Hardy Boyz Declare UK Wrestler Leon Slater as the Future of the Business
In an exclusive interview, wrestling icons Matt and Jeff Hardy, known as the Hardy Boyz, have lavished praise on 21-year-old English wrestler Leon Slater, labeling him the "future of the business." The real-life brothers, who currently hold the TNA Wrestling Tag Team Titles and are legends from their WWE days, highlighted Slater's exceptional talent and maturity beyond his years.
Rising Star from Bradford
Leon Slater, hailing from Bradford, has quickly made a name for himself as the X-Division Champion in TNA, a title with a legacy built by icons like AJ Styles and Samoa Joe. His career reached a milestone when he was hand-picked for John Cena's final show at Saturday Night's Main Event, showcasing his rising prominence in the industry.
Matt Hardy emphasized Slater's advanced mindset, stating, "He's 21, but mentally, he acts and thinks like a 30-year-old. He's way ahead mentally, which is one thing that I probably respect the most about him." The Hardy Boyz expressed their admiration and joy at crossing paths with Slater in the world of professional wrestling.
Impressive Career Trajectory
Beyond TNA, Slater has appeared on WWE platforms such as NXT and SmackDown. He notably teamed with fellow 21-year-old prodigy Je'Von Evans in an epic match against AJ Styles and Dragon Lee, further cementing his status as a top prospect. The Hardy Boyz, with 28 years of experience since their WWE debut, recognize the evolving nature of the industry and see Slater as a key part of its future.
Family Legacies and Future Plans
As the Hardy Boyz reflect on their own careers, they are also witnessing their children show interest in wrestling. Matt's children are engaged with the sport, with his middle son exploring creative aspects, while Jeff's daughters could potentially form the "Hardy Girlz" tag team in the future. Jeff shared, "She's asked me about it several times recently... the Hardy Girlz may very well be a thing in the future!"
Regarding their own future, the Hardy Boyz confirmed ongoing negotiations with WWE for more appearances, having previously featured on NXT and held titles there. Matt revealed, "We're in constant negotiations with WWE about doing some more stuff. We will do more with them." However, they remain committed to TNA, where they feel they can contribute significantly to the company's growth.
Focus on Character and Legacy
The Hardy Boyz discussed their desire to evolve their characters, possibly leaning into a more egotistical side, blending heel and face traits. Jeff acknowledged the challenge of changing fan perceptions, saying, "It's hard to make people hate me." Despite this, they are grateful for their legacy and the opportunity to work at a high level with TNA, emphasizing pride in pushing the company forward.
Matt concluded, "It's a good time right now for TNA, and it's a good time for the Hardy Boyz." With Slater's rise and their own enduring impact, the wrestling world continues to evolve, promising exciting developments ahead.
