Opportunities are those that come but once in a lifetime. These tales are often foretold from the legends of this business. Opportunity arises, and those who seek it -- Often are met with defeat. Those who taste it however, go on to live in immortality. For one man in particular -- This story is one of legacy, and leaving an ever lasting tale of triumph. For Jeff Hardy, his opportunity inside The Money in the Bank ladder match at Wrestlemania, was more than just a mere match. It was more than just a chance to change the trajectory of his entire career -- It was a moment for him to finally erase all his demons. All the past problems that circumvented his life to this point. For Jeff Hardy, there was no such thing as defeat. For Jeff Hardy, this is was simply all or nothing. It's Wrestlemania folks. The biggest show of the year. Our live exclusive cuts away from our brief opening on Hardy, to the very visage of the man himself. He sits in the very stands these thunderous fans would watch from, as he looked onward as the set was beginning to come together. The stage hands, the backstage crew, the entire organization coming together to ensure the biggest spectacle in the world turns into just that. For many, Wrestlemania was a dream, but Jeff Hardy has been in this position before. This isn't his first clash at Mania, but it most certainly was his first with such implications. A future world championship opportunity laid right in the palm of his hands, and his desires earned for such satisfaction. Our camera crews capture his movements as he gazes downward at the production below, as he addresses us for the very first time.
JEFF HARDY
This is where it all starts, man. Legacies created on a whim. Destinies personified. We carve our niches in this business at Wrestlemania, and I'm honored to be here. You look down these stairs, and see all these people busting their tails to make this somethin' special, it just hits different. It means the world to be standin' here just for the opportunity. The hundred thousands of screaming fans just chantin' my name, man. It's enough to drive any man wild. The thrill of Wrestlemania can't be matched, and yet? (Hardy slowly shakes his head.) I can't help but worry for my sake. It's not that I'm not happy to be here. It's not that I'm scared, man. It's the simple fact that I know deep down the lengths that I'll go for that briefcase. The pain that I'll cause my body. The absolute torture of trying to climb that mountain top for just a taste of that success man. It's like a fuel inside me, and I observe all the rest of the guys fightin' for this spot, and with all due respect -- I just don't see it 'em. (Hardy once again shakes his head. Not looking to disrespect his opponents, but knowing inside himself what he's willing to do in order to succeed.) Y'see, I've made a career fighting in these types of situations. I've got more bumps and scars on this body than I'd like to admit, but I do for these people, man. They drive me to succeed. They're the ones who push me to give and give and give every ounce of myself inside and out. Without them, Jeff Hardy is nothing more. I get that I'm staring adversity in the naked eye as I go against these five other men -- But I like it that way. I wouldn't defy a dream any more than by knocking adversity down a peg. We embrace ourselves, but for all my creatures -- All my followers, I promise you this; I will not let you down!
There seemed to be a glimmer in the eye of Hardy, who with each passing word was met with an intensity not of anger, but of determination. It's this type of determination that would lead many forward in their own pursuits, but for Jeff it was much, much different. This wasn't just another match for Hardy, but instead the chance he'd been waiting his entire career for. Upon reflecting on the trajectory once more, Hardy musters a soft smile as he continues to gaze downward at the Wrestlemania stage.
JEFF HARDY
I'll go ahead and address, Muhammed Hassan before I got any further. It's no secret that he, and I exchanged words not too long ago. And like I said then, I actually admire Hassan for his ability to stand up and say as he pleases. Albeit, I'm not a fan of the way he handles himself, man. The moment I showed back up to this company, I ran into him. And I know that Hassan is probably one of the favorites heading into this match, and that's fine. Just another door for me to knock down, man. But don't think for a moment, Hassan that I forgot the things you said to me. You looked down to me, and called yourself a savior to the masses man. And that's fine, man. Believe in yourself, like I said, I admire it. But once you came at me, and said that I'd spiral out of control when things got tough -- It got personal, man. You took my demons and tried to use 'em against me, man. You even said I'd have no chance at takin' that championship of yours. I think if push came to show, we'd see a things a little more differently, man. But this isn't about your championship, Hassan. It's about that Money in the bank briefcase. A shot at the World Championship. Any time. Anywhere. Not some flash in the pan you covet tightly. (Hardy scoffs. He was clearly frustrated at the mere thought of Hassan's words from a few weeks prior.) See man, I ain't the type to dwell on the past. You can say as you please, but understand that your words have persecutions. And those exact moments lead us to that very ring, where I will take great pride in looking right into your eyes when I WIN that money in the bank, man. 'Cause taking something you cherish so highly, will be much more satisfying than ever beating you one on one!
A look slid across the face of Hardy as our camera would pan to a full focused view onto him once more. A soft shrug escapes Jeff, as a soft sigh escapes him. His lapse of words doesn't last long as he begins to rub his hands together. A small nod follows shortly after as Hardy would address us, the viewers once more.
JEFF HARDY
Unlike Hassan, I actually respect the other four men in this match. You take a look at Marty Jannetty, and you already know what you're goin' to get. I grew up admiring, Marty and Shawn. And it's funny -- A young Jeff Hardy, and his brother used to pretend to be just like you, man. The both of you guys inspired us. It's an honor to finally share a ring with you, but with that comes some truth, and realization. The truth is, man -- You're not the same Marty from all those years ago. I get it, you got this chip on your shoulder, and you're angry at the world. You want to prove to this people that it wasn't just Shawn who was a main event player, but you too. (Hardy points directly to the camera. As if to send this message directly to Marty.) You're no more a main player than Paul Burchill. But like I said, I respect everything you've done for this business. Just as I respect, Paul for his abilities inside this ring. He's a kid that these people have grown behind. These people chant his name every time he walks out to that ring. In a way the three of us are cut from the same clothe. We're doing everything we can for these people. We're putting our bodies on the line, day in and day out -- The only difference is I need this moment. I need to leave Wrestlemania with that briefcase in my hand, or else I become just another Marty Jannetty. I become just another name caught up in the spotlight of time, just to be cast aside for another Paul Burchill to take my place. To replace my name, and usher in their own legacy. I stand up, and I look at you both with nothing more than respect, but hell or high water; I'll die before I let either of you take my moment. Legends come, and legends go, Marty. Replaced on a whim. Paul fits that niche perfectly, and I admire you both for it. It's symbolic. The three of us, captivate our audiences with our ways. One's a pirate, one's a rocker, and one's a man who simply refuses to lose. Take your pick, and line up. That goes both you, Marty, and you, Paul. I have no problem killin' two birds with one stone. I don't need this to prove to my old partner that I had it after all these years. Sorry to say, Marty. For you, Paul -- You're just not there, kid.
Hardy takes a brief moment to pause, realizing the way he targeted Marty Jannetty for his past shortcomings. It's reflected by him targeting Paul Burchill, a favorite among the fans, but one who many consider a dark horse. Hardy would run his hands through his hair, reflecting on everything as a whole. This was getting good.
JEFF HARDY
From six, to five, to four, to three. For you, Paul London, and for you Tajiri -- It's another form of respect. You two are both some of the best performers this business has to date, but as you two considered yourself a team, do you reflect and observe the situation that you're in. Hypothetically speaking, man -- What's to happen if either of you were to win? Captivated by your own desires, is it truly still a team affair, or an affair for your own desires? But don't worry, I get it. I understand that passion. That hunger and lust to sit at the top of the mountain top. I understand those desires. Since getting put inside this match, I've looked in the mirror on a daily, because those exact thoughts pass through my mind like a broken needle in my veins. (Hardy would close his eyes, allowing a grimace to escape him.) That's the thing, Paul. That's the thing, Tajiri. Those thoughts go through my mind, but I guarantee that the both of you, aren't in this to help the other. It's you against the world, and like dagger in the night -- You'll stab either in the back for a chance at that championship. You know it, they know it, and I know it. It's always a tale of looking out for ones self. That's the objectified taste of sweet success. You want it, until you got it, and then you can't handle the pressure, and this business pushes you aside like a bastard step child. I've seen it a thousand times, and I'll see it a thousand more. Flashes in the pan come and go. I'm talking to you, Muhammed. Highlight reels can only get you so much -- That's to you, Paul. In ring talent only covets so much, you need to be marketable, man. So, you're out Tajiri. Don't you get it? This business chews up, the broken, the beaten, and the damned. And I've seen futures brighter than ever, only for them to fail under the pressure. That's where your hopes crumble, Paul. But those same vets who attempt to chew up the young bloods get caught in the cookie jar, and they're gone and forgotten. This is your defeat, Marty. (Hardy would close his eyes. A soft sigh would escape him as he ends strongly.) And as we count down, we're left with just one man. The very man who has everything to gain, but also everything to lose. I stand before you as that sole survivor. My name is Jefferey Nero Hardy, and I have been resurrected. For my creatures, I sing in solace. For all my believers, and for those chanting my name -- This is for each, and everyone of you. Together we shall live in eternity. For this opportunity shall usher in our IMMORTALITY!
Those would be the final words from Jeff, as he would stand from the chair he sat in. He would shift his gaze to the production booth once more, as a soft smile would slide across his face. This was something truly special. A moment for him to rejoice, however it would be far from that. This would be the ultimate test for Hardy. For him, truly this match was nothing more than an uphill battle. Standing in the way was five of the brightest talents the WWE had to offer. Past, present, and future. How ironic, that Jeff himself was looking to embellish all three of those roles. For he had overcome his past problems. He's currently living in the present, preparing for this epic clash. And with a victory? Jeff would most certainly cement his future. It's with one final glare to the camera that Jeff gives us, the viewers a wave, and a smile. Our scene now fades to black.