Neo, the protagonist of The Matrix movies, actually got weaker after the second movie The Matrix Reloaded. Neo possesses extraordinary powers that set him apart from other humans that are trapped within the simulated reality known in the movies as the Matrix. Neo is known as "The One," a messianic figure believed to liberate humanity from mechanical oppressors. One of Neo's most notable powers is his mastery of martial arts. Through his connection with the Matrix, he has an amazing set of combat skills and techniques combined with superhuman speed and accuracy.
Neo also has the ability to single-handedly manipulate the Matrix which allows him to control its rules, known as "The Matrix Code". This allows him to bend the laws of physics and move in ways that are not humanly possible. Neo can defy gravity, dodge bullets in slow motion, and even resurrect from the dead. His unique powers are rooted in his profound knowledge of the Matrix. While Neo possessed all these powers at their highest forms in the original Matrix, he ended up only getting weaker over time throughout the movies.
Neo Was Weaker In Revolutions And Resurrections
After Neo's encounter with the Architect in The Matrix Reloaded, he discovers he is not the first or only One and that he is part of a cycle in the Matrix that has been repeated over and over. This revelation shakes his confidence and makes him question his role and abilities as the savior of humanity. Neo's self-doubt affects his mindset and makes him weaker as a result. He also engages in intense battles against Agent Smith and his army of clones which takes a toll on him both physically and mentally, making him appear progressively weaker.
As the Matrix trilogy progresses, the machines and their programs figure out how to adapt to Neo's abilities. The Agents, specifically Agent Smith, become more resilient and formidable adversaries that present greater challenges to Neo. They are even able to match Neo's strength to a certain extent, resulting in more challenging battles for him and ultimately making him seem weaker in comparison to the original movie. In The Matrix Resurrections, Neo doesn't instantly have access to his powers, making him the weakest he's ever been.
Neo Never Lived Up To His Full Matrix Potential
Despite Morpheus continually talking to Neo about limitless possibilities, all that Neo really does is fight slightly better than everyone else throughout The Matrix films. It's important to note that Neo's journey throughout The Matrix movies involves a significant psychological aspect that mainly prevented him from reaching his full potential. Neo battles self-doubt and finds difficulty in fully believing that he is the One, often questioning his own capabilities. This lack of self-belief seemed to create mental barriers which prevented him from accessing his full potential. Combined with the increased capabilities that essentially mirrored Neo's improved abilities, it's understandable that Neo never lived up to his full potential in The Matrix.