D-Von is happy with the way he retired.
At Bound For Glory, The Hardys and Team 3D (aka The Dudleys) put fans through an emotional rollercoaster ride that ultimately saw Matt & Jeff successfully beat the decorated multi-time Tag Team Champions. The cap on the feather was Bully Ray and D-Von leaving their boots in the ring, confirming that it was the end of the road for both men, at least when it comes to wrestling inside a ring.
But before the sappy and heart-wrenching tearjerker, Both teams spoke to Justin Barrasso of the Boston Herald and expressed his desire to do this match because he wanted to leave wrestling on his terms.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to go out there and wrestle for one last time,” said D-Von. “Vince McMahon wanted me to retire and be a producer in WWE, which is why I originally retired [in 2016]. I’m healthy, I’m ready, and this is my chance to finally go out on my terms.”
From the moment this match was announced, there was heavy criticism from the masses. Both Bully and D-Von are nearing 50 and the latter suffered a stroke in 2019. While the concern from fans and critics was understandable, Bully Ray felt that everyone had no clue what they’re talking about.
“For those who don’t think this is a good idea, they don’t have a clue what they’re talking about,” said Bully. “This is about the two most decorated and iconic tag teams of all time going out there one last time. People still talk about our match at Madison Square Garden from 25 years ago. We’re going to create a new memory in our final table match.”
The Hardys and The Dudleys certainly didn’t hold back at Bound For Glory. The match was brutal and violent, which is nothing new for either team. D-Von knew the match would be extreme and felt that it should be because they owed the fans.
“It was madness back then,” said Jeff Hardy. “Now we’re near the end of our careers, but we’re still out here going through tables and jumping off ladders, which is insane. This match in Lowell is going to be extreme – it has to be. We owe that to the fans.”
Matt chimed in on the interview and marked this match as the end of an era.
“You’re going to see the four of us close out the end of an era,” said Matt Hardy. “At the end of the night, there will be real emotion. We’re going to tell a great story and celebrate the legacy of wrestling.”
That they certainly did. Check out the Tables match between The Hardys and Dudleys if you can.