Matt Hardy Expresses Shock and Disappointment at Exclusion from PWI 500 Ranking: Calls It an Injustice

September 27, 2025

Hardy Boyz Snubbed in Pro Wrestling illustrated 500, Matt Hardy Voices Disbelief

The World of Professional Wrestling is buzzing after the release of the annual Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 list. A notable absence from the rankings has sparked controversy: neither Matt Hardy nor his brother, Jeff Hardy, appeared on the prestigious list. This omission has prompted a strong reaction from Matt Hardy, who questioned the credibility of the rankings.

TNA Contributions Underlined

Speaking on the “Extreme Life Of Matt Hardy” podcast, Hardy articulated his bewilderment, emphasizing The Hardy Boyz’s significant impact on TNA Wrestling. He credited TNA for fostering an environment where they could thrive, allowing them to remain true to their signature style.He believes the duo’s ability to generate revenue, attract audiences, and consistently deliver captivating performances should have warranted inclusion.

“It makes it a very unserious list,” Hardy stated. “Especially considering the contributions Jeff and I have made to TNA. They have given us the platform to succeed, letting us be ourselves and deliver what the fans expect.”

A Turning Point for TNA

Hardy further suggested that their return to TNA marked a pivotal moment for the promotion, pointing to their successful appearances at events like Against All Odds, Bound for Glory, and Slammiversary. These events featured innovative matches, including a “Full Metal Mayhem Reimagined” bout and a memorable ladder match, all while consistently facing top-tier opponents.

“I feel like when Jeff showed up, they knew they weren’t just getting Matt hardy, they were getting The Hardys,” Hardy explained. “That is when things really turned around for TNA last year.”

where Should The Hardy Boyz Rank?

Despite their accomplishments, The Hardy Boyz were absent from the PWI 500. Hardy offered a reasonable estimation of where they should have been positioned. “A fair, honest assessment? Somewhere around 100. Maybe in the 80s to 100. We’re a tag team, but we are still performing at a high level,” he commented.

Did You Know? The Pro wrestling Illustrated 500 list has been published annually as 1991, and is widely considered a benchmark for ranking professional wrestlers.

Metric	The Hardy Boyz (2024-2025)	Typical PWI 500 Consideration
Championship Reigns	Multiple TNA Tag Team Championships	Significant Factor
Match Innovation	High (e.g., Full Metal Mayhem, Ladder Matches)	Crucial Consideration
Box Office Draw	Consistently high	Key Performance Indicator
Overall Impact	Significant in TNA revival	Highly Valued

The omission of The Hardy Boyz raises questions regarding the criteria and weighting used in compiling the PWI 500. Many fans and industry observers are now debating the list’s accuracy and fairness.

The Evolution of Wrestling Rankings

Professional wrestling rankings have evolved substantially over the decades. early lists frequently enough focused solely on championship reigns and win-loss records. However, modern rankings, like the PWI 500, attempt to incorporate a broader range of factors, including social media influence, merchandise sales, and overall impact on the industry. Despite these advancements, subjectivity remains a key component, leading to ongoing debates and controversies.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the PWI 500? It’s an annual ranking of the top 500 professional wrestlers,compiled by Pro Wrestling Illustrated magazine.
• Why were The Hardy Boyz not on the list? The specific reasons are not publicly known, but Matt Hardy has expressed his disbelief and questioned the list’s credibility.
• What has been The Hardy boyz’ impact on TNA? They are credited with revitalizing interest in the promotion and delivering highly-regarded matches.
• where does Matt Hardy believe they should have ranked? He suggests a placement between 80 and 100, acknowledging their status as a tag team.
• How are professional wrestling rankings resolute? Rankings are based on a complex formula considering various factors like win-loss records, championships, and fan engagement.
• Is the PWI 500 the only wrestling ranking? No, several other publications and websites offer their own rankings, but the PWI 500 is the most well-known.

What are your thoughts on The Hardy Boyz’s omission from the PWI 500? Do you think the rankings accurately reflect their impact on the wrestling world? Share your opinions in the comments below!

To what extent does the subjective nature of wrestling performance evaluation contribute to controversies surrounding rankings like the PWI 500?

The PWI 500 Controversy & Matt Hardy’s Reaction

wrestling veteran Matt Hardy has publicly voiced his strong disapproval regarding his omission from the 2025 Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 list. The annual ranking, considered a benchmark of performance and influence within the professional wrestling industry, has sparked debate amongst fans and wrestlers alike, with Hardy leading the charge in questioning its validity. He expressed his sentiments via social media, labeling the decision an “injustice” and prompting a wider discussion about ranking criteria and perceived biases. This isn’t the first time the PWI 500 has faced scrutiny, but Hardy’s vocal stance has amplified the conversation.

Hardy’s Career Achievements: A Case for Inclusion

Matt Hardy’s career spans over two decades, marked by consistent in-ring performance and important contributions to multiple promotions. His resume boasts a compelling argument for inclusion in any top 500 list. Key highlights include:

* WWE Tag Team Success: Multiple-time WWE Tag Team Champion alongside his brother, Jeff Hardy, as The Hardy Boyz. Their innovative tag team matches redefined the division.

* Singles Championship Reigns: A former WWE United States Champion, WWE European Champion, and ECW Champion, demonstrating his versatility as a singles competitor.

* Impact Wrestling Stardom: A pivotal figure in Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA), where he held the World Championship and consistently delivered compelling storylines.

* AEW presence: Currently signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), continuing to perform and contribute to the promotion’s growing success.

* Innovative Character Work: Hardy is renowned for his character work, including the groundbreaking “Broken Matt Hardy” persona, which garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. This innovative approach to storytelling significantly impacted the industry.

These accomplishments, coupled with his longevity and continued relevance, make his exclusion from the PWI 500 particularly surprising to many observers. The debate centers around whether these factors were adequately considered during the ranking process.

Examining the PWI 500 Ranking Criteria

the Pro Wrestling Illustrated 500 ranking is based on a complex points system, evaluating wrestlers across various categories throughout the calendar year.These categories typically include:

1. Win-loss Record: A traditional metric, though often debated for its relevance in scripted entertainment.
2. Impact & Influence: Assessing a wrestler’s overall impact on the industry, including drawing power and storyline significance.
3. Technical Ability: Evaluating in-ring skills, athleticism, and match quality.
4. Television Exposure: Measuring the frequency and prominence of a wrestler’s appearances on television.
5. Social Media Presence: Increasingly critically important, reflecting a wrestler’s ability to connect with fans outside the ring.

Critics argue that the weighting of these categories can be subjective and perhaps favor certain wrestling styles or promotions. The lack of transparency regarding the exact weighting formula fuels speculation about potential biases. Some fans believe the criteria undervalue creativity and character work, areas where Hardy consistently excels.

Fan Reaction and Industry Discussion

hardy’s statement ignited a firestorm of discussion on social media platforms like Twitter (now X) and Reddit. Fans overwhelmingly sided with Hardy, expressing their disbelief at his exclusion and questioning the credibility of the PWI 500. Hashtags like #PWI500 and #MattHardy trended as fans shared their opinions and highlighted Hardy’s accomplishments.

Several wrestling journalists and personalities weighed in on the controversy, further amplifying the debate. Many acknowledged Hardy’s significant contributions to the industry and expressed sympathy for his frustration. The incident has prompted a broader conversation about the value of wrestling rankings and the challenges of objectively evaluating performers.

The Impact of “Broken Matt Hardy” on Modern wrestling

The “Broken Matt Hardy” gimmick, introduced in Impact Wrestling, is widely considered a revolutionary moment in professional wrestling. It blurred the lines between reality and fiction, utilizing elaborate video packages and a unique, eccentric character.

* Influence on AEW: The success of “Broken Matt Hardy” paved the way for more experimental and character-driven storylines in AEW.

* Meta-Narrative Storytelling: The gimmick popularized the use of meta-narrative storytelling, where wrestlers acknowledge the scripted nature of the product.

* Cult Following: “Broken Matt Hardy” garnered a dedicated cult following, demonstrating the power of innovative character work.

This period of Hardy’s career alone arguably warrants inclusion in any thorough wrestling ranking.

Looking Ahead: Will the PWI Respond?

As of September 27, 2025, Pro Wrestling Illustrated has not issued a formal response to Matt Hardy’s criticism. Though, the sustained public pressure and industry-wide discussion may prompt a review of their ranking process or a clarification of their criteria.The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in wrestling journalism. the future of the PWI 500 and its perceived legitimacy may depend on how the publication addresses this controversy. The ongoing