The digital world can be a breeding ground for misinformation, and this week, wrestling icons Matt and Jeff Hardy became the latest victims of a disturbing online hoax. Reports of their deaths flooded social media, sending shockwaves through the wrestling community and leaving fans reeling.
A fraudulent Facebook account, impersonating wrestling legend Bill Goldberg, ignited the false narrative. The post, claiming the Hardy Boyz had passed away, quickly gained traction, shared over a thousand times and sparking an outpouring of grief and disbelief. Despite the account’s history of using AI-generated images, the rumor spread with alarming speed.
Matt Hardy, known for his captivating “Broken” persona, swiftly addressed the rumors with a defiant Instagram video. Displaying screenshots of the hoax, he delivered a resolute message: “They’ve tried to kill the Hardys off for years.” He emphatically declared, “The rumors are not true. The Hardy Boyz are not dead because Matt and Jeff Hardy will not die!”
Ever the showman, Hardy seamlessly transitioned from debunking the hoax to promoting his team’s upcoming match. He announced they would be appearing on TNA IMPACT, teaming with The Righteous against “those jackasses, The System.” He punctuated the announcement with a warning: “Righteous, this is your one opportunity to make things right, and if you betray us, if you turn on us, you’re going to FAFO. Fk around and find out.”
Matt acknowledged the distress caused by the false reports, explaining he’d been inundated with condolences and even his own obituary. He apologized for any fright, but stressed the necessity of speaking out. “Sorry to frighten anyone,” he wrote, “but that FB post…has been sent to me 100 times today.”
The match itself saw a surprising turn of events. The Hardy Boyz, alongside The Righteous, faced off against The System. In a shocking moment, Vincent of The Righteous intentionally took the brunt of an attack meant for Matt, costing their team the victory.
The partnership with The Righteous holds a poignant connection for Matt. He reflected on how the duo would have thrived working alongside the late Bray Wyatt in WWE, a collaboration tragically cut short by Wyatt’s untimely passing last year. He spoke of Wyatt’s potential to fully embrace the unique characters of Vincent and Dutch.
Matt praised The Righteous’ dedication to their characters, emphasizing the importance of complete immersion in professional wrestling. “You really have to become that character, especially when the red light is on,” he explained, highlighting the commitment required to truly captivate an audience.
Despite the recent scare, the Hardy Boyz remain a force in the wrestling world, and their future may even include a return to WWE. Matt revealed ongoing negotiations with the company, hinting at future collaborations. The legacy of the Hardy Boyz continues, proving resilience in the face of false rumors and unwavering dedication to their craft.
