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The innovative “Ultimate Deletion” match,a pivotal moment for WWE in 2018,stemmed from a collaborative creative process – one that included surprisingly specific directives from Vince McMahon. Matt Hardy, the star of the match alongside Bray Wyatt, recently detailed the behind-the-scenes growth of the event on his podcast, “The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy.”
The Genesis of a Cinematic Spectacle
Table of Contents
- 1. The Genesis of a Cinematic Spectacle
- 2. A 2 AM Creative Intervention
- 3. The Fishy Finale
- 4. The Evolution of Cinematic Wrestling
- 5. The Lasting Impact of Cinematic matches
- 6. Frequently Asked Questions about “Ultimate Deletion”
- 7. What specific concerns did WWE officials have regarding Vince McMahonS proposed finish for the Ultimate Deletion match?
- 8. Matt Hardy Discloses Vince McMahon’s Unusual Vision for Ultimate Deletion Match Finish
- 9. The Genesis of the Ultimate Deletion: A McMahon Brainstorm
- 10. McMahon’s Original, Extreme Finish
- 11. The Actual finish & Its Impact on Impact Wrestling
- 12. why McMahon’s Vision Was Considered Extreme
- 13. The Evolution of Cinematic Matches in Pro Wrestling
- 14. Hardy’s Current Status & Future Endeavors
The “Ultimate Deletion” took place at the Hardy Compound in North carolina adn built upon the foundation laid by Hardy’s earlier “Final Deletion” match in TNA. It quickly became a precursor to the cinematic-style matches that would gain prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic.Though, achieving this vision required navigating mcmahon’s unique ideas and late-night phone calls.
A 2 AM Creative Intervention
Hardy recounted a particularly stressful moment during the filming. He had planned a dramatic spot involving a leg drop from a tree onto Bray Wyatt positioned on a table. Though, McMahon intervened with a phone call at 2:00 AM, scrapping the idea. The WWE Chairman felt the plan included “too much hokey wrestling” and prioritized entertainment value, desiring something more akin to a Benny Hill-style comedic sequence centered around Jeff Hardy’s graveyard.
The Fishy Finale
Perhaps even more astounding was McMahon’s suggestion for the match’s climax. He envisioned Wyatt being submerged in the “Lake of Reincarnation” and re-emerging, in the style of a horror villain like Jason Voorhees, with a live fish in his mouth before descending back into the water.Hardy recalled his disbelief,pointing out the logistical impossibility of procuring a fish at that hour in a rural location like Cameron,North Carolina.
“He said,’can we make that happen?’ And it’s two o’clock in the morning.I was like, ‘Bro, we’re in Cameron. We’re not going to be able to go, like, buy a fish.’… I said, if we would have planned this in advance, we problably coudl have bought a fish… I said, but, like, not at two o’clock in the morning. It’s pretty unrealistic.” Hardy stated on his podcast.
The Evolution of Cinematic Wrestling
While the fish-filled finale never materialized, the story underscores the frequently enough-unconventional creative process within WWE. Cinematic matches have become more common, with WWE continuing to experiment with unique presentations and storytelling. According to Statista, WWE’s revenue has seen consistent growth, partially fueled by innovative content, reaching $1.39 billion in 2023.
| Match | Year | Location | Key Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Final Deletion | 2016 | Impact Wrestling | Matt Hardy vs. Ethan Carter III |
| Ultimate Deletion | 2018 | Hardy Compound, NC | Matt Hardy vs. Bray Wyatt |
Did You Know? The “Final Deletion” match in TNA is widely credited with popularizing the cinematic wrestling format that WWE later embraced.
Pro Tip: When analyzing wrestling storylines, consider the broader context of the era and the creative direction of the promotion.
The Lasting Impact of Cinematic matches
Cinematic matches represent a departure from traditional wrestling presentation, allowing for greater creative freedom and storytelling potential. They often incorporate elements of horror, comedy, and drama, appealing to a wider audience. The success of matches like “Ultimate Deletion” and subsequent WWE productions has demonstrated the demand for innovative and visually striking wrestling experiences.
The format has also influenced other wrestling promotions, leading to a surge in similar matches across the industry. The blending of professional wrestling with filmic techniques continues to evolve, and it remains to be seen what new innovations will emerge in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions about “Ultimate Deletion”
- What is the “Ultimate Deletion” match? It was a unique wrestling match filmed at Matt Hardy’s property,known for its unconventional and cinematic style.
- What role did Vince McMahon play? McMahon provided creative input, including a notable pitch for a bizarre finale involving a live fish.
- Was the fish idea actually implemented? No, the idea of Bray Wyatt emerging with a fish in his mouth was deemed logistically unrealistic and was not used.
- Why is “ultimate Deletion” notable? The match is considered a precursor to the more frequent cinematic matches WWE began producing during the pandemic.
- Where did the idea for “Ultimate Deletion” originate? The concept evolved from Matt Hardy’s previous “Final Deletion” match in TNA.
What are your thoughts on Vince McMahon’s creative suggestions? Do you think cinematic matches are a positive evolution for professional wrestling?
Share your opinions in the comments below and let us know what you think!
What specific concerns did WWE officials have regarding Vince McMahonS proposed finish for the Ultimate Deletion match?
Matt Hardy Discloses Vince McMahon’s Unusual Vision for Ultimate Deletion Match Finish
The Genesis of the Ultimate Deletion: A McMahon Brainstorm
Matt Hardy recently revealed a fascinating,and somewhat bizarre,detail regarding Vince McMahon’s initial vision for the finish of the groundbreaking “Ultimate Deletion” match against Bray Wyatt at Slaughterhouse-5 in 2017. The story, shared on a recent podcast appearance, highlights McMahon’s penchant for the dramatic and willingness to push creative boundaries – even if those boundaries were… unconventional. The core of the revelation centers around a proposed finish involving a literal, physical deletion of Matt Hardy’s character.
McMahon’s Original, Extreme Finish
According to Hardy, McMahon initially wanted the match to end with Wyatt physically destroying Hardy’s drone, “Senor Benjamin,” believing that the destruction of the drone would symbolically represent Hardy’s “deletion.”
Here’s a breakdown of the proposed finish:
Wyatt gains control of Senor Benjamin: bray Wyatt would somehow gain control of Hardy’s signature drone.
Drone Destruction: wyatt would then proceed to dismantle or outright destroy the drone on camera.
Symbolic “Deletion”: McMahon’s logic was that because Senor Benjamin was so integral to Hardy’s character and presentation, its destruction would equate to a complete “deletion” of Matt Hardy himself.
Hardy expressed his concerns, arguing that destroying the drone would remove a key element of his gimmick and potentially diminish his character long-term. He successfully lobbied for a different, less literal, conclusion.
The Actual finish & Its Impact on Impact Wrestling
The final version of the Ultimate Deletion saw Hardy seemingly “deleted” by Wyatt amidst a spectacular array of pyrotechnics and cinematic chaos.Hardy was thrown into a lake of fire, but ultimately returned, cementing the “broken”/”deleted” persona as a cornerstone of his career. This match is widely credited with revitalizing Hardy’s career and significantly boosting Impact Wrestling’s viewership at the time.
The success of the Ultimate deletion led to:
- Increased Viewership: A noticeable spike in Impact Wrestling ratings following the match.
- Merchandise Sales: A surge in sales of “Broken” Matt Hardy merchandise.
- Creative Freedom: A period of increased creative freedom for Hardy within Impact Wrestling.
- Influence on WWE: The cinematic style of the match arguably influenced WWE’s later foray into similar presentations, such as the Boneyard Match at WrestleMania 36.
why McMahon’s Vision Was Considered Extreme
Vince McMahon is known for his dramatic flair and willingness to take risks.However, the proposed drone destruction was considered especially extreme for several reasons:
Gimmick Dependency: Senor Benjamin wasn’t just a prop; it was a vital part of Hardy’s character and storytelling.
Long-Term Consequences: Permanently removing a key element of a wrestler’s gimmick could limit future creative options.
Symbolism vs.Substance: The symbolic “deletion” felt overly literal and potentially undermined the more nuanced aspects of the storyline.
The Evolution of Cinematic Matches in Pro Wrestling
The Ultimate deletion is often cited as a pivotal moment in the evolution of cinematic matches in professional wrestling. Before this, cinematic matches were rare. The success of Hardy vs. Wyatt paved the way for:
WWE’s Boneyard Match: Featuring Undertaker and AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36.
WWE’s Firefly Fun House Match: Between John Cena and Bray Wyatt at WrestleMania 36.
* AEW’s Cinematic Matches: AEW has frequently utilized cinematic matches, building on the foundation laid by Impact Wrestling.
These matches demonstrate a shift towards more creative and visually ambitious storytelling within the wrestling industry. The willingness to experiment with different formats and locations has broadened the appeal of professional wrestling to a wider audience.
Hardy’s Current Status & Future Endeavors
Currently, Matt Hardy is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he continues to wrestle and contribute to the promotion’s creative direction.He frequently teams with his brother, Jeff Hardy, and remains a popular figure among wrestling fans. His legacy as an innovator and a risk-taker is firmly
