Former WWE star D-Von Dudley has opened up about the journey leading to The Dudley Boyz’s final match against The Hardys at TNA Bound For Glory 2025, sharing insights on the preparation, emotions, and legacy of the iconic tag team clash. The match, billed as a retirement bout for The Dudleys, delivered a memorable farewell steeped in family legacy and years of rivalry.
The Story Behind the Final Showdown
D-Von revealed that the idea of a final TLC (Tables, Ladders, and Chairs) encounter with The Hardys came about organically due to their legendary history and mutual respect. Both teams have defined tag team wrestling for over two decades, and Bound For Glory provided the perfect stage to close this chapter.
According to D-Von, the motivation was not just about ending things on a high note but also about honoring the fans who have supported them throughout their careers. “It’s not every day you get to close a career with a match that means so much to so many people, including ourselves,” he said in a recent interview.
High Stakes and Intense Physicality
The match itself was a brutal and physically demanding affair. Immediately after the bout, there was talk backstage about how much it took out of both teams, especially D-Von. Reports surfaced that he struggled with arm movement the day following the match, illustrating the toll such an intense confrontation exacted.
Sources close to the event confirmed that every bump, table crash, and ladder climb was executed with precision and heart, reflecting years of experience and the understanding that it could be their last battle against such worthy opponents.
Reflecting on Retirement: Not Necessarily the Final Goodbye
While the match at Bound For Glory was billed as the Dudley Boyz’s retirement, D-Von himself remains open to the possibility of returning to the ring under the right circumstances. Speaking candidly on a wrestling podcast, he admitted that although he believes the match was the “perfect send-off,” the right offer could tempt him back.
“Six figures—or even close to seven figures—can make a man do anything,” D-Von joked, highlighting the business side of wrestling. He acknowledged that while he doesn’t foresee WWE, or any promotion, making such an offer soon, the door is not completely closed.
This pragmatic stance aligns with the wrestling business reality where retirements are often flexible. Still, D-Von emphasized that repeating the TLC match or going down a similar path would be redundant, emphasizing the importance of leaving on a high note instead of eroding the moment’s significance.
AEW Talks and Behind-the-Scenes Roles
Post-WWE, D-Von expressed interest in continuing his involvement in wrestling beyond active competition. He reportedly had discussions with AEW President Tony Khan about possible backstage roles, including producing or managing. However, despite Khan’s eagerness to see him step back into the ring even for limited action, D-Von consistently stated he did not want to wrestle again at this juncture.
These talks ultimately didn’t lead to an on-screen AEW role, reflecting his focus on wrapping up his in-ring career on his own terms. According to insiders, D-Von values the creative control and stability of behind-the-scenes work but also cherishes the storytelling possibilities the ring provides.
Legacy of The Dudley Boyz and The Hardys
The Dudley Boyz vs. The Hardys rivalry is one of wrestling’s most celebrated. Their classic matches in WWE and TNA set new standards for tag team wrestling and TLC bouts in particular. The Bound For Glory encounter was not only a physical spectacle but a tribute to their enduring contribution to wrestling history.
Matt and Jeff Hardy themselves expressed deep gratitude following the match. They described the energy from the crowd as uplifting and emotionally charged, highlighting the meaningfulness of the occasion for everyone involved.
Backstage Insights
“Everyone knew this was a special moment,” confided a WWE insider familiar with the event. “D-Von and Bubba Ray wanted to give the fans something unforgettable. The Hardys have been their greatest rivals and friends for years. This match was like closing a circle — all the sacrifices, the history, culminating in one last, epic TLC battle.”
This sentiment was echoed by production staff who noted the atmosphere during the match was electric, almost reverential, as if all the years of tag team wrestling history were converging in those moments.
Where Does This Leave D-Von Dudley?
For now, D-Von is stepping back from active competition, satisfied with a career that spans multiple decades, promotions, and countless championships. However, given his openness to lucrative opportunities and a continued passion for the business, the wrestling world may not have seen the last of the Dudley legacy inside the squared circle.
His reflections emphasize balancing respect for the past with realism about the future. “You want to go out on a high, but wrestling is also a business,” D-Von remarked. “If the right deal comes along, you never know what can happen.”
Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely if any major promotion attempts to coax one of the greatest tag team wrestlers of all time back into action.
This article acknowledges D-Von Dudley’s heartfelt reflections and backstage perspectives sourced from wrestling interviews, podcasts, and industry insiders, providing a comprehensive overview of his emotional and strategic approach to this career milestone.
