The Best Of The Rest 12.17.08: Volume 69 - Jeff Hardy's Title Win... Wow.
Posted by Alex Mattis on 12.17.2008
Did you really think I wasn't going to talk about this? It did all start on a trampoline you know?
Hello all and welcome back to "The Best Of The Rest!" Hope all is well with everyone. Anyone else stoked as shit for the holidays? It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Well I was set to do one of my usual columns but sometimes material presents itself. At Armageddon John Cena won and Randy Orton lost so it was already a bad night, and then my favorite wrestler in the whole world won the WWE title... Jeff Hardy!!!! YAY!!! I'm sure his after party was something straight out of Motley Crue's '87/'88 tour. But anyway, anyone who knows me/reads my shit knows how I feel about Jeff Hardy but I'll be damned he has earned himself an entire column. This week's BOTR is all about Hardy's road to the title, the title win, and why it won't be worth two fucks and shit. So with that being said... LET'S GET DOWN TO IT!!!
First off I want to congratulate Jeff Hardy. Yes, it may come as a surprise to some but Jeff deserves some sort of props for reaching the title. Any man who sets out to achieve a goal and finally reaches it deserves some sort of pat on the back right? Well it was Jeff Hardy's goal to reach the WWE title and by some grace of God he did. He set out to do it and never gave up, never let anything stand in his way. Did he give up when he got in hot water with the E due to bad behavior? No. Did he give up when he was fired from the E due to erratic behavior, drug use, refusal to go to rehab, poor ring performance, constant tardiness, and no-showing events? No. Did he give up when he received the worst reception an ROH audience has ever given someone? No. Did he give up after doing nothing more than piddling around in the 2nd string company(TNA)? No. Did he give up when not even TNA would give him a world title? No. Did he give up the first time TNA suspended him for no-showing? No. Did he give up the second time TNA suspended him for no-showing? No. Did he quit after the E gave him a second chance and he violated the "wellness" policy? No. Did he quit when he was in the middle of a huge push, set to win the MITB match at WrestleMania, and violated the "wellness" policy again? Fuck No! That's not the Jeff Hardy way! The dude had a goal and let nothing stand in his way.
Now the fact that Jeff Hardy won the WWE title doesn't speak poorly of the individual, but the company. Jeff deserves recognition because the company thought that he was the best person to put their stock in. That's good for Jeff. But for Christ's sake what does that say about the E? I don't know of any wrestler that has been given more chances or been more unpredictable than Jeff Hardy and they fuckin' reward the guy by putting the world title on him. If that belt still had prestige I would be more pissed, but the last ounce of prestige that title had was tossed out when they turned it into a fuckin' spinner-whatever. Prestige would mean Hardy won the belt due to his ability, the honor he carries, and the respect he has not that he pushes merch and kids/teenage girls love him. The fact is the E is rewarding a guy who has blew his spot in the company before, blew his spot in the 2nd string company, and fucked up so bad everywhere else that he has rendered himself unless in the 3rd string company. I don't know of any wrestler who was in the same situation before, then rewarded by the number one professional wrestling company in the world. The E is showing some serious balls by putting faith in someone less predictable than Axl Rose circa '87. And yes I've made two hair-band references in one column.
So what is Jeff Hardy's title reign going to be like? Well did you see AJ Styles' title run in TNA or when Homicide won the ROH title? Well if you did you should know what you are in for. AJ, 'Cide, Jeff it's all the same (minus the fact that AJ and Homicide are great professional wrestlers). The fans love them and buy into them especially while their in the title hunt but when they reach the top the fans don't really buy into anything anymore; they see no point in it. And if AJ and 'Cide's title reigns have taught us anything it's that this won't last long. If fact if Jeff makes it to the Rumble with the belt I will be shocked. I still, unfortunately, see an Edge-Hardy title match on tap for 'Mania but with Edge going in as champ.
In conclusion, some people today compare Jeff to Mick Foley in regards to their style, career, and now their title wins. Well those people are wrong on the basis that Foley could actually tell a fuckin' story. Some may see both as "spot monkeys" or what-have-you but Foley's spots meant something and weren't just for the sake of "wow." Plain and simple Hardy doesn't deserve the title, doesn't deserve his push, his spot in the company, he doesn't deserve to be in the top professional wrestling company in the world. What kind of message does this send about professional wrestling today? You have to wonder what Trips and Edge felt losing in this match seeing as how they have never done anything to jeopardize their spot yet the guy who won has been fired before and is one strike away from goodbye. This idea of this title reign is ridonkulous but no need to worry too much, it should last too long.
Well, that's all for me this week.
Remember feedback, as always, is welcome at slash_632@hotmail.com or directly below.
*This Week's YouTube Sendoff*
^The only redeeming thing about seeing "The Day The Earth Stood Still"^
Take care and I'll see you right back here next week.
totally agreed... from a personal standpoint hardy deserves it, from a professional viewpoint... not really. but hey, good for business right.
Posted By: wow (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 01:24 PM
"Did he give up when he got in hot water with the E due to bad behavior? No. Did he give up when he was fired from the E due to erratic behavior, drug use, refusal to go to rehab, poor ring performance, constant tardiness, and no-showing events? No. Did he give up when he received the worst reception an ROH audience has ever given someone? No. Did he give up after doing nothing more than piddling around in the 2nd string company(TNA)? No. Did he give up when not even TNA would give him a world title? No. Did he give up the first time TNA suspended him for no-showing? No. Did he give up the second time TNA suspended him for no-showing? No. Did he quit after the E gave him a second chance and he violated the "wellness" policy? No. Did he quit when he was in the middle of a huge push, set to win the MITB match at WrestleMania, and violated the "wellness" policy again? Fuck No! That's not the Jeff Hardy way!"
LMFAO! That completely summed up why Jeff Hardy have won the Championship.
Posted By: Jaime (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 01:25 PM
What a fucking bitter prick you are.
Well Jeff Hardy is WWE Champion, Jeff Hardy is a Triple Crown winner, and Jeff Hardy is a Gland Slam Champion.
Its true, its damn true, so why don't you continue crying about in your mother's basement whilst the rest of us celebrate a great moment and a well deserved moment, for someone who has busted his ass for the company regardless of his personal problems, he aint the first person in wrestling to have drug problems, he won't be the last, get over it.
Long live the Hardy Era, Jeff Hardy your WWE Champion.
Guess what he's better than you.
Posted By: Jim (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 01:28 PM
I'm a Jeff Hardy fan, but I do agree with most of what you say. I'm not sure how long Hardy's title reign is gonna last, but right now he is the WWE Champion, so that will be on his wrestling pedigree forever. Sadly, the title has eroded into something that just looks really cool for the wrestlers to wear to the ring. If Jeff can keep his act together and prove to McMahon and Co. that he's a worthy champion, then maybe he'll have a number of title reigns before his time is through. Stay tuned.
Posted By: dude11767 (Registered) on December 17, 2008 at 01:30 PM
You left out the part when he shit in Diva's travelbags or when he tore up the hotel.
Posted By: Bernie Lomax (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 01:34 PM
Cosign.
In sports - you see people who make mistake after mistake given chance after chance. And whether they succeed or not is based on their ability on the field. They may or may not succeed - but it is up to that individual.
Here we have Jeff being given a championship. Not earning it in the sense of winning a sports championship - but he was given a championship in the scripted world of professional wrestling.
I have one opinion on why this is happening now. WWE officials know that at any time, Jeff will get his 3rd strike. And they know that he also pushes a lot of merchandise. So before he strikes out, let's get as much mileage out of this by making him a champion. This championship will increase his merchandise sales - no doubt. So let's maximize it now, because he might be gone tomorrow, next month - who knows? This is why they pulled the trigger now vs. Wrestlemania or the Rumble.
This championship is no reward to Jeff for his hard work - this victory is a chance for the WWE to make money.
And you Jeff Hardy fans know, deep down, that I'm right.
Posted By: BobbyC (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 01:35 PM
I can never take an article seriously when the F bomb is dropped every other sentence.
Posted By: Guest#6056 (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Again, I have to say that Hardy has had a lot of chances. However, I reiterate that since the days of Bruno Sammartino, just about every champion has been embroiled in controversy (I include steroid use in this, because it is/was prevalent with just about every champion since Bruno). Hulk Hogan - steroid freak who knew two wrestling moves...involved in the indictment of Vinnie Mac and both get off. There's a role model. Steve Austin - wife beater and adulterer. HHH - look at the old pics of him and look at him now..'roid freak #2.....Eddy Guerrero......don't need to say anything. You can add in 5-10 other champions that have been embroiled in controversy and have been given the title belt.
I'm not saying these men shouldn't have been given titles. All I'm saying is that because Hogan, Austin, etc...were good on the mic and extremely popular, we shouldn't let them off scot free while vilifying Hardy.
Posted By: Dorado (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Long live Jeff Harvey !!!!
Posted By: Mike Adamle (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 01:44 PM
You are just a hater. He earned his "top spot" because fans-- real, money paying fans, like him and support him by purchasing his DVDs and wearing his merchandise. Look in the crowd--- you see those arm warmers on every other person. Of course they are going to give the title to the person that earns the most money--guess who that is?? Jeff Hardy.
His matches have completely improved by the way, and are pretty exciting. Are they mat classics like benoit? Nope, but he has so much more personality and likability that it doesnt matter- and he doesnt even interview much. If it were all for ring performance, story telling, and "time he put in" Lance Storm wouldn't be home writing columns on the internet, he'd be a champ.
You can hate all you like, but Hardy earned his TOP spot by being able to get fans behind him, and put money and cheers behind him.
Your argument is silly. But I guess it makes you look like more of a "smart" fan, which is probably what you are going for. Hater.
Posted By: guest (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 01:59 PM
You totally forgot to mention the dog of his in the article. It's almost a 15-minute drive to some animal shelter where you can pick a replacement which you can lock away in your motorhouse for the sake of good times.
Posted By: Ammoo (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 02:24 PM
Article of the Year!
Can't wait for this POS to get fired!
Posted By: Slick (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 02:26 PM
I think we know who the real worthless piece of shit is Alex Mattis.
Go wank to some ROH.
Posted By: Bob (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 02:49 PM
I didn't realise people, especially those (and I'm assuming the author fits in to this category) of my generation that grew up amid the whole TLC-era, could hate Hardy. It's like people that hate the Beatles isn't it?
He got the top spot because in this world of sports entertainment, he stands above most in terms of his ability to entertain. He's not the best wrestler, he isn't the best at telling a story, but he captivates and entertains audiences worldwide through his efforts in the ring. These audiences may not comprise of many "smarks", they may not appreciate a drawn-out mat-based story in the ring, but they resemble the one that I, and my generation, represented before the internet became so prevalent in the sport. I find it hard to believe the author sat watching those TLC-era matches back in those days, smugly assessing Hardy's faults. I'm sure the liklihood is that he, like me, and like most who have continued to follow the product since then, was captivated similarly to todays audiences that have in their masses forced this historical moment to come to be.
And really, in the world of wrestling, you're going to slam him for his penchant for drugs? Yeah, so he isn't the kinda guy I'd employ if I were running McDonalds, but who the hell are you to act so righteously? A different take on your criticisms would be to conclude that despite his problems in life, he's currently managing to quell them and has been rewarded thusly. I understand you need to think of something to write, but seriously, this attempt is about as pathetic and desperate as Brett Michaels circa. 2008.
Posted By: Chungles (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 03:01 PM
"prestige I would be more pissed, but the last ounce of prestige that title had was tossed out when they turned it into a fuckin' spinner-whatever. Prestige would mean Hardy won the belt due to his ability, the honor he carries, and the respect he has not that he pushes merch and kids/teenage girls love him"
If you think ability and honor are more important than MAKING VINCE MCMAHON MORE MONEY, you're sadly mistaken. It's a business - champions are chosen on the basis of how much money they can draw the company, not "honor" or "respect."
Posted By: Rob (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 03:05 PM
Um, Jeff is the Champ because he overcame his problems, doesn't use drugs anymore, shows up for work, has great matches, especially with Triple H, and has the passion for the business. The E sees that, so they let him win the title. The past is the past. Move on. I don't see him having a long title reign, but at least he won it. He probably is going to be booked to lose it to Edge somehow when Koslov interferes in a Jeff Hardy vs Edge match, then he and Edge can feud over the title for a whiel with Jeff maybe winning the title again.
Posted By: Chico (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 03:05 PM
It'll all be rectified when Edge wins it back at the Rumble, don't worry.
Posted By: m8 (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Man.... I think this column pretty much sums up the whole IWC haters posse.
I'm a wrestling fan plain and simple and to me Jeff's win was an old school mark out moment which reminded me of being 10 years old watching Hogan and warrior going at it.
Regardless of what you think the mass majority of people are more than happy the the younger Hardy made history and I for one am even happier the haters are now out in force.
You come off like a 16 year old whining and bitching about someone youve probably never met nor likely to... You dont think he deserves the big one then fine but dont go on some hypocritical rant about his checkered past when you probably cream your pants when randy orton's music hits. (and we all know how much of a great role model he was!!)
If you think that taking some of the sickest bumps in the last 15 years for the enjoyment of others is undeserving then fine whatever. He is no angle, benoit etc but his matches are electric (regardless of what you think the majority will disagree) Just a shame that people like you think that others have to earn your repect to be rewarded.
Hardy is money....... lots of it. The mind boggles when an Internet columnist throws in lots of moral arguments about how deserving someone needs to be in order to be a top dog, in fact its mildly amusing. You might just be aiming for cheap heat which is even funnier
Posted By: gaz (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 05:06 PM
its about time someone wrote on here that hadry doesnt deserve the title. for all the reasons you stated above. it will be quite funny to watch him get suspensed for a third time while with the title. vince, wake up!!!
Posted By: rick goodwin (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 05:12 PM
And yet still, here you sit, writing columns for a wrestling website, looking from outside to in.
I don't understand what your beef is with Jeff, but I don't recall you saying the same things about Eddie Guerrero when he won the WWE Championship.
This isn't a story of someone who's managed to recieve rewards regardless of their mistakes, it's a story of one who has overcome their mistakes to recieve the rewards. Someone out there sees the good in Jeff, unlike you, and that's why he holds that belt.
Posted By: Guest#9183 (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 05:52 PM
"I don't understand what your beef is with Jeff, but I don't recall you saying the same things about Eddie Guerrero when he won the WWE Championship."
1. Unlike Jeff Hardy, Eddie was GOLD on the mic, as every legit champ NEEDS to be.
2. Unlike Jeff Hardy, Eddie wasn't a trailer-park trash hillbilly.
Posted By: Guest#5049 (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 06:44 PM
I gotta be honest, Alex. You really came across as a whiny bitch in this column. -* out of *****.
Posted By: Crazy (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 07:33 PM
Just what odds did he overcome? The guy fucked up, fucked up again, fucked up yet again, and just kept crawling back giving no proof whatsoever that he's learned anything so far. That's not him overcoming odds. That's just the dollar bills blindfolding Vince from damning this turd into the midcard limbo.
Posted By: Lolstrike (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 07:43 PM
WWE shocked the wrestling world. They grabbed are attention, and placed it in Jeff Hardy's hands. Him winning the WWE Championship, is the right way of tightening the grip. Jeff Hardy is unique, talented, and entertaining. If he didn't draw money, and the fans didn't demand a Jeff Hardy WWE title reign, he wouldn't be champion. Applaud Jeff, for his leap of faith into your thoughts.
Posted By: R. DaVanon (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 08:57 PM
I gues we'll all let RVD slide then. And don't forget Eddie and Benoit as well. How about the wifebeater Stone Cold? Yeah, seriously. Jeff isn't the first with demons in his life to get the top spot.
Posted By: Texter Morgan (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 09:24 PM
I believe that a true WWE champion should be a shining beacon of decency and morality, a person who has never done anything wrong and has committed no sins or transgressions in his entire life.
Thus, 60-year-old Bob Backlund should be given the strap back and he should hold it until the day he dies. Then CM Punk will take over from there.
This is the way it should be. Only perfect human beings (like myself, obviously; how else would I be able to say all of this without coming across as a total hypocrite?) can be champ.
Posted By: The REAL MP (Registered) on December 17, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Wow. What a grudge you must hold against the world.
Jeff Hardy has not only won MILLIONS of fans worldwide over his fifteen-year wrestling career, but has also earned MILLIONS of dollars for both himself and the companies he's worked for.
Dozens of other equally successful professional wrestlers have had personal problems far worse than Jeff's, and no-one has jumped on their back.
Anyone who can't acknowledge Jeff's talent and be happy for him to have finally achieved his lifelong dream is surely an extremely bitter, jealous individual - and anyone who doesn't think he's "earned" his title firstly knows nothing about professional wrestling as a business, and secondly should try volunteering to take some of the bumps he takes on a nightly basis.
Posted By: trueblue9997 (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 10:13 PM
Jeff Hardy won because of his ImagInation
Posted By: Guest#8707 (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 11:38 PM
I try to respect everyone's opinion but I just can't with yours. You show so much disdain for Jeff Hardy and yet praise Randy Orton who acted like a prick backstage with the Divas, trashed a hotel room, lied about taking drugs and put shit in someone's bag? At least Jeff owned up to his problems and he's the WWE champion now because he's a merchandise monster and the most ridiculously over guy in the business today, not just in WWE but in all organizations. Vince is a smart business man, long live the reign of Jeff Hardy and I piss all over your column Alex.
Posted By: Marty (Guest) on December 17, 2008 at 11:58 PM
I love you Alex, you sir speak the truth!
That paragraph about letting nothing standing in his way is the best thing ever on this site.
This just reeks of RVD v2.0 - No one gives a fuck when they are champion and are just waiting for him to fuck up again. Oh boy and WHEN Jeff does it, Hardy fans better be waiting to hear it.
Jeff Hardy deserves NOTHING, he had his 10 chances, you give me 10 chances to do something and I reckon I can do it too.
Posted By: Brad (Guest) on December 18, 2008 at 02:51 AM
Alex won't be happy until Bryan Danielson wrestles Randy Orton to a 60 minute draw in front of 26 people in some high school gym, with the two of them ending the match by pissing on John Cena's latest shirt together. If you don't like it, change the channel. You can stay locked in your room watching the latest ROH crap (they're always having a sale), and I don't have to waste my time reading this garbage.
Posted By: Tobey Kinson (Guest) on December 18, 2008 at 05:27 AM
"Did he give up when he got in hot water with the E due to bad behavior? No. Did he give up when he was fired from the E due to erratic behavior, drug use, refusal to go to rehab, poor ring performance, constant tardiness, and no-showing events? No. Did he give up when he received the worst reception an ROH audience has ever given someone? No. Did he give up after doing nothing more than piddling around in the 2nd string company(TNA)? No. Did he give up when not even TNA would give him a world title? No. Did he give up the first time TNA suspended him for no-showing? No. Did he give up the second time TNA suspended him for no-showing? No. Did he quit after the E gave him a second chance and he violated the "wellness" policy? No. Did he quit when he was in the middle of a huge push, set to win the MITB match at WrestleMania, and violated the "wellness" policy again? Fuck No! That's not the Jeff Hardy way!"
Great poetry, my man! LOL
Posted By: DoubleADaGreat (Guest) on December 18, 2008 at 07:09 AM
Another troll with a column.
Posted By: Big Fat Fag (Guest) on December 18, 2008 at 07:50 AM
And now I know why there's only a couple of columns on here that I'll read.
Jeff Hardy is hugely over with all kinds of different WWE fans, he's overcome his demons and put a load of effort into climbing back up and overcoming a huge personal tragedy without backsliding and yet he doesn't deserve another chance?
The only good part is that Jeff Hardy himself and his huge amounts of fans that are celebrating his final big win don't give 2 shits about some smark writer with an attitude problem writing about him on a website.
Posted By: Col (Guest) on December 18, 2008 at 03:51 PM
The real problem with Hardy is that it's not plausible for him to beat any of the major contenders. He's small, noit especially technically-skilled, and his offense looks flip-floppy rather than injurious. Whom could he believably defeat? Edge? Kozlov? HHH? Shelton? MVP? Hardy just is not championship material, no matter what his boosters say. McMahon'll have the belt off of him by Mania.
Posted By: Iron Knee (Guest) on December 18, 2008 at 05:27 PM
You guys say "bitter" like it's supposed to be offensive or something. The term is a description for a person who is disappointed at something. There's lots to be disappointed about in the upcoming horror.
Posted By: Achoo (Guest) on December 19, 2008 at 05:32 AM
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