Underrated Rivalries: Matt Hardy and MVP

In July of 2007, Matt Hardy and Montel Vontavious Porter sparked one of the most unique and underrated feuds in WWE history.

Although they’ve both reached greater heights, Matt Hardy and MVP still put on quite the show for months, making it long-lasted and fun to watch.

The rivalry began when Matt Hardy defeated WWE United States Champion MVP in a non-title match. MVP then claimed that he was “better than Hardy at everything”. Because of this, their feud took an interesting twist: contests.

Both competitors took part in a chess match, arm wrestling contest, boxing match, and a basketball game. These contests continued until SummerSlam 2007, when the two were scheduled for a beer drinking contest. But rather than both Superstars drinking, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin arrived at the arena.

He started drinking after he performed a stunner on MVP. This surprise appearance made fans nostalgic to see a legend, while it also added to hype between Hardy and MVP. Although this event was great for business and entertainment, MVP must have thought differently, as he suffered a legitimate injury.

MVP returned about a month later, and he surprisingly chose Hardy to be his tag team partner. Even more shockingly, the two Superstars won the WWE Tag Team Championship on an edition of SmackDown!

Another key aspect of this feud is that there were two titles involved, as opposed to one. When one title was lost, there was still the other championship in the picture. WWE recognized this when MVP and Matt Hardy lost a title match on SmackDown! on November 18, when they lost the titles to John Morrison and The Miz. Directly after the match, MVP invoked his rematch clause. Hardy and MVP lost once again, then MVP viciously attacked his partner, leading to Hardy’s four-month hiatus. However, MVP was still holder of the United States Championship.

WrestleMania XXIV was home to Hardy’s surprise return. He forced MVP to lose the Money in the Bank Ladder Match after a Twist of Fate from the ladder. Hardy made the crowd even more excited at Backlash 2008, where he won the United States Championship from MVP, ending his 343 day reign as champion. Five days later on SmackDown!, Hardy retained his title against MVP. This built Hardy’s momentum, while also ending the feud between the two Superstars.

Over the course of their feud, there were several records and first-time occurrences. Most notably, MVP set the record for longest United States Championship reign in the WWE era. Hardy spent a total of nine months in pursuit of the US title. In addition to this, Matt won his first tag team championship, in which he wasn’t partners with his brother, Jeff. This also marked Matt’s eighth tag team title.

With all the changes of customs that took place during their rivalry, MVP and Matt Hardy kept fans on their toes, making it one of the most interesting and exciting feuds to happen in WWE.