Matt Hardy has weighed in on the growing controversy surrounding canceled crossover matches between TNA and AEW talent. He suggested the situation may have been avoidable from the very beginning.
The discussion follows a turbulent week after TNA pulled multiple talents from AEW-related independent bookings. This move sparked debate across the industry and drew sharp reactions from several sides.
Matt Hardy questions TNA-AEW booking decisions amid WWE ties
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Hardy pointed to TNA’s working relationship with WWE as the key factor that should have shaped earlier decisions. “Well, in my honest opinion, I think if we are partners with WWE and WWE’s laid out how we’re working together with TNA, and AEW is its own entity, we probably… shouldn’t do AEW–TNA bookings,” he said.
Hardy acknowledged that the planned matches may have been designed to benefit everyone involved. However, he stressed that long-term business alignment should have taken priority over short-term opportunities — a classic case of booking yourself into a corner before the bell even rings.
He added, “It probably should have never been set… from the beginning, and I think going forward that would be the case now.” While he noted that allowing already-advertised matches to proceed might have been a cleaner finish, he repeatedly circled back to the same conclusion. The match card may have been exciting, but the blueprint was flawed.
The controversy initially erupted after TNA President Carlos Silva blocked appearances involving AEW talent. This included a planned bout between MJF and Nic Nemeth, citing “partner conflicts.” The decision also impacted other scheduled matches, fueling criticism from fans and talent alike.
Hardy also revealed that Silva attempted to make amends behind the scenes. “The guys who he pulled out… he compensated them and paid them their full fee,” Hardy explained, adding that travel costs were also covered.
Ultimately, Hardy’s stance doesn’t pick a side — instead, it calls the audible early. If TNA and WWE are on the same page, mixing in AEW talent was always going to be risky. Going forward, the industry may see fewer crossover experiments — at least between these particular corners.
READ MORE: MJF Calls Out Carlos Silva for Lying Amid Controversy Over Pulled Matches
