The Hardys (Matt and Jeff Hardy) have been wrestling since the early 90s. The two wrestling icons have competed in some of the most memorable matches and segments in the history of WWE and TNA. Their recent run in AEW is a microcosm of their careers. They were instantly one of the most over tag team units at the company but were forced to pump the brakes on their run thanks to issues outside the ring.
Although Jeff and Matt will always be associated with each other, the two brothers have etched out their own solo legacies in the wrestling world. They've both been world champions. They've both main evented pay-per-views. Still, for all the way they are alike, there are many differences between the Hardy brothers. This list will examine the ways Matt and Jeff Hardy are the same and how the two wrestling stars are different.
6 Different: Matt Is Not A High Flyer
Although The Hardys have always been considered "hardcore," they're sometimes also considered a "high-flying tag team." Neither has been afraid to jump off of anything in their careers, but Matt Hardy does not do enough in the air to be considered a true high-flyer. Earlier in Matt's career, he was almost exclusively a mat wrestler.
Matt and Jeff competed in their first televised match at the WWE against The Smoking Gunns (Bart Gunn & Billy Gunn). Even in their debut tag team match, Jeff Hardy was very clearly unafraid to fly around, while Matt Hardy worked stiff. The two began to jump off of ladders in the later 90s and although Matt Hardy did do a trademark leg drop off the ropes, the rest of his moveset all happens on the ground. This difference actually works in their favor since the two can have diverse spots in their tag team matches.
5 Similar: They Both Started As WWE Jobbers
Although their careers have gone on very different trajectories at times, Matt and Jeff entered the wrestling world as jobbers. Jeff Hardy wrestled his first match in 1994 against Razor Ramon on an episode of Raw. He was absolutely dominated by the legend. He also jobbed for The 1-2-3 Kid, Jim Neidhart, and King Kong Bundy later the same years.
Matt Hardy also debuted on Raw the same year as Jeff Hardy. Matt jobbed for Nikolai Volkoff, Razor Ramon, Owen Hart, and The Undertaker in his first year in the WWE. Neither star would start winning matches in the WWE until 1998.
4 Different: Matt Has Never Been WWE Champion
No matter where the two stars compete in their careers, they will always be best remembered for their days in the WWE. Although the two undoubtedly deserve a place in the WWE Hall of Fame as a tag team unit, there is a huge question mark over whether both stars have a solo career that merits an induction into the Hall of Fame. Jeff Hardy has a great case for a spot in the WWE Hall of Fame, while Matt Hardy lacks one thing Jeff had, a WWE Championship reign.
Jeff Hardy has not only won the WWE Championship but has also been World Heavyweight Championship twice. Matt Hardy won a ton of mid-card titles at the company (Hardcore Championship, European Championship, United States Championship) he never became world champion. He did win the ECW Heavyweight Championship in 2009, but that title is viewed with the same prestige as the NXT Championship. Matt Hardy was never a main event star in the WWE and that's a huge aspect that separates the two, in terms of fans. Matt Hardy had a great run in the WWE and TNA, but it never reached the level of Jeff.
3 Similar: Neither Star Has Competed In a Five-Star Match
Most fans might be surprised to learn neither Matt nor Jeff Hardy has ever competed in a five-star match according to Dave Meltzer. Neither has ever been highly regarded for their in-ring skills although in their prime either star could hold their own with anyone. They have had plenty of entertaining matches.
There is an argument that their two highest-rated matches deserved a five-star rating. Their TLC match against Bubba Ray Dudley & D-Von Dudley and Christian & Edge at WrestleMania 17 stole the show. They had a rematch on an episode of SmackDown that was just as amazing. Both matches received a 4.75 rating which was the highest of either star's career.
2 Different: Jeff Hardy Isn't A Promo Guy
Jeff Hardy has become one of the most beloved wrestlers of all time without ever cutting a truly iconic promo. His skills in the ring and his ability to stand out in a crowd helped Jeff establish his own identity with the fans. Matt Hardy, on the other hand, has never had issues with the microphone.
In fact, Matt has gotten better on the mic with age, while Jeff has stayed away from talking on the mic. Matt Hardy created the "Delete!" chant during a promo. While feuding with Jeff at TNA, he swore to make his brother "obsolete" by deleting him. The chants caught on and became so iconic it followed Matt to WWE and AEW.
1 Similar: They've Both Made Headlines For Antics Outside The Ring
Jeff Hardy's run in AEW came to an abrupt halt after he was arrested for drunk driving. Although his issues outside the ring have become well known, he's not the only Hardy brother to have issues. Matt Hardy was arrested for multiple issues in 2011 including driving while intoxicated and possession of drugs.
He also had a dispute with his wife, Reby Sky, which also led to an arrest. Matt Hardy hasn't had any issues in over a decade and many fans hope Jeff will clean up his issues the way his older brother, Matt, has.