Bully Ray isn’t backing down from what he calls one of the greatest tag team matches of all time—even if some fans on social media weren’t exactly sold on it.
The Hardys and Team 3D went to war one last time at TNA Bound For Glory 2025, colliding in a historic Tables Match for both the TNA and NXT Tag Team Championships. Held at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, Massachusetts, the showdown marked the final chapter in a rivalry that started all the way back at WWE Royal Rumble 2000.
Brother Runt (aka Spike Dudley) made a surprise appearance to accompany Team 3D to the ring, and the crowd was all in from the moment the bell rang. In the end, Jeff Hardy nailed a Swanton Bomb through two tables, and the Hardys sent Bubba through another to clinch the win. After the bout, Team 3D symbolically left their boots in the ring—an emotional farewell that officially signaled their retirement.
While many online critics weren’t impressed, Bully Ray had a different take when he addressed the match on Busted Open Radio. He argued that fan reaction—not online reviews—is what truly defines greatness in pro wrestling.
“Here’s what I know. From the minute the pre-show package played, until the entire match and segment was over, nobody sat down, and that crowd was louder than it was all night long. To me, the criteria for the five-star match is the fans. It’s how they took the match in. The sounds they were making. The level of enthusiasm and emotion they are bringing forth, plus the story that’s been told in the ring. Does this make sense?”
Bubba went on to say that the combination of nostalgia, performance, and fan energy made this match unforgettable.
“The Dudleys and Hardys had a five-star match at Bound For Glory. I’m proud to say that. Everything came together in perfect moments. From the Dudleys’ entrance to Spike and the family being reunited. To the Dudleys setting up tables, to the Hardys’ entrance and the monster reaction and they always get. To the Hardys basically saying, ‘F you. If you’re going to bring out your tables, we’re going to bring out ladders and chairs.’ Just to see the visual, just the visual of tables, ladders, and chairs. One last time, in one shot, was important for us for people to see.”
The Hardys ended the night as double champions, while Team 3D walked off into the sunset after a legendary run across ECW, WWE, and TNA. Whether fans agree or not, Bully Ray’s passionate defense of the match speaks volumes about what the moment meant to him—and to the legacy of both teams.
Do you think this was a five-star match like Bully Ray claims? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.