Matt Hardy Criticizes AEW for Setting a Bad Example with Syringe Spot at All Out

AEW brought a violent conclusion to All Out 2024. Adam Page and Swerve Strickland destroyed each other, with Hangman certainly coming out on top in outlandish fashion. He used a cinder block, a hypodermic needle, and a brutal unprotected chair shot to finish the job. That called for Strickland to take a break from AEW, and the commentary continues on whether they went too far.

AEW already faced significant backlash after a controversial moment in the All Out Lights Out Steel Cage match between Swerve Strickland and Adam Page, where a hypodermic needle was used. Strickland and Page pushed the limits of violence throughout the bout, which featured weapons like staple guns and cinder blocks. However, the use of a needle by Page on Strickland drew particular criticism, with many feeling that the spot crossed a line and was unnecessary. Despite the brutal nature of the match, which included intense bloodshed and dangerous stunts, it was the needle spot that left a lasting impression and sparked debate about the boundaries of acceptable violence in professional wrestling.

On a recent episode of the Extreme Life with Matt Hardy podcast, the former WWE and AEW star shared his thoughts on the intense and sometimes controversial violence showcased at AEW’s All Out pay-per-view, specifically during the match between Swerve Strickland and Hangman Adam Page. AEW has been known for pushing the envelope in terms of violence, but according to Hardy, one moment during the match crossed a line and left him questioning the reasoning behind it.

Matt Hardy specifically called out the use of a syringe during the match, which saw Strickland shove a needle into Page’s mouth. While AEW is no stranger to incorporating graphic and violent spots, Hardy questioned how the syringe fit into the broader story of the match.

“The thing that stood out to me the most, and maybe bothered me the most, was the syringe into Swerve’s mouth. I just don’t really know where it fell into the story context-wise. It just felt like they were just pulling out a syringe because it was a bit they could do that would be violent and look graphic and gruesome.”

Matt Hardy went on to compare the syringe spot to an infamous moment from a Hell in a Cell match between his brother Jeff Hardy and Randy Orton. In that match, Orton used a screwdriver to twist Jeff’s earlobe, a moment that was equally shocking but made more sense in the context of the match. “There’s a toolbox under the ring, so when Randy pulls out the screwdriver, you can buy that. But where do syringes come into play? Are they just sitting under the ring next to the chairs and ladders? It felt out of place,” Hardy explained.

Hardy’s criticism wasn’t just about the logic of the spot, it was also about the potential negative connotations associated with syringes in professional wrestling. He mentioned how the wrestling industry, particularly WWE, has had its fair share of issues with steroid abuse and other substances, and incorporating a syringe into a match could send the wrong message.

“Syringes have really bad connotations. With all the stuff about steroids, or people using drugs like Ketamine back in the late ’90s, I just don’t think a syringe is the greatest prop to bring into a wrestling match. If you’re going for shock value, there are other ways to do that without using something that carries such negative associations.”

Matt Hardy also discussed the use of unprotected chair shots, another controversial aspect of the match that some fans and critics felt crossed the line. While acknowledging that chair shots can have a dramatic effect, Hardy, who has suffered his share of head trauma throughout his career, expressed concern about the impact they can have, especially given what we now know about CTE and concussions.

“I’m not a big advocate of unprotected chair shots anymore. We know so much more now about head trauma and its effects. I can tell my mind doesn’t work the way it used to 30 years ago, and that’s because of the head trauma I’ve taken. I get that chair shots have a big impact visually, but I don’t think we should be encouraging that kind of thing in this day and age.”

In addition to the syringe and chair shot spots, Hardy also referenced another controversial moment involving Jon Moxley placing a bag over Bryan Danielson’s head. He noted that while the spot was reminiscent of a similar moment between Terry Funk and Ric Flair, it could be problematic for younger viewers.

“I remember that vividly when Terry Funk did that to Ric Flair, so in a way, it was nostalgic. But if you’re watching that with your family and kids, it’s probably not something you want them to see. I think if AEW is aiming their product strictly at hardcore fans who enjoy that kind of thing, then fine. But if they want to appeal to families, they might want to reconsider some of these more violent moments.”

Hardy concluded by reiterating that while there’s a place for shock and violence in wrestling, AEW might need to consider how these moments are perceived by their broader audience, especially families with young children.

“If you’re marketing the show strictly for the sickos, then go nuts. But if you want families to be comfortable watching, some of this stuff might be a bit much.”

As AEW continues to push boundaries with its hardcore style, it’s clear that not everyone, especially veterans like Hardy, feels that every shock tactic is necessary or appropriate for the product. We will have to see what Tony Khan’s company pulls out of their hat next.

Keep checking back with us here at Ringside News for more on this story and so much more. It will be interesting to see how AEW follows up from that violent match in Chicago, and how long Swerve Strickland’s break will be.

What’s your take on the AEW All Out Lights Out cage match? Did they go too far? Let us know what you think in the comments section!