In a recent episode of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, AEW star Matt Hardy reflected on his contentious 2005 WWE SummerSlam match against Edge, a key moment in his career marked by a referee-stopped finish due to heavy bleeding. Hardy explained that the abrupt end to the bout was more than just a scripted outcome and now views it as a form of penance for how he returned to WWE earlier that year.
Background of Hardy’s WWE Departure and Return
Hardy was released from WWE in April 2005 amid a real-life love triangle involving Edge and Lita, which generated significant fan support leading to his re-signing with the company. This real-life drama fueled the rivalry between Hardy and Edge on-screen, setting the stage for their highly anticipated confrontation at SummerSlam 2005.
Details of the Match and Its Controversial Ending
The SummerSlam match was cut short within minutes as Hardy suffered severe bleeding, forcing the referee to stop the bout. Although Hardy agreed it was essential for Edge to win their first match to build their feud, he expressed regrets about how the finish was executed.
If I was booking it, I probably would have done it differently,
Hardy said.
I think in the beginning I needed to get fed so we have stuff to continue to do. So I do think me losing in this scene was the right call… but I would’ve probably made the finish different where he fed me, and I look strong in getting defeated.
Backstage Influence and Vince McMahon’s Role
Hardy noted that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon had suggested a similar finish that would protect Hardy’s image, but the final decision portrayed him as more vulnerable. Hardy believes this was an intentional choice related to the circumstances of his return to WWE.
I think part of this was me paying penance for making them hire me back too,
Hardy admitted.
That’s not lost on me. I’ve been around long enough, and I was wise enough at this time — I knew they were going to make me earn it, because I forced them to hire me back. And Vince and company ultimately don’t like to admit they were wrong.
Continuation of the Rivalry After SummerSlam
Despite the bitter finish to their SummerSlam meeting, the feud between Hardy and Edge continued, escalating to a Steel Cage match at Unforgiven, where Hardy secured a victory. Their rivalry reached a climax in a high-stakes Loser Leaves Raw Ladder Match that captivated fans and added depth to their storyline.
Implications and Future Reflections
Hardy’s candid revelations provide insight into the complex backstage politics and personal dynamics that shaped one of WWE’s most intense feuds of the mid-2000s. His experiences highlight the challenges wrestlers face when navigating real-life conflicts intertwined with scripted entertainment, especially under the scrutiny of company leadership like Vince McMahon. The match and its fallout continue to resonate in wrestling history as an example of how personal issues can impact professional storylines.
