Jeff Hardy Says AEW Seems "More Open Minded" And WWE "Is Kind Of Set In Their Ways"

WWE's Jeff Hardy was interviewed by Brian Rowitz of ESPN West Palm to promote an upcoming musical performance. Naturally, the topic turned to wrestling, starting with Hardy's long career.

"It's extremely surreal," Hardy reflected. "I don't understand it and I don't think I ever will. If I had been in WWE all those years I probably wouldn't be here as I am. I've just been very lucky and blessed. I can't put a number on how much longer I'll do it, but man I'm just doing it one day at a time."

Hardy was then asked about his brother Matt Hardy, currently wrestling in rival All Elite Wrestling. Hardy is proud that both are successful despite being in separate promotions.

"It's really cool," Hardy said. "Matt is in AEW and before the pandemic hit their crowds were just incredibly on fire. It was so exciting watching them. They're very different than WWE. I don't know how to explain it but they're like, more open minded. WWE is kind of set in their ways.

"It's changed many times over the years, especially since the Attitude Era. It's way different. Thank goodness we don't hit each other in the head with chairs anymore, because I worry about that. It's a lot safer now. But for me to be where I am in WWE now and for Matt to be in the other wrestling world, it's so cool. It's cool we can go our separate ways and still be successful."

Hardy was then asked Darby Allin, another AEW star that has frequently been compared to Hardy. He has taken the comparisons as a compliment.

"I'm so honored for people to say that, especially a guy like Darby Allin," Hardy said. "I've never met him, but when I watch him on AEW I go, 'Wow. He is a lot like me.'

"And he's actually like a real life stuntman. I've always kind of said — jokingly — that I don't even know how to wrestle. I think I'm just a stuntman when it comes to this stuff. I'm more about the moment and the highlights. My career has been based around that."

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit Brian Wowitz on ESPN West Palm with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.