On the Tenth Anniversary of the Final Deletion, Matt Hardy Reflects on TNA’s Reboot and Unfulfilled Plans
On the tenth anniversary of the Final Deletion, TNA star Matt Hardy discussed how the cinematic match and the subsequent Broken Universe storyline reshaped the company’s trajectory, according to an interview on *Extreme Life Of Matt Hardy*. The match marked a pivotal shift in TNA’s creative direction, with Hardy detailing plans that were abandoned after he and Jeff left.
How the Final Deletion Redefined TNA’s Creative Path
Hardy described the Final Deletion as a turning point for TNA, stating, “The direction of the entire company changed once the Broken Universe stuff took off.” The storyline introduced a more artistic and surreal approach to wrestling narratives. This shift coincided with Anthem’s acquisition of TNA and Jeff Jarrett’s return, though Hardy noted that “there were still big plans” before he and Jeff left the company.
Unrealized Ambitions: Cross-Promotion and Financial Agreements
Hardy revealed that a handshake deal with Anthem and Jeff Jarrett included plans for the Broken Universe to expand, including a “cross-commercial angle against the Young Bucks” as ROH and TNA collaborated. “We were also going to do a cross-commercial angle against the Young Bucks, since ROH and TNA were kind of on board to work together again,” he said. However, these plans were never realized after he and Jeff’s exit.
The Controversial TV Debut and Industry Reactions
The match’s surreal elements—featuring “fire, drowning people, people changing in lakes, all this insanity”—prompted mixed reactions from TNA executives. John Gaburick, the guy in charge of talent relations and TV, texted them, “You’d have to be a madman to put this on TV,” leading to the nickname “Mad Matt.” Dixie, the person in charge, expressed nervousness, texting, “Oh my god, I’m so scared, what are people going to think? This is wild, I’m so nervous.” Despite the apprehension, the match became a “smashing success,” according to Hardy.
Legacy of the Final Deletion and Future Projects
Hardy also mentioned that discussions about the Broken Universe’s potential were ongoing, with plans to “keep evolving and changing the character so it stayed fresh.” The interview coincides with the upcoming debut of *Dark Side of the Ring*, a documentary series exploring the storyline. “We talk about it on *Dark Side of the Ring*, which is getting ready to debut in a week,” he said.
Quotes sourced from *Extreme Life Of Matt Hardy*; transcription via 411mania.com.