Matt Hardy Calls Sunsetting Of AEW Dark And Elevation 'Bittersweet'

Earlier this week, it was reported that both "AEW Dark" and "AEW Dark Elevation" are coming to an end. The shows, which both aired for free on YouTube, were primarily used to provide talent with reps, typically meant for those not regularly featured in a prominent TV spot. AEW star Matt Hardy, speaking on his "Extreme Life of Matt Hardy" podcast, agreed with co-host Jon Alba that the move is "bittersweet," and shared his thoughts on the benefit they had for AEW.

"Both 'Dark' and 'Elevation' – I think it was a great testing ground," Hardy said. "Especially if someone wanted to try something new, if you had someone that wanted to experiment with some sort of angle, or if you had someone who had started an angle and for them to be able to supplement it on those shows." Hardy cited his recent storyline with Ethan Page as an example of something that got fleshed out on the YouTube shows before becoming a main part of AEW's programming. The AEW star also recounted fond memories of filming "Dark" during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic where they stayed at Daily's Place in Jacksonville, Florida until as late as 2:30 am taping matches.

"Every time we would go back to the hotel, Tony [Khan] would have full course meals for everyone," Hardy stated. "The brotherhood of the locker room was so great during that time. Everyone hung out, did their things. It was really a tight, tight clique."

The shows are reportedly ending due to a new deal signed between AEW and TNT/TBS parent company Warner Bros. Discovery. That deal is expected to be announced sometime this month, and stipulates that AEW programming will be exclusive to WBD properties, meaning "Dark" and "Elevation" would no longer be allowed to broadcast on YouTube.