Matt Hardy Defends Jey Uso’s Short WWE Title Run, Says He’s “Not Buried” – Matt Hardy has weighed in on the divisive discussion surrounding Jey Uso’s brief reign as World Heavyweight Champion, calling it a meaningful milestone and rejecting any claims that Uso has been “buried.”
On The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, the wrestling veteran addressed the backlash from fans following GUNTHER’s recapturing of the title from Jey on the June 9 episode of RAW. The match ended Uso’s first world title reign at just 51 days, after he dethroned GUNTHER at WrestleMania 41 in what many saw as a feel-good career climax years in the making.
Despite the reign being short-lived, Hardy insisted it was far from a burial. He emphasized that holding a world title, no matter the duration, proves a performer’s status in the company.
“Well, I’m glad he got his title reign. I’m glad they let him go out there. They let him do their thing, let him do his thing, and they elevated him. I feel like he deserved an opportunity just to see how far he could get, how big he could get over, because he does have an emotional connection with so many of the WWE fans. So I’m glad, I’m glad they did it.”
He added that the way the reign ended—returning the title to GUNTHER—wasn’t a step backward, and instead helped further establish both men.
“The fact that he had that run and he lost it back to GUNTHER. Even in that fashion, I like all that. I’m fine with all that, and it’s going to be interesting to see what’s next with Jey, see if the Usos come back and have a dominant tag team run.”
Hardy emphasized that simply being awarded the title cements a superstar’s credibility.
“It’s just nice that he was able to dip his toe, dip his feet, into the waters of a Main Event player. I think he earned that, and I’m glad he got the opportunity to do it… No, he’s not buried. He’s not buried at all. If you’ve been awarded the world title, you are definitely not buried.”
He also sees a silver lining in GUNTHER regaining the championship, noting the potential to build on his legacy.
“I feel like if it is done the right way, if it is done the right way, it could be huge for GUNTHER. I think he could grow his legend and his legacy.”
Jey Uso’s emotional connection with the WWE Universe and his proven drawing power make his future an intriguing one. Whether he remains in singles competition or reunites with his brother Jimmy Uso, Hardy is confident this isn’t the end of Jey’s story—just another chapter.
Matt Hardy Defends Jey Uso’s Short WWE Title Run, Says He’s “Not Buried”
