What’s the story?
The WWE’s RAW tag team division has been given a much-needed boost with the return of the Hardys Boys, who returned in their old avatar to win the tag team titles at WrestleMania 33. Dave Meltzer shared light on the situation and revealed why WWE chose not to debut the Broken gimmick at the grandest stage of them all.
According to the veteran journalist, the dispute between the Hardys and Anthem is still raging with either side refusing to accept the tabled demands. Anthem – the company currently in charge of TNA (now known as Impact Wrestling) – wants a piece of the profits if WWE uses the gimmick.
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Despite a really strong team of lawyers, WWE wants to avoid the legal hassles and have decided to push the brothers as Team Xtreme.
In case you didn't know...
Matt and Jeff Hardy got the best pop of the night at WrestleMania when the duo were introduced as the last-minute addition to the RAW tag team titles match by the New Day. Amidst deafening chants of delete echoing around the Camping World Stadium, the Hardys captured the titles and sent the fans into a frenzied state.
Both Matt and Jeff have teased the possibility turning broken in their post-match interviews, but that wasn’t it. Michael Cole himself mentioned the word ‘Broken’ when their music hit at Mania, but quickly referred to them as team Xtreme.
The Hardys left Impact Wrestling after their contract negotiations broke down. The ownership of the gimmick kickstarted a legal battle between the two parties, with both claiming they were the inceptors of the groundbreaking idea.
And it still continues with no end in sight, unless WWE steps in and buries Impact for good.
The heart of the matter
As Meltzer stated, the whole matter boils down to one simple factor – money. WWE could use the gimmick if they pay Anthem a chunk of the profit or if they help Hardys gain and themselves complete ownership over the character.
Vince McMahon has never been to high on gimmicks and ideas of other promotions and knowing the boss, he may pass this one up too.
What’s next?
As unfortunate as it may sound, expect the Hardys to be semi-broken for the time to come. Delete and obsolete chants will be heard on a regular basis irrespective of the gimmick, and if it persists, WWE may just want the RAW’s tag team division to be broken after all.
On a side note, the Hardys will defend the straps against Cesaro and Sheamus at Raw’s next PPV, Payback on 30th April and we’re sure it will be WONDERFUL!
Author’s take
Broken or Extreme, the Hardys are back and I’m fine with it. The Hardys are legends who don’t need a twisted yet popular gimmick to stay relevant. Even though I would love to see the Broken gimmick in all its glory, and will scream ‘delete’ even if it doesn’t happen, I would have no qualms if WWE drops the ball on it.
