Click HERE to read my reaction to Austin and Triple H's assault on Lita
Click HERE to read my reaction to Lita and Matt's first kiss
Besides writing insane web pages dedicated to Lita, I also have WWF related content in which I rank the superstars in the WWF according to several factors. I do so in a by-weekly Top 20 for solo performers and Top 10 for Tag Teams. This is how Lita and her Hardy Boy companions have fared along with my commentary for each.
LITA- #9. I may not give sympathy rankings, but I sure as hell give favouritism rankings. I can always justify my high rankings of Lita due to her enormous popularity, which is a huge part of what goes into a performer's ranking. The past three weeks have been pretty big for Lita. Her challenge to Chyna developed nicely, although it could have been better. She got to square off against Molly and Ivory, introduced a submission move to her repertoire, put on a great show in her match with Chyna, and made my year by coming out not once, but twice in Calgary. While I was a little a disappointed that she didn't wrestle while in Calgary, I was still on cloud nine to see the love of my life live in the flesh.
ME- #20. That's right, me, the man that makes the rankings. Without me there would be no rankings (okay, that's not true- there would just be one less site out of the thousands that already exist). I was one of the thousands of rabid fans for RAW IS WAR, playing an important role to the integrity of the broadcast. If it were not for my cheering, perhaps Canadians like Benoit and Jericho would not get there push. Plus, I kept the merchandise machine rolling by purchasing a Team Extreme shirt and cap. Also, I swear Lita looked right at me and my sign ("MY ONLY PURPOSE IN LIFE IS TO SEE LITA") when she came out with the Hardy Boyz and Guerrero. We shared a moment. (To see me and my sign, click here).
THE HARDY BOYZ- #4. Normally, a feud with X-Factor drops you in the rankings, it did with the Dudley Boyz last time. However, that isn't the case with the Hardys. There are a few reasons for that: first, I'm a huge Hardy Boyz fan, so I'm naturally biased. Second, I like the Eddie Guerrero angle. Third, how amazing was Jeff's leapfrog off one ladder, over the other, then through Buh-Buh Ray and the announce table? Also: I'm still a little rapturous over seeing Lita live in the flesh.
LITA- #17. Sorry to say it, but I could not rank my one, true love any higher. Actually I'm glad this match with Chyna developed or I wouldn't have much reason to rank her at all (except her Sunday Night Heat match with Molly Holly that preceded Backlash, which probably would have been enough to sway my bias). Now, however, it looks as though we will finally get the women's match many have anticipated for a long time- Chyna's power vs Lita's finesse. The problem (other than the fact that I'm sure Lita will lose)? When Lita called Chyna out on Raw, both ladies screwed up. I don't know if it was because the two are good friends (a lame excuse, they're professionals and should perform like it), if it was the set up (they were supposed to be in cheerful, playful spirits) or the technical difficulties (Lita's music came in early) but they both laughed their way through Lita's challenge. They both better do some good work between now and Judgment Day, especially during the match itself, because the fate of the Women's Division may depend on it.
MATT HARDY- #10. The second Hardy to debut as a singles competitor in the top ten in consecutive postings. Jeff Hardy winning the IC strap against Triple H was a bit of a stretch of credibility (although not impossible, look at Hasim Rahman vs Lennox Lewis: upsets can happen when an opponent is underestimated), but Matt Hardy winning the European Title is more credible, for the time being. I'm actually pretty surprised that Matt hung on to the European Title after Backlash, I figured him winning was a way for the Hardy Boyz and Edge and Christian to be involved in the PPV without squaring off for the 1,416th time as tag-teams.
THE HARDY BOYZ- #3. It is hard to judge the Hardys collectively of late, since each has been busy in singles competition. However, they still get their pop (as evidenced when they fought with Taker and Kane) and are still the most popular tag team in the WWF. Good enough for number three, I guess (there isn't that many good tag team competitors at the moment to tell you the truth).
LITA- #11. Do you have any idea how much it killed me to leave Lita off of the rankings last time? I had to maintain some semblance of professionalism (even though running this site is not a profession), and since Lita had only served as an extension of the Hardy Boyz in the weeks leading up to and including Wrestlemania, I could not rank her. This time out, she not only defeated Spike Dudley one-on-one on Heat, she was the key ingredient in furthering along Team Extreme, first when she spoke with Linda, then when she took the beating from Austin and Helmsley. Speaking of that beating, there has been a wee bit of controversy involving TSN's editing of that episode. To read my opinion, click Lita Potpourri here.
JEFF HARDY- #8. Quite the debut for Jeff on the solo rankings, huh? Actually, if this list had come out before RAW, he probably would have been higher. The WWF has been touting his victory over Triple H as one of the "greatest upsets of all-time" and maybe it would have been if wwf.com hadn't spoiled it before Smackdown! had aired. Regardless, the past two weeks have put the Hardys over, with Jeff's matches against Triple H thrusting one of the most unique performers in WWF history into the spotlight where he belongs.
THE HARDY BOYZ- #1. No three-way tie this time. By facing off against the two biggest names in the business, Team Extreme has had the biggest two weeks of their careers. Whether or not their feud with Austin and Triple H is over (which would be a huge mistake) the Hardys and Lita are over (in the good way). It's not just that the three of them faced Austin, Helmsley and Stephanie, it's not just that Jeff defeated Triple H for the IC strap, it's not just that Matt jumped Austin. It's the fact that the Hardys found their way on Austin and Triple H's respective radars, that's what has vaulted all three to the next level.
LITA- NOT RANKED.
THE HARDY BOYZ- #1 (Three Way Tie with The Dudley Boyz and Edge and Christian). I know, a tie is such a cop-out, but after seeing TLC II, I feel totally justified in giving these three groups a three-way tie. That match was simply unbelievable. The element of three new players (Lita, Spike and Rhyno) just added to what would have already been a breathtaking display. The match hit so many high-points, from Jeff's swan-ton bomb on Rhyno and Spike from the ladder through a table, to Lita's hurricaranna on Rhyno, to Matt and Buh Buh Ray going through the four table set-up, to Buh Buh Ray powerbombing Jeff through Edge and a table, Spike hitting the Acid Drop on Christian through a table, Rhyno gorging Matt through a table, Jeff jumping across three ladders, only to be speared in mid-air by Edge... it goes on and on. Ultimately, it did not matter who won the match, all these teams walked out of Wrestlemania as winners- Edge and Christian just happened to get the belts. But a three-way tie? Right now, nothing separates them. Since the last rankings, all three teams have held the titles. One could argue that E&C's seven-time tag titles puts them ahead. Well, one of those reigns was an hour (another of them was a day, as Los Conquistadors). One could argue the addition of Rhyno gives E&C an edge. Come on, do you really think I'm going to say Rhyno is a greater asset than Lita?
LITA- #14. I bet you thought I forgot about Lita (like that would ever be possible). After losing her title match with Ivory, then simply escorting the Hardy Boyz to the ring, I just couldn't justify ranking Lita (love of my life she may well be) higher than those above. The WWF's treatment of her has been baffling. People are obviously interested, so give us more.
THE HARDY BOYZ- #1. The prophecy of Andy: "the top tag teams of the WWF are so close, I'll give the Dudleyz their time on top, because it will soon be someone else's turn". With Wrestlemania X-Seven on the horizon, it is the Hardy Boyz time (I guess it would have been more impressive if I had predicted the Hardys win, but I can't spoil everything for you all). The Hardys had to be involved in Wrestlemania, no one brings down the house like these two. Now if the other tag teams would just stay healthy enough to give these guys a challenge...
LITA- #6. This was arguably the biggest month in Lita's career. First, she got her first chance on the mic when she called out Malenko on Smackdown!, then the kiss. To read my views on that whole situation go to "The Kiss" section. It was odd to see her left out of the PPV, but notice that she doesn't miss a TV show, no small feat given the roster's current size. Next stop: WWF Women's Title.
THE HARDY BOYZ- #2. Maybe I'm making too much of this whole kiss incident (I have been known to see the world through Lita-coloured glasses), but I don't think so. Sure, the Hardys were left off the PPV, but since the kiss, Matt and Lita have gotten increased air-play and Jeff even got mic-time! Didn't even know the guy could speak (I figured that's what the hand signals were all about).
LITA- #8. It's good to see Lita in wrestling-shape now (it is good to see Lita in any shape). However, I am more than a little upset that she did not win the Women's Title on Smackdown Xtreme. I understand that heels have to win titles, otherwise they wouldn't pose real threats. But enough is enough! Lita is the most popular woman in Federation history, give her the strap. It's not like the Title is very prestigious, but with it she can fight opponents without a feud. This would do two things: give her more air-time, (which not only gives my life meaning, but also is what the WWF fans are demanding) and would let us see Lita fight the likes of Trish and Molly Holly. Maybe they're building something for No Way Out.
THE HARDY BOYZ- #2. Can you believe there were internet rumours that Matt and Jeff were breaking up? Over what? The Royal Rumble? These guys are hotter than ever, winning Tag Team of the Year on WWF.com, but still have a ways to go until they can stand on their own. Hell, by the time these guys are ready to stand on their own, Jeff will probably have lost the ability to walk.
LITA- #10. Voted Diva of the Year, Lita's popularity is undenialable. The Hardy Boyz are magnificent performers in the own right, but she gets all the cheers and chants. And now that this whole Malenko thing is hopefully over, and Lita appears to be healthy, hopefully the WWF will seize the moment and give Lita a bigger role. If not, let's start a letter campaign.
THE HARDY BOYZ- #3. Their match versus the APA and Jackie on Smackdown had everything, proving once again what great performers all three members of Team Extreme are. If they were only given the stick...
LITA- #8. OHMAHGAWD! I...I...Uh...I...humm...I, move to the next one, there are no words to describe how I feel after seeing Smackdown.
THE HARDY BOYZ- #3. Matt and Jeff are taking a bit of a backseat while Lita's star is on the rise. I wonder what they have to say about that? (Oh yeah, Matt and Jeff don't speak).
LITA- #9. Why so high? (Other than the fact that I'm in love?) I'll tell you why. Her gutsy performance at Survivor Series after inadvertently getting juiced was the stuff of legend. Plus, you'd have to be dumb, deaf and blind if you haven't noticed the pop she's been getting lately.
THE HARDY BOYZ- #2. Hopefully, the Hardys will keep feuding with the Radikalz, then maybe something interesting can be done with Perry Saturn and Dean Malenko (okay, maybe I'm asking for a little too much). One thing, between the Hardys and the Radikalz there won't be a lot of that unnecessary "talking" stuff.
LITA- #12. You could argue that she ranked a little high here, but I don't care. I love her. This one is non-negotiable.
THE HARDY BOYZ- #2. Wow, did you see how good half that "Team Extreme" shirt looked on Lita? (Oh yeah, The Hardys fought or something too).
LITA- #9. I don't know who g-strings have helped out more this summer- Lita or Sisqo. Lita is the babe that the guys can lust over without feeling too dirty- she can wrestle, but still appears vulnerable. The thinking-man's Diva.
THE HARDY BOYZ- #2. Chicken and the Egg quandary. Did they make Lita more popular or has she made them more popular?
LITA- #15. If you've read any of my monthly reviews, then you know that I love Lita. I do, I can't help it. I'm old enough to know better, but given the pop she's been getting, it seems I'm not the only one. Lita started off slow, abandoning Papi Chulo (or whatever they're calling him) and serving as eye-candy for the Hardys. But lately she's been a bigger star than most of the guys above her on this list. 2001 could be Lita's year if she can improve her mic ability- which she looks well on her way at doing. She doesn't need to be great on the mic, just competent. Look at Chyna, and she's not half the wrestler Lita is.
THE HARDY BOYZ- #2. Sure, having a rising star like Lita at ringside is helpful, but honestly, I think Jeff and Matt would be stars regardless. Whenever I'm watching the WWF and a skeptic is in the room, I want the Hardys to be wrestling. I'd like them tell me how "fake" wrestling is after they see Jeff Hardy's tactics. It is interesting how successful these two (three?) have been given their lack of mic time. I guess their Xtreme repertoires are all the gimmick they need.
It appears from reading these comments that I have been obsessed for awhile now. I guess we already knew that. I am going to make it my New Year's Resolution to actually talk about the Hardy Boyz in the Hardy Boyz section.
