Jeff Hardy, a two-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion, has shared his dream opponents, specifically highlighting Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes as ideal challengers for what could be his final bout. Speaking in 2024, Hardy expressed a desire to face some of the top names in both WWE and AEW as he approaches the closing chapter of his wrestling career.
Jeff Hardy’s Wish List of Opponents Includes Top WWE and AEW Stars
Throughout a professional wrestler’s career, envisioning a perfect final opponent is a common theme, especially near retirement. Legendary wrestlers like Sting and John Cena have recently completed career send-offs with memorable farewell matches, setting the stage for others. Jeff Hardy, currently holding the TNA World Tag Team Championship, revealed during an appearance on the Outside The Ring podcast that facing a mix of elite talents from different wrestling promotions would be on his bucket list. He specifically mentioned MJF and Orange Cassidy from AEW, along with Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes from WWE, as wrestlers he hopes to compete against before retiring.
Hardy emphasized his admiration for Cody Rhodes, calling him
“the biggest wrestler on planet Earth as we speak.”
“MJF, Orange Cassidy, Roman Reigns. Cody Rhodes actually would be incredible because he’s the biggest wrestler on planet Earth as we speak.” — Jeff Hardy, Wrestler
When asked who he would choose for his ultimate final match, Hardy named Roman Reigns, praising the impact of Reigns’ championship reign and the elevated status he brought to the title. For Hardy, a match against The Tribal Chief would be a fitting and memorable way to conclude his in-ring career.
“A Roman Reigns match would be pretty epic for a last match. All those years he was a champion, just took it to such a different level.” — Jeff Hardy, Wrestler
The Hardy Boyz and Team 3D Prepare for One Last Legendary Confrontation
Beyond his individual aspirations, Jeff Hardy is also part of an upcoming milestone event with his brother Matt. The Hardy Boyz recently captured the TNA World Tag Team Championship at Slammiversary. Following their victory, Bully Ray, also known as Bubba Ray Dudley, approached the duo to propose a reunion match with his long-time partner D-Von Dudley as Team 3D. This match is official and scheduled for TNA Bound For Glory on October 12, 2025.
The rivalry between the Hardy Boyz and Team 3D is one of the most celebrated in wrestling history, spanning several promotions, with particularly memorable moments during their WWE tenure. This final match promises to be an epic closing chapter to a legendary feud that has thrilled fans for decades.
Looking Ahead: The Significance of These Dream Matches
Jeff Hardy’s naming of Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes as his dream opponents not only reflects his respect for the current generation of wrestlers but also highlights the evolving landscape of professional wrestling. Reigns’ dominance as champion and Rhodes’ status as a top-tier performer symbolize the high bar set for wrestlers today.
If realized, these dream matches would offer fans a remarkable intersection of generations and styles, allowing Hardy to showcase his talents one last time against some of the biggest names in the industry. Meanwhile, the Hardy Boyz versus Team 3D match will provide a historic farewell to a much-celebrated rivalry, further enriching the legacy of professional wrestling.
