff Hardy’s OMEGA Wrestling

Matt Hardy’s Wife and Children

In October 2013, Matt Hardy married Rebekah “Reby” Sky, a fellow professional wrestler and media personality. 

Reby Sky, known for her dynamic presence in the wrestling world and her work as a model and actress, became a significant part of Hardy’s personal and professional life. 

Their marriage marked a new chapter for Hardy, both in terms of his career and his personal well-being.

Related Article: Triple H Then and Now

Together, Matt and Reby have built a family that includes three sons and one daughter. 

Their journey as a family has been deeply intertwined with their shared experiences and support for each other. 

Hardy has openly credited Reby with playing a crucial role in his life, particularly in overcoming personal challenges. 

Related Article: The Undertaker Then and Now

Her support and encouragement were instrumental in helping him address and manage issues related to substance abuse, leading to a significant turnaround in his life and career.

The couple’s strong partnership has been evident both in their personal lives and in their collaborative efforts within the wrestling industry. 

Related Article: Dave Bautista Then and Now

Their family-oriented approach and mutual support have been key factors in Hardy’s successful recovery and continued relevance in the wrestling world. 

Reby’s influence has not only contributed to Hardy’s personal growth but also strengthened their bond as a family, showcasing the power of supportive relationships in overcoming adversity.

Related Article: Randy Orton Then and Now

Matt Hardy Now

At 49 years old, Matt Hardy is a seasoned American professional wrestler with a distinguished career that spans several decades. 

Currently, he is signed with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he has achieved notable success. 

Hardy is a former two-time TNA World Heavyweight Champion and a former two-time TNA World Tag Team Champion, underscoring his significant impact on the promotion. 

Related Article: John Cena Then and Now

His tenure with TNA has been marked by memorable matches and rivalries, continuing his legacy as a versatile and accomplished wrestler.

Matt Hardy is best known for his influential work in both WWE and TNA. 

His career in WWE, alongside his brother Jeff Hardy, saw them rise to prominence as one of the most dynamic and celebrated tag teams in professional wrestling history. 

Related Article: Ultimate Warrior Then and Now

The Hardy Boyz, also stylized as The Hardys or The Hardy Boyz, are renowned for their high-flying, innovative style and their role in revitalizing tag team wrestling during the Attitude Era. 

Their performances in WWE and TNA have cemented their status as icons in the wrestling world.

The Hardy Boyz, consisting of Matt and Jeff Hardy, continue to perform together for TNA, bringing their unique brand of entertainment and athleticism to the ring. 

Related Article: Jim Duggan Then and Now

Their partnership, characterized by their chemistry and complementary wrestling styles, remains a central attraction in the industry. 

The Hardys’ contributions to professional wrestling, through their individual achievements and as a tag team, have left an enduring legacy that resonates with fans and peers alike.

Related Article: Butch Reed Then and Now

Matt Hardy’s Net Worth

Matt Hardy is an accomplished American professional wrestler with a net worth estimated at $2.5 million. 

Related Article: Ron Simmons Then and Now

FAQs