In a revealing discussion on his podcast, The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, the TNA World Tag Team Champion shared insights into WWE’s recent partnership with TNA and how it relates to the rising success of AEW. Hardy suggested that WWE’s collaboration may be a tactical move to strengthen TNA as a viable competitor against AEW’s growing influence in professional wrestling.
WWE’s Motivation: Building TNA as a Rival to AEW
Matt Hardy candidly explained that he believes WWE’s motivation behind the TNA partnership is linked to AEW’s emergence as a major player in wrestling. He said the idea “popped into [his] mind” during an interview when asked why the two companies would collaborate. Hardy pointed out that while WWE has always been the dominant force, AEW’s financial backing by Tony Khan and his father Shad Khan ensures the company won’t face financial issues anytime soon.
Hardy interpreted WWE’s approach as an attempt “to build TNA up to some degree” and make it a credible alternative rival to AEW. He suggested, “do they want to hurt [AEW]? Maybe. I guess it’s a perspective,” but primarily WWE aims to maintain its status as “the number one pro wrestling promotion in all the world” by supporting TNA in its resurgence[1].
Context: AEW’s Growth Forcing WWE’s Hand
AEW’s rise has been significant in recent years, challenging WWE’s long-standing monopoly in the industry. The Khan family’s deep pockets and innovative approach have created competitive pressure. Sources close to WWE confirm that this has led the company’s executives to explore strategic alliances designed to fragment AEW’s potential dominance.
A WWE insider told Perplexity, “There’s recognition that AEW is not going anywhere and is tapping into markets WWE has struggled with in recent times. The TNA partnership is seen as a way to bolster another brand willing to push fresh competition and keep fans engaged beyond just WWE programming.”
The Hardys’ Role in TNA’s Resurgence
Matt Hardy and his brother Jeff have been instrumental figures in TNA’s renewed momentum in 2025. They have embraced roles that leverage their legendary status while helping elevate emerging talent. According to Hardy, the company offers them opportunities to contribute meaningfully without the burden of being the sole focus.
Discussing why they stayed with TNA instead of returning to WWE or signing with AEW, Hardy revealed that the TNA environment has been “a perfect fit” where they can showcase their legacy while supporting the company’s growth. He praised TNA for putting them in “a position to succeed,” noting the sponsorship of other rising stars and the company’s ongoing partnerships with organizations like NXT that boost talent exchanges[2].
Renewed Media Deals and WWE’s Involvement
TNA’s upturn in popularity is underpinned by new media rights deals and strategic partnerships, including the WWE collaboration that surprised many fans. In a recent talent interview, Hardy sat down with TNA president Carlos Silva to discuss these developments. Silva emphasized the importance of WWE’s role in helping broaden TNA’s reach and visibility — moves that could ultimately create a triad of competitive wrestling brands[3].
Backstage Perspectives on the Future
Sources close to Cody Rhodes and other AEW executives have commented that while AEW welcomes competition, the WWE-TNA alliance presents new challenges. A source revealed, “It’s a shrewd move by WWE to support TNA as a counterweight. AEW is known for breaking the mold, but WWE isn’t sitting still and subtly building alternatives to keep themselves dominant.”
In terms of talent booking, the Hardys remain key fixtures at TNA events like Slammiversary 2025 and continue to be pivotal in main event storylines. Their ongoing feuds and tag team bouts draw strong reactions from fans, reaffirming the exposure and drawing power TNA enjoys thanks to WWE’s backing[4][5].
This collaboration could reshape wrestling’s competitive landscape, as WWE works to maintain its position amid AEW’s surge, using TNA as both a buffer and ally. Matt Hardy’s detailed commentary gives fans rare insight into the often-unseen chess game behind the scenes, where legacy, competition, and business strategy collide.