The Future of Wrestling is Here, and It’s Only 21 Years Old!
The wrestling world is buzzing with excitement as the legendary Hardy Boyz have crowned 21-year-old Leon Slater as the "future of the business." In an exclusive interview with Metro, Matt Hardy didn’t hold back his praise, highlighting Slater’s remarkable mental maturity as the standout quality that sets him apart from his peers. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Matt revealed that Slater thinks and carries himself with the poise of someone a decade older, a trait that has earned him the respect of industry veterans.
Leon Slater: A Rising Star with a Meteoric Trajectory
Slater’s journey to the top has been nothing short of phenomenal. At just 21, he became the youngest X-Division Champion in TNA history, defeating Moose at Slammiversary 2025. This achievement places him in the same league as icons like AJ Styles and Samoa Joe. Since then, he’s successfully defended his title against heavyweights such as Rich Swann, Cedric Alexander, and A.J. Francis. But this is the part most people miss: Slater’s rise isn’t just about TNA. Thanks to the TNA-WWE partnership, he’s been thrust onto a global stage, hand-picked by John Cena for Saturday Night’s Main Event and even challenging for the NXT Championship at New Year’s Evil. His recent main event at TNA No Surrender, where he teamed with Mike Santana to defeat Nic Nemeth, further cements his status as a force to be reckoned with.
Hardy Boyz: Bridging the Gap Between TNA and WWE
While Slater’s story dominates headlines, the Hardy Boyz themselves are making waves. Matt Hardy confirmed that the duo is in "constant negotiations" with WWE for future appearances. "We will do more with them," Matt assured, teasing that fans can expect more iconic Hardy Boyz moments in WWE before 2026 wraps up. But here’s the controversial part: despite their WWE crossover, the Hardys stress that TNA remains their priority. Matt explained that staying with TNA was a deliberate choice, as the promotion empowers them to succeed and contribute to its growth during the new AMC era.
The Hardy Legacy: A New Generation in the Making?
And this is the part that’ll warm your heart: the Hardy legacy might not end with Matt and Jeff. Jeff Hardy revealed that his eldest daughter has shown a natural talent for performing and has even asked about stepping into the ring. "The Hardy Girlz may very well be a thing in the future!" Jeff teased. Matt’s children are also showing interest, with his middle child eyeing a more creative role in wrestling. "Can you insult people and make money in wrestling? You can? That’s awesome!" Matt laughed, sharing his son’s enthusiasm.
A Feud to Watch: The Hardy Boyz vs. The Righteous
Currently, the Hardys are locked in a heated feud with The Righteous (Vincent and Dutch), who debuted in TNA at Final Resolution. Matt shared a poignant detail: the late Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda) had advocated for WWE to sign Vincent and Dutch after their 2022 tryout. "Windham would have loved to sink his teeth into Vinnie and Dutch," Matt said, praising their commitment to their characters. This feud isn’t just about titles—it’s about honoring Wyatt’s vision and pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
The Question That Divides Fans: Where Do the Hardys Truly Belong?
As the Hardy Boyz juggle their commitments between TNA and WWE, a thought-provoking question arises: Where do they truly belong? While TNA is their priority, their WWE appearances are undeniably impactful. Is it possible to serve two masters in the wrestling world, or will fans eventually demand exclusivity? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over!
With the TNA World Tag Team Championships still around their waists and more WWE crossovers on the horizon, the Hardy Boyz show no signs of slowing down. Their ability to mentor rising stars like Leon Slater while continuing to dominate the ring is a testament to their enduring legacy. One thing’s for sure: 2026 is shaping up to be a monumental year for wrestling, and the Hardys are at the heart of it all.
