Grayson Waller has stirred the WWE universe by openly dismissing the legacy of The Hardy Boyz, one of wrestling’s most iconic tag teams. In a recent interview on Insight With Chris Van Vliet, Waller took a blunt approach to The Hardys’ famed ladder matches, claiming their signature stunts are overrated and even asserting The New Day outshines them as a team.
Waller’s Candid Criticism of The Hardys
During the interview, Waller did not hold back his opinion on Matt and Jeff Hardy. Reflecting on their old-school ladder matches, he said, “They’re just falling off a ladder. That’s so hard? I could do that. You know how many fail videos I’ve seen on YouTube of people, old people, falling off ladders? I’ve seen it happen before.” His message was clear: he’s unimpressed by the Hardys’ style, dismissing their legendary reputation in favor of a more grounded view of their most famous spots[1][2][4].
This blunt dismissal is particularly bold given The Hardy Boyz’ decorated career, which includes multiple WWE, TNA, and NXT tag team championships, as well as their groundbreaking TLC (Tables, Ladders, and Chairs) matches that helped redefine tag team wrestling in the late ’90s and early 2000s.
Why Waller Prefers The New Day
More importantly, Waller contrasted The Hardys directly with The New Day, labeling The latter as “dog walking” the Hardys. He praised The New Day’s ability to “turn anything into something huge,” reflecting on their consistent creative innovation, charisma, and team cohesion.
Waller’s admiration for The New Day is rooted in their versatility — they manage both comedic elements and serious wrestling with equal skill, drawing huge reactions from fans worldwide. Contrastingly, Waller views The Hardys’ ladder-based spots as “just falling,” implying a lack of depth beyond their signature moves[1][4][5].
Context: The Hardys’ Recent WWE/NXT Involvement
Despite Waller’s rebellious opinion, it’s worth noting that The Hardys recently held the NXT Tag Team Championships after winning at the NXT vs. TNA event, marking a historic moment as they were the first TNA wrestlers to hold WWE titles. However, they lost the belts back to DarkState at NXT Halloween Havoc in a stipulation-laden “Broken Rules” match[1][2].
Their involvement in NXT and other promotions affirms The Hardys remain active and relevant, still drawing interest from fans across wrestling’s evolving landscapes. Yet, Waller’s comments suggest the new generation is ready to redefine what makes a tag team compelling.
Backstage Buzz: Divided Opinions in WWE Locker Rooms
According to a WWE insider familiar with locker room sentiments, “Waller’s comments are part of his persona — he likes to push buttons and get reactions. But there’s real respect for The Hardys behind the scenes. They’re legends who paved the way for many stars, including guys like Waller.”
The insider added, “Most vets appreciate what The Hardys brought to the table. But Waller’s new-school mindset is about innovation and evolving the craft, which includes recognizing teams like The New Day who constantly reinvent themselves.”
This split underscores the ongoing generational tension in WWE, where traditional stars and emerging talent sometimes clash on wrestling style and legacy.
The Impact on Grayson Waller’s Rising Profile
Grayson Waller’s willingness to challenge beloved figures like The Hardys has arguably elevated his profile as a provocateur and mouthpiece for a fresh WWE era. His outspoken nature garners attention from both fans and analysts, positioning him as a key voice in NXT’s next chapter.
Industry observers note, “Waller’s remarks, while controversial, serve to spark conversations about wrestling evolution and who shapes the future versus who defines the past.”
What This Means for WWE Storytelling and Tag Team Wrestling
Waller’s critique highlights a larger storyline often echoed in WWE creative — the tension between honoring wrestling history and spotlighting new talent who bring different skill sets and story possibilities.
Within tag team wrestling, this rivalry between legacy acts like The Hardy Boyz and innovators like The New Day represents a natural evolution. WWE seems eager to build up teams that can both respect past pillars and simultaneously deliver fresh, dynamic content that resonates with contemporary audiences.
Final Thoughts
Grayson Waller’s candid thoughts on The Hardy Boyz signal a bold, no-nonsense approach to wrestling discourse. By downplaying the Hardys’ hallmark ladder matches and elevating The New Day’s multifaceted performance style, Waller is staking his claim as a voice for WWE’s future.
While many fans and insiders continue to honor The Hardys as pioneers of a golden era, voices like Waller’s ensure the debate about wrestling’s best teams remains vibrant and relevant — blending respect with healthy competition.
“He’s challenging the status quo in ways that get people talking,” a WWE creative team member told us. “That’s good for business and keeps the locker room lively.”