Matt Hardy sat down for an exclusive interview with Casino.org US to share his thoughts on the current state of tag team wrestling, TNA’s move to AMC, the creative control he and Jeff were granted for an episode of IMPACT, and which talents currently possess the “it factor.”
When asked about the present tag team landscape and who represents the future of the discipline, Hardy noted that no single team has truly stood out as the definitive squad of today or tomorrow. He highlighted the Motor City Machine Guns as a group he and Jeff have never faced, expressing interest in a future showdown.
Hardy observed that WWE often prioritizes its top singles stars to maximize ticket sales, which can limit focus on tag teams. He credited the Attitude Era’s emphasis on tag wrestling—exemplified by Edge and Christian’s ladder match—as a turning point that reshaped the business and gave rise to TLC matches.
Discussing TNA’s return to broadcast television on AMC, Hardy praised the exposure it provides. He pointed out that wrestling remains a culturally resonant American pastime, with dedicated fans and substantial advertising revenue from major promotions like WWE and AEW. He added that TNA, while operating on a smaller budget, is rebuilding viewership and fostering a loyal, driven talent pool.
Regarding the creative control granted to him and Jeff for an IMPACT episode, Hardy explained that he handles the business side while Jeff focuses on performance. He expressed interest in eventually joining the booking team, noting that active competitors should typically refrain from creative decisions to avoid conflicts of interest. He outlined personal improvements he would make, such as expanding the show’s variety, integrating more Knockouts content, and strengthening storytelling continuity.
Looking ahead to Destination X on November 15, Hardy named Gabby Forza as a standout Knockouts competitor, citing her strength and charisma. For the men’s Ultimate X, he praised champion Leon Slater, calling him deserving of the title, and suggested Jason Hotch and Mustafa Ali as talents with bright futures. He singled out Ali as one of TNA’s most valuable performers and advocated for a world‑title run.
Finally, Hardy identified Leon Slater, Jason Hotch, and Mustafa Ali as current talents with the “it factor” and a clear path to world championship contention.
