Who has made the greatest impact in professional wrestling history? That question could be answered by many different names.
You've got Hulk Hogan (only had three moves), you've got Bret Hart (he had the personality of a soda can), you've got The Rock (sell-out), you've got Ric Flair (does he know what "retirement" means?), you've got Triple H (married to the boss), you've got Shawn Michaels (he screwed Bret), and so many other worthless pieces of wrestling history.
Why are they worthless, you ask? Because they all pale in comparison to the extreme, charismatic, rainbow-haired, fate twisting, enigmatic warrior—Jeff Hardy.
For years, Jeff Hardy provided fans with unselfish entertainment. He would put his body on the line, all for the sake of entertaining fans. He built a special connection and relationship with his fans, one that cannot be duplicated.
Jeff has many detractors as well. Similar to other greats such as Hogan, Flair, The Rock, and, Shawn Michaels, people love to hate Jeff Hardy. As the old saying goes, "you can't be considered great, if you don't get your hate." Even though I just made that quote up, there's no denying Jeff gets the love and hate necessary to make him great.
Some will say "oh, Jeff doesn't have enough World Titles to be considered great." Another misinterpretation on the Hardy hater's part. If it was simply based on World Title reigns, Batista would be greater than Shawn Michaels. Clearly there's more to it.
In order to even earn a World Title, Hardy had to work his way up by dominating the tag team and mid card divisions. Some will ask, "didn't Edge and Christian dominate the tag team division?"—how wrong they are. Edge and Christian split in 2001, the same time that the Hardyz won their tag titles. Was it a mere coincidence? I'd say no.
The Hardyz have even held the WCW Tag Team titles, despite not competing in WCW! That says it all.
Aside from his World Titles, the most prestigious title Hardy has on his list is the Intercontinental title. He is by far the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time.
Some will say Jericho and Honky Tonk Man were better champs. How many times did Honky hold the title? How long did Jericho hold the title? Make no mistake about it: Hardy is indeed greater than the rest. Umaga and John Morrison's best feuds—along with their best matches—came from the Intercontinental Champion, Jeff Hardy.
Still not convinced of Hardy's greatness? Aside from the fact that he is indeed a Grand Slam Champion, let's take a look at the top five superstars of this decade (excluding Jeff), and let's see how many of them Hardy has beat:
- Triple H? Check
- The Undertaker? Check
- Chris Jericho? Check
- Edge? Check
- Shawn Michaels? And check!
The list goes on and on, but the point is they all fell one by one to Jeff Hardy. In 2008, the backbone of Smackdown for the past 3 years, was sent to hell by the Undertaker. Many fans were left pondering how Smackdown could possibly recover from the loss of the Rated R Superstar.
Jeff Hardy provided us with some of the most entertaining television we've seen in a long time. He chased after the WWE Championship in consecutive Pay-Per-Views. The fact that he had to work his way up the way he did, put some legitimacy around the belt. He finally won the belt at the end of the year, defeating Edge and Triple H in a triple threat match.
An accomplishment that cannot be taken for granted, Jeff defeated the two most storied champions in WWE history. Although his reign was short-lived, he has cemented his place in history with his World Title wins.
Jeff Hardy defies odds night in and night out, to the point where people begin to wonder "is there anything this man cannot do?"
At the young age of 25, Hardy took it to the Deadman in a 30-minute, hard-fought bout. How many 25-year-olds can stand up to, and compete with, one of the most intimidating superstars in history? I'd say not many.
Hardy overcame so many obstacles to reach the pinnacle of the WWE. At a young age, he decided he wanted to become a pro wrestler. His dad, who couldn't afford to send him to wrestling school, told him it would never happen.
That didn't stop Jeff, along with his brother Matt, from religiously training themselves, imitating their favorite tag team, the Rockers.
His hard work paid off, as Jeff was given a spot on live television, to wrestle against Razor Ramon at the young age of 16. Only a truly great wrestler would be given an opportunity like that.
Hardy was told he was too much of a screw-up to ever be champion, he was also told he wasn't built to be champ. Jeff proved you can overcome past issues (he's innocent until proven guilty), and you don't have to be a muscle-head to be a successful wrestler.
Despite what people say, Hardy gave it his all, night in and night out. Unlike so many today, he worked his way up to reach the top. What he lacks on the mic, he more than makes up for with his charisma and in-ring abilities.
He brought the A-game out of Internet favorites John Morrison and CM Punk. He broke his back fighting through injuries, all for the sake of his fans.
He is one of—if not the most—captivating, innovative, and breath-taking superstars in professional wrestling. Jeff Hardy truly left his Swanton Bomb in wrestling history.
For all the pain you had to endure to bring us unselfish entertainment, thank you, Jeff!
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