Vince McMahon’s Wildest Pitch: The Untold Story Behind WWE’s “Ultimate Deletion” Match
The “Ultimate Deletion” match between Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt, filmed at the iconic Hardy Compound in North Carolina in 2018, remains a landmark moment in professional wrestling history. Often cited as a precursor to the cinematic matches that exploded in popularity during the pandemic, this contest wasn’t just innovative – it was a direct result of creative input from the very top of WWE. Now,Matt Hardy is revealing the surprising,and often bizarre,ideas Vince McMahon brought to the table.
From TNA Innovation to WWE Spectacle
Before captivating WWE audiences, the concept of the “Final Deletion” originated in TNA (now Impact Wrestling), where Matt Hardy first pioneered the over-the-top, cinematic style.The success of that match caught the attention of McMahon, who saw potential in expanding this unique presentation to a larger stage.However, translating the intentionally “hokey” charm of the original to WWE required navigating McMahon’s distinct creative vision.
A 2 AM Phone Call and a Scrapped Spot
Hardy recently detailed the stressful production process on his podcast, The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy. He recounted a particularly jarring experience: a 2 AM phone call from McMahon himself. Hardy had planned a dramatic leg drop from a tree onto Wyatt positioned on a table.
McMahon swiftly shut it down. He deemed the spot “too much fucking hokey wrestling,” believing it detracted from the match’s overall entertainment value. Instead, McMahon envisioned a more surreal and comedic element, referencing a “Benny Hill scene” and emphasizing Jeff Hardy’s family graveyard as a key visual component.
The Lake of Reincarnation and a… Live Fish?
But the scrapped table spot was just the begining. McMahon’s most outlandish idea centered around the match’s climactic finale – the Lake of Reincarnation. He proposed a scene directly inspired by horror icons like Jason Voorhees.
The pitch? Bray Wyatt would submerge himself in the lake,only to re-emerge with a live fish wriggling in his mouth,before sinking back into the depths. Hardy, understandably stunned, pointed out the logistical impossibility of acquiring a fish at 2 AM in rural North Carolina. He noted that even with advance planning, the request was…unrealistic.
“vince said what I would like to see is Bray go in this Lake of Reincarnation, and then he comes out at the end like jason voorhees, and he’s got a fucking fish in his mouth, and then he just sinks back underneath,” Hardy explained on his podcast. “He said, ‘Can we make that happen?'”
The Legacy of “Ultimate Deletion”
Despite the creative hurdles and mcmahon’s unconventional suggestions, “Ultimate Deletion” proved to be a resounding success.It showcased Hardy’s innovative spirit and willingness to push boundaries, while also offering a glimpse into the frequently enough-unpredictable creative process at the highest levels of WWE.
Today, Matt Hardy continues to compete, currently reigning as a TNA World Tag Team Champion alongside his brother, Jeff. The full story, and many more insights into his career, can be found on The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast.
Evergreen Insights: The Evolution of Cinematic Wrestling
The “Ultimate Deletion” wasn’t an isolated incident.It marked a turning point in professional wrestling, paving the way for a new era of cinematic matches. Here’s a look at how this style has evolved:
Early Precursors: Matches like Shawn Michaels vs. Cactus Jack at the 1997 Royal Rumble hinted at the potential for more than just in-ring action.
The Hardy Innovation: matt Hardy’s “Final Deletion” in TNA established the core elements: elaborate sets, pre-taped segments, and a willingness to embrace absurdity.
WWE’s Embrace: WWE initially experimented with cinematic matches during the pandemic, utilizing empty arenas and remote locations.
Continued Evolution: Today, cinematic matches continue to be refined, blending storytelling, visual effects, and innovative camera work.
FAQ: Decoding the “ultimate Deletion”
Q: What is the “Ultimate Deletion” match known for?
A: The “Ultimate Deletion” is celebrated for its innovative,cinematic style,pushing the boundaries of traditional professional wrestling presentation.
**Q: Where was the “Ultimate De
