A sliding component including a sliding layer, and an intermediate component including at least one undercut portion, the intermediate component coupled to the sliding layer, wherein the intermediate component has a thickness, T, and wherein an exposed thickness, TE, of the intermediate component is less than T. A method of forming a sliding component including providing an intermediate component including at least one undercut portion, the intermediate component having a thickness, T, and coupling a sliding layer to the intermediate component, wherein the intermediate component is partially embedded into the sliding layer, and wherein an exposed thickness, TE, of the intermediate component is less than T.