Former WWE star Matt Hardy recently denied accusations that he leaked backstage information about AEW’s infamous Brawl Out incident involving CM Punk and The Elite.
The veteran wrestler addressed the claims during an appearance on The Mack Down Report.
The backstage altercation following AEW All Out 2022 became one of the company’s most controversial moments. Hardy made it clear he had nothing to do with leaking information about what happened behind the scenes.
Hardy explained the accusation never made sense as he has always believed in protecting the wrestling business.
“I think this is a misconception that people online seem to have, especially from that time when AEW and the CM Punk situation and the whole ‘Brawl Out’ deal happened with him and The Young Bucks,” Hardy said. “I’ve always been great buddies with the Bucks, and I’ve always liked them a lot. But when all that happened, people were like, ‘Well, Matt Hardy’s the one leaking all this. He’s leaking it to the dirt sheets.’”
Hardy continued:
“And it’s funny, because I’m actually an advocate for not doing that. I’m an advocate for protecting everything in the business. I’ll give my opinions when there’s something I can talk about, but when people leak stuff to the dirt sheets that hurts or damages the product, I don’t believe in that at all.”
Old School Mentality
Hardy explained his mindset comes from an old-school view of the wrestling industry. He understands online coverage and backstage news are now a major part of modern wrestling but he does not support leaking damaging information.
“I think we have to protect our industry. That’s kind of the old-school side of me,” Hardy stated. “I understand that all this stuff is relevant now, the internet, coverage, everything, it’s a constantly evolving world. But as far as me trying to bury someone or leak something, I don’t do that. I’m not that guy. But that’s what a lot of the sickos said, because they weren’t fans of me.”
The Brawl Out incident remains one of AEW’s most controversial incidents and it impacted CM Punk, The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, and the company’s public image. Hardy’s comments show he wants no part of being tied to the leaks and gossip that surrounded the situation.