Matt Hardy, a former WWE superstar, has recently shed light on the early days of Brock Lesnar’s WWE career, specifically addressing the pairing of Lesnar with himself and his brother, Jeff Hardy. In a recent podcast appearance, Hardy delved into the reasons behind WWE’s decision to entrust him and Jeff with such a crucial role in Lesnar’s development. This article explores Hardy’s insights, offering a unique perspective on Lesnar’s initial ascent in WWE and the dynamics that shaped his early performances.
The Hardys, known for their innovative and high-flying style, were already established stars when Lesnar arrived on the scene. Pairing the relatively new Lesnar with the established Hardys was a strategic move by WWE. Hardy’s revelations provide valuable context to this decision, highlighting the trust and expectations placed upon him and his brother. Furthermore, he shares his thoughts on Paul Heyman’s contribution to Lesnar’s success.
According to Matt Hardy, the primary reason he and Jeff were chosen to work with Brock Lesnar was WWE’s implicit trust in their professionalism and understanding of the wrestling business. “I think we were paired with Brock out of the gates because they trusted us,” Hardy explained. “They knew that we understood the mission. He was a guy that they saw huge potential in. They thought he was going to be a long-term top talent, and they just trusted myself and Jeff in being with him.”
WWE officials believed that the Hardys wouldn’t exploit Lesnar’s inexperience or take advantage of him in the ring. Instead, they were expected to support him, work hard to make him look good, and provide guidance when needed. Hardy emphasized that WWE saw him and Jeff as leaders who could help shape Lesnar’s early performances and ensure his credibility with the audience. Matt Hardy said:
They thought we wouldn’t take advantage of him. They thought we would work hard for him. They thought we would bump for him. But they thought we would also lead him if he needed leadership in certain ways. And I think that’s why, you know, we ended up being paired with Brock Lesnar right in the beginning. We ended up being married for quite a while earlier on. And I know the first few years he was there, I ended up working with him on and off quite a bit and I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed working with Brock a lot.
Before making his official television debut on “Raw,” Brock Lesnar honed his skills in a series of house shows against The Hardys in early 2002. These matches served as a crucial testing ground for Lesnar, allowing him to acclimate to the WWE style and build chemistry with established performers. The Hardys’ experience and willingness to work with Lesnar were instrumental in these early matches.
These early matches, though not televised, were essential in shaping Lesnar’s character and in-ring presence. Facing the Hardys, known for their fast-paced and innovative offense, forced Lesnar to adapt and showcase his raw power and athleticism. The dynamic between Lesnar’s brute force and the Hardys’ agility created compelling matchups that captivated live audiences. This set the stage for Lesnar’s meteoric rise to stardom. These contests allowed Lesnar to fine-tune his performance style.
One of the most significant factors in Brock Lesnar’s early success was his pairing with Paul Heyman, a legendary manager known for his exceptional mic skills and ability to generate heat. Matt Hardy acknowledged the importance of this partnership, stating, “I thought it was great. I mean there’s no better motivational speaker for your character if you’re a talent than Paul Heyman.”
Heyman’s role as Lesnar’s advocate was pivotal in establishing him as a dominant force in WWE. Heyman’s promos amplified Lesnar’s presence and conveyed a sense of danger and legitimacy. Hardy elaborated on Heyman’s unique ability to connect with audiences and elevate talent:
If you have Paul Heyman on your side and he believes in you, I mean, he is going to talk people into the building. He is going to make you a bigger star. He is so good at what he does. I mean, he can convince people to do anything. Paul Heyman is the guy that convinced people in ECW to go out and you know beat the sh*t out of themselves each and every night for hardly no money. Sometimes they were stiffed and they would still do that. Paul Heyman is very good. He has a golden tongue, and he knows how to talk people into the building.
The combination of Lesnar’s physical prowess and Heyman’s verbal skills created a compelling and unforgettable act that propelled Lesnar to the top of WWE.
Although Matt Hardy didn’t work directly with Paul Heyman during Lesnar’s initial push, he later had the opportunity to collaborate with Heyman when he served as the General Manager of WWE SmackDown. Hardy reflected positively on this experience, noting that Heyman’s belief in his abilities significantly benefited his career. He particularly enjoyed his time portraying the “Matt Hardy Version 1.0” character under Heyman’s guidance.
Hardy’s interactions with Heyman provided him with valuable insights into the wrestling business and the art of character development. Heyman’s creative mind and his ability to identify and accentuate talent were evident in their collaborations. Hardy’s success during this period underscored Heyman’s influence and his knack for maximizing the potential of his performers.
Matt Hardy’s account of his and Jeff’s involvement with Brock Lesnar early in his WWE career offers a fascinating glimpse into the strategic decisions made by WWE management. The pairing of Lesnar with the Hardys was a calculated move that leveraged the Hardys’ experience and credibility to support Lesnar’s ascent. Furthermore, Paul Heyman’s role as Lesnar’s advocate was instrumental in shaping his character and connecting with audiences.
The combination of Lesnar’s raw talent, the Hardys’ guidance, and Heyman’s promotional skills created a perfect storm that propelled Lesnar to superstardom. Hardy’s insights provide valuable context to this pivotal period in WWE history and highlight the importance of trust, collaboration, and visionary leadership in the wrestling business. Together, the trio set a high bar.
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