The decision for The Hardys to drop the TNA World Tag Team Championships at Lockdown was about far more than simply crowning Nic Nemeth and Ryan Nemeth.
According to Matt Hardy, the title change is part of a long-term booking strategy designed to build Nic Nemeth into a top heel for rising star Leon Slater to eventually overcome.
Speaking on The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, the legendary tag team competitor addressed the outcome of their title defense, breaking down both the practical travel constraints and the overarching creative vision guiding TNA management.
Travel Restrictions and Building Nic Nemeth for Leon Slater
Addressing the immediate logistical factors behind the title change, Hardy revealed that upcoming television tapings scheduled in Canada played a role due to ongoing travel restrictions facing Jeff Hardy.
“First and foremost, TVs are in Canada and still Jeff has some difficulties coming into Canada. They’re really highlighting Nic Nemeth. They’re trying to turn him into a big deal because he is going to be the guy that Leon Slater is going to be going against when it’s all said and done.”
Hardy went on to explain that TNA is angling to position Slater for a historic milestone within the promotion.
“I think we’re, you know, we’re hoping to make Leon Slater, when it’s all said and done, the youngest TNA World Champion of all time.”
“I think right now there’s going to be a lot of—a lot of spotlight put on Nic Nemeth to really make him this heel that you want to see Leon Slater overcome and follow Leon Slater’s journey.”
Time Cut in the Main Event and Match Finish Details
The transition of the titles required sacrifice beyond the championship belts themselves. Hardy disclosed that their main event cage match at Lockdown was shortened significantly due to earlier segments running long on the broadcast schedule.
“We went in there, we had our match, ended up being happy with it, although the show was heavy and we lost time going in there, which is something that should not happen to the people who are the main.”
“If this would have been the ’90s, brother, heads would have rolled, no doubt. So, yeah, we had lost six minutes going out there.”
Despite losing six minutes of match time, both teams managed to execute the planned finish inside the steel cage. Hardy came off the top of the structure with an elbow drop onto Ryan Nemeth, but before he could score the pinfall, Nic caught him with his finishing move to secure the victory and the TNA World Tag Team Championship.
When co-host John Alba suggested that the match served to “sprinkle a little Hardy dust” on The Nemeths to elevate their status, Hardy agreed with the assessment.
“Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. No, I mean, that—that was the goal of this match, I think.”
With the titles now around the waists of Nic and Ryan Nemeth, the loss by The Hardys which was part of the broadcast scheduled for TNA Lockdown serves as the foundation for Nic Nemeth’s heel trajectory, setting up the eventual rise of Leon Slater in the TNA World Championship picture.
For more breaking TNA news, results, and backstage coverage, stay tuned to WrestlingAttitude.com.
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