Matt Hardy says his brother Jeff Hardy wants to ‘right the wrongs’ with his WWE return.
The Hardy Boyz are set to make a return to WWE programming next week after years. The duo will be representing TNA Wrestling and face off against Tavion Heights and Myles Borne at the February 25 edition of NXT.
The Broken One opened up about his excitement about the upcoming appearance on his podcast. He revealed that the whole thing came together very quickly and he is not sure where it is headed:
“Really excited about this, man. All this stuff — even us popping up and responding to that challenge on NXT, that was a very last-minute thing. So it’s going to be interesting. It’s going to be fun.
I don’t know where this ride’s going. I really don’t want to know where this route is going in all capacities. Because I want, especially whatever we end up doing, I want everything to be as natural and as organic and as real as possible, as authentic as possible.”
For Jeff Hardy, the return would be a sort of redemption after his infamous walkout during a live event match that led to his WWE release in December 2021. After his failed AEW run, the Charismatic Enigma has expressed interest in making a return to the company in recent times believing that he could retire CM Punk before going into Hall of Fame.
Matt Hardy also revealed how his brother feels about the comeback claiming that Jeff wants to use the opportunity to show everyone who he really is:
“He’s very happy to be going back and I feel like he wants to right the wrongs, he wants to leave on a good note, no more erratic behavior. He wants to go back and show them who he is.”
The Attitude Era star expressed the belief that WWE waited this long to do something with The Hardys as part of the TNA deal because they wanted to see how Jeff fared in his TNA run.
Jeff Hardy has revealed that his dream retirement match would take place in WWE, ideally against longtime rival CM Punk. Despite currently holding the TNA Tag Team Championship, Hardy envisions a final WWE showdown before entering the Hall of Fame—possibly even sending Punk into retirement in the process.
Speaking with Tim Hann Rivera about his career and eventual retirement, Hardy expressed his desire to return to WWE for one last match.
“Ultimately, man, I’d like to do a really cool match in WWE and do the Hall of Fame,” he said.
He went further, playfully suggesting that he could retire CM Punk first:
“It’d really be special to have a killer match—maybe make CM Punk retire and then go into the Hall of Fame.”
Hardy and Punk have a well-documented history dating back to their heated 2009 WWE feud, which culminated in a dramatic Loser Leaves WWE match. Their contrasting personalities—Hardy’s high-risk, free-spirited style versus Punk’s straight-edge persona—made them one of the most compelling rivalries of the era.
WWE & TNA’s Partnership Could Make It Happen
Hardy’s return to WWE is more plausible now than ever, thanks to WWE’s newfound working relationship with TNA. This means that Hardy, despite being a reigning TNA champion, could realistically appear in WWE for a farewell match.
Punk has also hinted at winding down his career, making Hardy’s vision a potential reality. If WWE is open to capitalizing on nostalgia-driven storytelling, a Hardy vs. Punk retirement match could be a marquee event for fans of their storied rivalry.
TNA Wrestling delivered with its Genesis 2025, which saw plenty of notable names appear from WWE NXT as part of a multi-year partnership. Nathan Frazer and Axiom were among those who ‘crossed the line’ and fans could soon see them share the ring with The Hardys.
During Genesis, it was announced that Fraxiom will defend their NXT Tag Team Titles against The Rascalz on Thursday’s live episode of TNA Impact. If Fraxiom retains their titles, The Hardys appear eager to step up as their next challengers. In an online promo, Matt Hardy shared that he and Jeff, already TNA’s World Tag Team Champions, are coming from Fraxiom.
“The Hardys, we are forever. Fraxiom, I noticed you were out there tonight. You’ve got a couple of titles too. We’d love to go on another expedition of gold. So maybe we’ll see you around.”
Throughout their storied career, The Hardys have captured numerous tag team championships across the pro wrestling world. Between WWE, TNA, and Ring of Honor, Matt and Jeff are 13-time World Tag Team Champions, in addition to holding titles from smaller promotions. Fraxiom are in their second reign as NXT Tag Team Champions, and their efforts with the gold earned the pair the ‘Tag Team Of the Year’ award during the recent NXT End Of Year Awards.
The Hardys are considered one of the greatest tag teams of all time, but the NXT Tag Team Titles remain a prize they have yet to claim. With both Matt and Jeff having discussed possibly wrestling in a WWE ring again as part of the TNA partnership, fans are excited to see the brothers potentially holding the NXT Tag Team Championships.
Jeff Hardy has opened up about his father Gilbert Hardy’s mental struggles before his passing and how it affected him.
The wrestling veteran recently had an interview with Chris Van Vliet. He talked about things such as his AEW run, reuniting with his brother Jeff Hardy in TNA, a WWE Hall of Fame induction, and more.
During the interview, Hardy also went into detail of his personal struggles in the years leading up to his infamous 2021 WWE release. Jeff revealed that he had been taking care of his ailing father who was battling severe depression. Despite the difficulties, the former world champion was determined to take care of his father after having lost his mother at a very young age:
“When I left WWE in 2021 my dad had been real sick. 2017, right after we went back to WWE at Mania, that was probably around the time that he felt good for the last time before he slipped back into this dark depression. But yeah, I’d been taking care of him, and it was just bad to where he did not want to be here.
He was ready to go. Our mom died at a young age; I was 10 when she passed away. So I’ve always told myself when he needs me, I’m going to take care of him. I just did everything I could to get him excited about life and all that stuff.”
Jeff Hardy’s father passed away at the age of 87 on January 6, 2021. This led to the Charismatic Enigma missing the WrestleMania 37 weekend where he was supposed to take part in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
According to Hardy, this is the period where his alcohol addiction became a serious problem again. It eventually led to Hardy unexpectedly walking out of a match during a house show in December that year, leading to his WWE release:
“So that’s definitely when my drinking got carried away during those times that I’ve never really talked about. The year 2021 is when I miss WrestleMania because my dad had just passed away. April 6, my wife’s birthday, is when my dad passed away, which was strange in itself. But yeah, it just got out of control and I needed something extreme to happen. It’s sad the way it worked out.”
Jeff Hardy mentioned how he was offered the option to go to rehab but he chose not to and got released by the company. The 47-year-old was then hired by AEW. Things didn’t change for him there either however as he got another DUI in June 2022, only three months after making his debut for Tony Khan’s promotion.
Many were expecting Hardy to get a legends run with his brother Matt Hardy in the company and the direction was hinted on AEW programming as well. The arrest however, derailed Jeff’s whole run with the promotion and he was never featured significantly by the company during the rest of his time there.
Jeff admitted elsewhere in the interview that he let his brother Matt Hardy down with his AEW mishap. Though he claimed that their current TNA run feels like an opportunity to pay Matt back for his screw up to the fullest extent.
Throughout his career, Jeff Hardy’s real-life struggles with substance abuse have been integrated into various storylines. On the Insightpodcast, Hardy reflected on these instances, sharing mixed feelings about their portrayal in his professional career.
“In a way, I think it helped me, but also, looking back at it now, I go, Oh my God, was that the right thing to do? “
Hardy’s substance issues have been referenced multiple times in WWE storylines, including his 2009 feud with CM Punk, which contrasted Punk’s straightedge lifestyle with Hardy’s struggles. After Hardy’s return to WWE, his alcohol issues were revisited during a feud with Sheamus in 2020.
One of the most infamous instances of Hardy’s challenges was at the 2011 TNA Victory Road pay-per-view, where he appeared in no condition to compete. On the podcast, Hardy recalled what he could from the event.
“I remember going out there, and I remember just Sting roughing me up and throwing me to the mat… I’ve just had a lot of dark, dark times from the alcoholism and the drug addiction stuff. It feels good to be on the other side of that.”
Hardy has since returned to TNA Wrestling, where he is now sober and thriving as one-half of the reigning TNA World Tag Team Champions. Fans can stay tuned to SEScoops for updates as Hardy continues to rebuild his legacy, focusing on a life free from substance abuse.
Posted January 14th, 2025 in TNA. Tagged: Jeff Hardy.
Jeff Hardy has opened up about the dark place he found himself in following his 2022 DUI arrest, an incident that left the popular wrestler feeling hopeless. Speaking on The Wrestle Spot podcast, Hardy reflected on his struggles and the toll they took on his mental health.
“I came close to ending it all in the summer of 2022, which is in public, and people are aware of my issues throughout the years with drugs and alcohol.”
Hardy was arrested in June 2022, in Volusia County, Florida, facing charges of driving with a suspended license and felony DUI. Following the arrest, it was revealed that Hardy had a blood alcohol level of 0.291—significantly above Florida’s legal limit of 0.08. AEW President Tony Khan issued a press release announcing Hardy’s suspension without pay, stating that his return to AEW would be contingent on completing rehab and demonstrating his commitment to sobriety.
The arrest sparked significant backlash from fans, as it was the latest in a string of DUIs for the former WWE World Champion. Coming just months into his AEW tenure, many believed Hardy had exhausted the numerous second chances he had been afforded. In February 2023, Hardy received a 38-day jail sentence (which he had already served), was required to complete court-mandated DUI education and community service, and faced a 10-year suspension of his driver’s license.
Hardy thankfully got the help he needed and has been able to maintain his sobriety since. Today, fans can find the Charismatic Enigma in TNA Wrestling, where he and Matt hold the World Tag Team Championships.
Jeff Hardy believes he could have been a bigger name than even John Cena had he changed his lifestyle earlier.
Matt Hardy recently shared a clip of his brother from a TV interview on X. Jeff, in the clip, was asked if he thought he’d still be wrestling after all these years when he made his debut. The Charismatic Enigma talked about all the life changes he has made in recent years. He noted that he could have been one of the biggest names in wrestling had he changed his lifestyle earlier:
“Man, I don’t know, probably. The way I was living life in my 20s and 30s….If I was living life the way I’m living life now, oh my gosh, there’s no telling, I would probably be bigger than John Cena – today.
You know, because I had such a, I was born with such a gift to be a pro wrestler, and I was just…it just felt so natural and like I was totally, you know, created to do this thing.”
From TV in Dallas this morning – Jeff is asked, "Did you think you’d still be doing this 30 years ago?" pic.twitter.com/sOZsVLiyxG
Jeff Hardy had previously discussed how he has replaced drugs and alcohol with regular ice baths. According to him, the ice baths have been crazy beneficial to him and he is not even thinking about retirement at the moment:
“The cool thing about that is, I’m still here. I still have life, and I feel good. As Matt had mentioned, you know, we’re big ice bathers, and that’s been crazy beneficial for me, mentally and physically. So yeah, I don’t put a number on it. I don’t, you know, I’ll just pretty much wrestle until I can’t wrestle anymore.”
Jeff Hardy has reunited with his brother since returning to TNA in June last year. The duo have been featured prominently by the company and they’re the current TNA World Tag Team Champions.
Posted January 8th, 2025 in TNA. Tagged: Jeff Hardy.
WWE’s roster evolution continues as major wrestling contracts expire in 2025. From veteran superstars to rising technical talents, here’s who could potentially join WWE’s ranks.
Veterans With Expiring Contracts
Wrestler
Current Promotion
Contract Ends
Chris Jericho
AEW
December 2025
The Miz
WWE
June 2025
Jim Ross
AEW
March 2025
Jeff Hardy
TNA
November 2025
Matt Hardy
TNA
November 2025
Chris Jericho may decide to retire in WWE
Emerging Talent Watch
Wrestler
Style
Current Promotion
Available
Jonathan Gresham
Technical
TNA
January 2025
Angelo Parker
Tag Team
AEW
August 2025
Matt Menard
Tag Team
AEW
August 2025
Strategic Opportunities for WWE
Veteran Leadership: Jericho and the Hardys bring mainstream appeal and mentorship potential
Technical Division: Gresham could enhance WWE’s pure wrestling presentation
Tag Team Depth: Parker and Menard offer experienced tag team options
Broadcasting: Jim Ross provides legendary commentary possibilities
Contract status information courtesy of industry reports and public statements from talent. Dates subject to change based on contract extensions or early releases.
A Potential Glimpse into WWE’s Future: The Independent Scene’s Role in 2025
As WWE navigates its 2025 free-agent landscape, the company’s ability to scout and secure fresh talent from the independent wrestling scene remains critical. While the big names of current WWE superstars dominate headlines, several rising stars from the independent circuit could potentially reshape the roster’s future.
Here’s a look at some noteworthy independent wrestlers poised to make waves in the coming years:
Megan Bayne
Ranked an impressive 139 in the 2024 PWI 500, Megan Bayne is redefining what it means to be a versatile, dominant performer. Known for her strength and ability to compete in intergender matches, Bayne has built a reputation by defeating prominent opponents like Joey Janela and Alec Price.
Her unique blend of power, charisma, and versatility makes her a compelling candidate for WWE, where her talent could shine across both the women’s and men’s divisions.
Alec Price
Breaking into the top 100 of the PWI 500 at 92, Alec Price has emerged as a technical marvel in the indie scene. Known for his adaptability and fierce in-ring style, Price has already made a name for himself against opponents like Jonathan Gresham and Mustafa Ali.
His charisma and in-ring storytelling would make him a fantastic addition to WWE’s roster, especially in programs requiring high-energy, technical matches.
Richard Holliday
One of the most talked-about heels in the indie circuit, Richard Holliday ranks at 215 but brings a character-driven approach that resonates deeply with audiences.
His recovery from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2023 further exemplifies his determination and love for wrestling. Holliday’s flair for trash talk and ability to seamlessly play the villain make him a natural fit for WWE’s entertainment-focused brand, drawing comparisons to stars like The Miz and MJF.
Zilla Fatu
The son of Umaga, Zilla Fatu, has emerged as a standout with just 33 matches in 2024. His natural charisma, in-ring presence, and heritage make him a compelling addition to any major wrestling promotion. As he transitions from Game Changer Wrestling and builds a wider profile, Fatu is a prime candidate for WWE’s developmental system.
Calvin Tankman
With his imposing 350-pound frame and agility, Calvin Tankman has made waves across promotions like Deadlock Pro and West Coast Pro Wrestling. At 29 years old, Tankman combines experience with untapped potential, making him a valuable asset for any roster.
Titus Alexander
A staple of the West Coast wrestling scene, Titus Alexander, 24, has competed in promotions like Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and NOAH. Known for his high-energy performances and technical skill, Alexander could thrive in WWE’s high-octane environment.
Ichiban
Drawing comparisons to El Generico for his fun, lighthearted demeanor, Ichiban is a masked sensation from the Northeast indie scene. At just 24 years old, he competed in an astounding 94 matches in 2024, showcasing his resilience and versatility.
Jordan Oliver
Recovering from an ACL injury in 2024, Jordan Oliver has a promising career ahead as he returns to the ring. With a history in MLW and an exciting tag team career with Nick Wayne, Oliver could shine as either a solo or tag competitor in WWE.
Blake Christian
Having previously held a contract with WWE’s NXT, Blake Christian has since excelled on the independent scene. His year-long GCW World Title reign and matches against top talent like Will Ospreay have solidified his reputation as a main-event-caliber performer.
Viva Van
A unique presence on the indie circuit, Viva Van blends athleticism with a magnetic persona. Her work across promotions like GCW has cemented her as one of the most exciting female talents in recent memory.
Sam Holloway
At 6’9” and 264 pounds, Sam Holloway has a commanding presence that evokes comparisons to WWE’s Creed Brothers. With 59 matches in 2024, he’s shown potential as a future powerhouse in professional wrestling.
Starboy Charlie
At just 21 years old, Starboy Charlie has already made his mark on the West Coast scene, competing in high-profile matches for promotions like NOAH and GCW. His youth and skill set make him a prime candidate for WWE’s developmental system.
Why WWE Should Invest in Independent Talent
While marquee signings and contract renewals dominate WWE’s 2025 free-agent strategy, nurturing independent talent like Bayne, Mathers, Price, and Holliday offers a sustainable path for long-term success. Each brings a unique skill set and untapped potential, ensuring that WWE’s roster remains dynamic and diverse for years to come.
By keeping an eye on the independent scene and integrating fresh faces into its developmental and main roster programs, WWE can solidify its reputation as the premier destination for wrestling talent.
Fans can expect to see plenty more of Matt and Jeff Hardy in TNA Wrestling as the legendary duo has re-signed with the promotion. News of the pair’s new deals with TNA was broken by SI, who spoke with Matt about this latest run with the company.
“It’s like we turned back time. Everything’s clicking. We’re very happy with what we’re doing there, and we want to do what we can to help build TNA back into one of the top brands in pro wrestling.”
Re-signing The Hardys is certainly a boon for TNA, which relaunched in January of this year to much fanfare after years as Impact Wrestling. Since then, TNA has maintained momentum thanks to popular talents including World Champions Nic Nemeth, Jordynne Grace, and Joe Hendry, as well as its popular partnership with WWE NXT.
Matt and Jeff both returned to TNA after AEW runs many fans believed fell short of what could’ve been for one of wrestling’s most popular tag-teams. The Hardys captured the TNA World Tag Team Championships at Bound for Glory in October, ending the 43-day reign of The System (Brian Myers and Eddie Edwards.)
As for how long The Hardys’ time with the gold, that remains to be seen, but fans can expect plenty more of the brothers in the iMPACT Zone. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Matt and Jeff Hardy and their plans as part of the TNA roster.
Matt and Jeff Hardy have once again reached the pinnacle of TNA’s tag team division by capturing the promotion’s tag title gold at Bound for Glory.
In the main event of the show, the Hardys defeated reigning champions The System (Brian Myers and Eddie Edwards) as well as ABC (Ace Austin and Chris Bey.) The match was contested under Full Metal Mayhem rules (TNA’s equivalent to WWE’s TLC match.) The win marks the brothers’ third time as TNA World Tag Team Champions, after previously holding the gold in 2015 and 2016.
Pre-Show: Ash by Elegance and Heather by Elegance (with The Personal Concierge) defeated Xia Brookside and Brinley Reece (NXT)
Pre-Show: Frankie Kazarian won the Call Your Shot Gauntlet by last eliminating Rhino
Mike Bailey (c) defeated El Hijo del Vikingo (TNA X-Division Championship)
Spitfire (Jody Threat and Dani Luna) (c) defeated Rosemary and Wendy Choo (NXT) (TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship)
Josh Alexander defeated Steve Maclin
PCO (c) defeated Matt Cardona (Monster’s Ball, TNA Digital Media Championship & International Heavyweight Wrestling Championship)
Mike Santana defeated Moose
Masha Slamovich defeated Jordynne Grace (c) (TNA Knockouts World Championship)
Nic Nemeth (c) defeated Joe Hendry (TNA World Championship, Frankie Kazarian as guest referee)
The Hardys (Matt Hardy and Jeff Hardy) defeated The System (Brian Myers and Eddie Edwards) (c) (with Alisha Edwards) and ABC (Ace Austin and Chris Bey) (Three-way Full Metal Mayhem, TNA World Tag Team Championship)
TNA Bound for Glory 2024 will take place on October 26, 2024, from the Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit, Michigan. The show will be the 20th Bound for Glory show, and the first under the TNA branding since 2016, following on from TNA’s relaunch earlier this year.
The show already features a stacked card, including a triple-threat tag-team Full Metal Mayhem match between ABC, The Hardys, and TNA World Tag Team Champions The System. Now, that match has undergone a change, as for the first time in close to a decade, the match will be won when the victors capture the titles from above the ring. In recent years, the match has been contested under pinfall and submission rules, and this change will add a new layer of excitement to the bout.
In recent years Full Metal Mayhem has been won via pinfall or submission, however at #BoundForGlory on October 26 the belts will be suspended above the ring in Full Metal Mayhem for the first time since 2015! pic.twitter.com/AoatzxYqkp
On the surface, this stipulation favors the Hardys, who are no strangers to Full Metal Mayhem, TNA’s answer to the TLC match. Jeff Hardy has appeared in five FMM matches, including the very first match of its card back at TNA Against All Odds 2005. Matt has been in three Full Metal Mayhem matches but has yet to win the contest.
While Bryan Myers has yet to compete in Full Metal Mayhem, his tag-team partner Eddie Edwards is a regular in the contest with four appearances and two wins to his name. Both Ace Austin and Chris Bey of ABC have yet to compete under the stipulation.
TNA Bound For Glory 2024
Here is the card as it currently stands for TNA Bound for Glory 2024.
TNA World Heavyweight Championship Match: Nic Nemeth vs. Joe Hendry
TNA Tag Team Championship Full Metal Mayhem Match: The System vs. The Hardys vs. ABC
TNA Digital Media Championship & International Heavyweight Championship Monsters Ball Match: PCO vs. Matt Cardona
TNA Knockouts Championship Match: Jordynne Grace vs. Masha Slamovich
Mike Santana vs. Moose
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from TNA Bound for Glory 2024, including breaking news and live results.
The last few years have been trying for Jeff Hardy but his mental health has improved tremendously after quitting drugs and alcohol.
The Hardy Boyz were guests on Busted Open Radio, sitting down with fellow legends Bully Ray and Tommy Dreamer. They talked about things such as their AEW run, working in TNA, where they want to retire and more.
Jeff was asked about his mental health and how his current state is different than other times when he’s felt that he was in a good place. Hardy revealed that he is feeling like he felt during his childhood:
“Oh, clear-minded. To be a sober, innovative Jeff Hardy, I mean, it just…it’s almost childlike, the feeling of how it felt before I ever gave into drugs or alcohol. We were obsessed with pro wrestling. That was it.
That’s what, that was our main concern. That obsession became our dream that came true as pro wrestlers. So I feel like I’m back there in an older body. I think a lot more with my heart now, instead of my mind. I try my best not to let my mind play tricks on me.”
Jeff Hardy also revealed his new obsession that is helping him stay off drugs and alcohol – ice baths. He takes one every morning and according to the former world champion, it’s almost like a high of its own:
“The ice baths have been helping incredibly. I’m totally addicted to ice baths now, instead of alcohol or drugs and I love it. The first time I went underwater in an ice bath, I said, ‘Whoa, there’s something.’
It was the strangest thing ‘Whoa, there’s something to this.’ It was almost like a high of some kind. Every morning I’m in the ice bath, and that’s the biggest difference is just a clean and sober Jeff Hardy. Shoot, the moon, the sky, the stars are the limit.”
The Charismatic Enigma made a surprise TNA appearance at the Against All Odds event in June. He reunited with his brother Matt Hardy at the show and the legendary tag team has been on an exciting run in the promotion ever since.
Matt and Jeff Hardy have been working with WWE to produce interviews for upcoming documentaries, Fightful Select has reported. In addition to interviews, other content with the brothers has reportedly been filmed that will be rolled out on WWE’s digital media platforms in the future. WWE sources reportedly told Fightful that fans shouldn’t read too much into this situation, but that an eventual appearance by the brothers wouldn’t be out of the question.
The Hardy Boyz separately parted ways with AEW earlier this year and both have since been working with TNA. It has been reported that both men are working in TNA without official contracts meaning WWE would be able to offer them a deal if they wanted.
Matt and Jeff’s last return to WWE took place at WrestleMania 33 and the pair won the RAW Tag Team Championships in one of the most exciting returns in recent history. Matt left WWE in 2020 while Jeff would be controversially released the next year after refusing to enter rehab. It was later revealed that the behavior that made WWE insist on Jeff entering rehab was not due to drugs.
Could A Return Happen?
Fans reportedly should not read too much into the Hardyz filming WWE content, but there are those eager to see the legendary brothers make a full-term return. Last month, Matt Hardy told fans to “never say never” and teased that the Hardy Boyz could return as part of the ongoing NXT-TNA crossover. The elder Hardy pointed out that the WWE NXT Tag Team Championships are a set of titles that the pair are yet to win and teased that could change.
This tease came shortly after Matt said on Busted Open Radio that his “best case scenario” would see the pair have “a hell of a run” in TNA before doing “something small” in WWE followed by a Hall of Fame induction. Jeff has said he only wants an induction if he goes in with his brother. Stay tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest on Matt & Jeff Hardy and a potential WWE return.
Jeff Hardy is in no hurry to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame after the company’s previous offer “didn’t feel right at all” to the legend.
In late 2021, Hardy’s actions during a WWE live event led the company to suspect that he was using substances and released him after he refused to go to rehab. A drugs test would later reveal that Hardy had not been under the influence of substances. WWE would try and coax Jeff back in early 2022 (an act that’d keep him from joining) AEW but to no avail.
Part of WWE’s efforts to win Hardy back after his release was the promise of a Hall of Fame induction. Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Jeff made clear that going in without his brother Matt (who was with AEW at the time) did not feel right.
“I cried after that phone call. I was just thinking about all the really cool moments I’ve given to the pro-wrestling world. I’m so proud of it, but it didn’t feel right at all. So, I just wanted to wait. If I did do this, I’m definitely doing that with Matt.”
Despite his lofty achievements on his own, include three reigns as a WWE World Champion, Jeff is not interested in a solo induction. In the interview, Hardy made clear that if he is inducted, it’ll be as one-half of the Hardy Boyz, adding “I just want one ring.”
Although Hardy has done more than enough to warrant two inductions, his dedication to his brother Matt trumps any accolade WWE may bestow on the Charismatic Enigma. These days, fans can find Jeff and Matt teaming once more in TNA Wrestling, though Jeff was recently written off TV with an attack by The System.
The last several years of former WWE Champion Jeff Hardy’s life can be described as turbulent at best and downright disastrous at worst.
While fans were delighted to see The Charismatic Enigma make a surprise return to in-ring late last month, it’s fair to say that the hardships of the last 2-3 years still weigh heavily on Jeff’s mind.
On a recent appearance on Busted Open Radio, Jeff Hardy expressed shame and guilt for how his tenure at AEW turned out. Hardy had signed with the company shortly following a messy release from WWE in early 2022, but a DUI arrest in June of that year led to his indefinite suspension until his return in April 2023.
“I still have so much guilt and shame from AEW giving me an opportunity, and even Matt, to me breaking trust with my personal issues and real life.’
At the same time, Jeff Hardy also made it clear that he’s looking at his new opportunity in TNA as a chance to both redeem himself, hut also make things up to his always supportive brother Matt Hardy. The former world champion noted that he would not “break TNA’s trust”
“I want to make that up to Matt. I will say right here that I will not break TNA’s trust. That is in my past. It feels good to have somewhat of a clean slate with that stuff and start fresh instead of having that guilt and shame about what I did in a certain world of pro wrestling”.
Jeff Hardy made his official return to in-ring action when he and his brother competed on TNA IMPACT! to try and the TNA Tag Team Championships from Brian Myers and Eddie Edwards.
Prior to that, Hardy’s last previous match took place way back in February, when he went one-on-one with Sammy Guevara in a No Disqualification match. Hardy would suffer a broken nose during the match following a botched splash from Guevara, who has eventually suspended himself following the incident for “following concussion protocol.”
Chris Jericho got “go away heat” as he beat Hook for the FTW Title. Also, Jack Perry finally returned to AEW. He jumped into the Young Bucks and FTR’s ladder match and helped the Jackson brothers become the first-ever three-time AEW Tag Team Champions. Now, let’s get into the Daily Drop!
AEW:
Bryan Danielson Injury Scare: Danielson vs. Will Ospreay is being hailed as one of the greatest matches in company history. The conclusion saw Ospreay unleash Tiger Driver 91 for the victory. Danielson landed hard and was tended to by medical personnel after the match. He remained unresponsive for a significant period, causing concern among the St. Louis fans. Thankfully, it was later confirmed that Danielson was fine and was selling the effects of the move and the entire match. At the post-show press conference, Ospreay teased retiring Tiger Driver 91 due to how dangerous it is.
“If you throw a jab, I throw one back. And although I wasn’t mentioned by name, it was clearly about me.” He went on to admit that shots like that won’t be coming from him anymore, “I don’t wanna do that anymore because I feel like I lowered myself to that standard. I don’t need to do that anymore… that’s the first time I’ve ever experienced true tribalism between the two. It’s not nice. It’s unnecessary.”
Will Ospreay says he's annoyed by the Triple H jab he took, but now simply wants to focus on promoting AEW.
“From this day on, I won't go down that route. I'm the Best Wrestler in the World. I don't need to F with guys below me.” pic.twitter.com/zPqHD8sQ8e
Julia Hart’s Condition: The TBS Title match at AEW Dynasty ended with a title change as they planned, but Dave Meltzer confirmed during Wrestling Observer Radio that Julia was injured in the process. Their match only went around six minutes
Jeff Hardy’s AEW Contract Ticking Down: Initial reports suggested that AEW had extended Jeff Hardy’s contract into 2025. This extension was thought to compensate for time he missed due to injuries and a sabbatical following his 2022 DUI arrest. However, Jeff has informed other talent at conventions that his contract is actually set to expire in the spring of this year. Jeff Hardy joined AEW in 2022 and quickly teamed up with his brother. Matt Hardy is now a free agent, and he’s free to speak to anyone he likes. He just returned to TNA Wrestling, but it was under a non-exclusive deal.
Swerve’s Entrance: Strickland’s entrance at AEW Dynasty received a ton of props from fans all over, who really dug his Black Panther tribute.
Andrade & Ricochet vs. Dominik Mysterio & J.D. McDonagh
Awesome Truth vs. DIY – World Tag Team Championship match
Gunther returns for the first time since losing the IC title at WrestleMania
Drew McIntyre Injured: Add Drew McIntyre to the long list of WWE wrestlers out with injuries, including Rhea Ripley, CM Punk, Seth Rollins to name a few. At WrestleMania, the ‘Scottish Warrior’ defeated Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight title (before dropping it just minutes later to Damian Priest.) It turns out that McIntyre was injured in the match against Rollins and badly hyperextended his elbow. He did work last week’s WWE UK tour as advertised, but will probably take some time off to heal. On a side note, we haven’t heard anything about him signing a new WWE contract, negotiations getting series, or anything to that effect.
The Smashing Machine: The Rock just wrapped up his road to WrestleMania 40. The Final Boss promised that he will return to the company for a match against Cody, but he has an important role coming up that needs his attention. “The Smashing Machine” will chronicle the life of fighter Mark Kerr, exploring his ascent in the world of MMA and his battles with personal issues. Johnson will portray Kerr in the film, and his MMA training will start very soon for that new role.
Bayley Still Sign Ripping: Remember when Bayley went viral practically every week when she ripped up a fan’s sign as part of Damage CTRL? She hasn’t dropped that trend. She spotted a fan holding a sign that said IYO SKY was his champion, and Bayley got to work.
Jeff Hardy’s days with AEW could be numbered as the Charismatic Enigma’s deal with the All-Elite promotion is set to expire sooner than initially expected.
Hardy joined AEW in 2022 and wasted no time in aligning with his brother Matt. Originally, it was believed that AEW had extended Jeff Hardy’s deal into 2025, Fightful Select reports. This was believed to be the case to make up for time lost due to injuries and Jeff’s sabbatical following his 2022 DUI arrest. That isn’t the case as Jeff has been telling other talent at conventions that his contract is set to expire sometime in the spring of this year.
It remains to be seen whether Jeff Hardy re-signs with AEW but the former World Champion has shown frustrations with the company in the past. In December 2023, Jeff appeared on his brother’s podcast and spoke about his AEW run.
“The last time I was in this extreme dimension of your podcast, I said in WWE I felt like I was a ghost just walking around backstage. Honestly, I kind of still feel like that at AEW just because I’m not being involved in something cool.”
With his brother no longer in AEW, Jeff may seek to try his hand outside the promotion in which he feels he hasn’t been used to his fullest potential. Matt Hardy recently returned to TNA Wrestling and was immediately entered into a program with TNA World Champion Moose. With that said, Matt has not signed with TNA and remains a free agent at this time.
Ultimately, Jeff will have to make some difficult decisions about his future and the veteran wrestler will have to consider how long left he has in the ring. With his situation in AEW not ideal and his controversial release from WWE in late 2021, we’ll have to wait and see what Jeff Hardy does next.
All Elite Wrestling fans have been looking for answers as longtime veteran Matt Hardy’s career seems to be winding down. Hardy has been featured less on TV, with his last match occurring on the January 3 episode of AEW Dynamite. Despite his current status with the company, Hardy has confirmed that he still intends to keep wrestling for the foreseeable future.
On Twitter, Hardy was asked by a fan if he was considering retirement and, if true if he would consider staying in AEW as a Producer. Hardy replied on Twitter that he doesn’t plan on retiring from being an active wrestler anytime soon.
SEScoops’ Dominic DeAngelo transcribed the following quotes.
“…Yes, it is coming up in March and we’ve spoke about it, we’ve talked about it and I guess we’ll see what happens. So we’ll see, if you listen to the podcast just give me your feedback, tell me what you think I should do next. I’m a person of the people, I listen to the people.”
He also noted that he loves AEW but understands if a deal isn’t made to keep him on the roster. While Matt’s future remains unclear, his brother, Jeff Hardy, looks to be sticking around in AEW ahead of Matt’s potential exit.
Potential Reason Why Jeff Hardy Is Expected To Be Under Contract With AEW
The two brothers seemingly hoped to align their contract to test free agency or get an extension with AEW. While Matt signed with the company in March 2020, Jeff would debut with the company two years later.
However, unforeseeable circumstances like inactivity and injuries may result in Jeff staying in the company longer than anticipated. It’s unclear when his contract will expire or if the company will try to sign both brothers to new deals.
Although Matt’s immediate future looks murky, his fans can be assured that he still wants to keep wrestling and isn’t looking at retirement just yet.
Sammy Guevara is currently serving a suspension due to his involvement in a match against Jeff Hardy on February 14th. This was apparently news to Matt Hardy.
Matt Hardy has now reacted to Sammy Guevara’s suspension. He didn’t have a ton to say, but this was apparently breaking new to him when he heard that it happened. Matt was somewhat involved, because he got in the ring and gave Guevara the middle finger after the ordeal went down during that Rampage taping.
Matt Hardy Reacts
Sammy Guevara has maintained a consistent presence on AEW television since joining the roster in 2019. However, he has been involved with several incidents resulting in injuries to his opponents, including the most recent altercation involving Jeff Hardy. That doesn’t even count his backstage controversies, like his fight with Andrade.
As a consequence of these actions against Jeff Hardy, Guevara has been suspended from AEW. Following Guevara’s suspension, Hardy has now responded to the situation.
During the Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, Matt Hardy spoke briefly about Sammy Guevara’s suspension. He hadn’t heard anything about this suspension, but he did believe the report when he heard it.
“The whole thing about Sammy being suspended was all new to me until broken by Sean Ross Sapp, that was all new to me, but it is what it is, I guess.”
What’s Next For Sammy Guevara and Jeff Hardy
During this encounter in the ring with Guevara, Jeff Hardy sustained an injury, and it appears that proper concussion protocol was not followed. Additionally, Guevara executed his finishing move on Hardy, a maneuver that should have been avoided, but things transpired as they did.
Jeff Hardy did sustain a broken nose, but no concussion was reported. Now, he is in the middle of a slow process to receive his medical clearance once again.
SEScoops will have more on this story, and so many more, as things break in the pro wrestling world. You never know what can happen next, but we will be here witih the headlines you need.
AEW laid down a suspension for Sammy Guevara when after his botches top rope move on Jeff Hardy went viral. Hardy was injured, and there is a lot to unpack now.
Guevara had plans in place for him in AEW, but that didn’t matter once this incident took place. Now, he is waiting on the sidelines, and that also leaves Chris Jericho without a partner.
The Spanish God’s Suspension
Sammy Guevara’s suspension stemmed from an incident during a match on February 14, where Guevara accidentally broke Jeff Hardy’s nose with a knee strike. Despite Hardy not suffering a concussion, the match continued, contrary to proper protocol, leading to Guevara’s suspension.
During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer discussed the intricacies surrounding a proposed tag team involving Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega, which ultimately didn’t materialize. Omega was taken out of action thanks to diverticulitis, and then Jericho went back to Sammy Guevara as his partner.
Meltzer explained how the plan evolved to include Jericho teaming with Sammy Guevara for a tournament, only for it to be trashed by Guevara’s suspension.
Meltzer noted the dissatisfaction regarding the handling of the situation, emphasizing that medical professionals should have intervened to stop the match rather than leaving it to Guevara. Consequently, the partnership between Jericho and Guevara was abandoned, leaving Jericho to potentially team up with Hook instead.
“In this situation, the doctors should’ve stopped the match, and it should not have been up to Sammy Guevara to take it home. And again, like what he was told, I mean, I guess whatever it was, the fact he did a GT H and nailed the guy with the knee after the concern of concussion was one of the reasons why it went the way it didn’t end up suspended. So anyway, yeah, so that was the deal with the Jericho and Guevara team is now out the window. So I guess it’s going to be Jericho and Hook.”
What’s Next
We will have to see how long Sammy Guevara’s suspension lasts. Since the length of Guevara’s time away from AEW is unclear, we will have to keep a close eye for his return.
Jeff Hardy is trying to get cleared for an in-ring return. His brother, Matt Hardy, commented to say that this will be a slow process.
On another note, Matt’s AEW contract is set to expire soon. The Hardys were supposed to have contracts that ran out at the same time, but Jeff Hardy’s breaks from the company caused Tony Khan to pause his deal.
SEScoops will have more on this story as additional details are made available.
AEW has their own way of handling things, and it appears that their disciplinary committee has handed down another suspension. This time, Sammy Guevara is getting some time off due to a recent botched spot.
Sammy Guevara and Jeff Hardy wrestled on the February 16 episode of AEW Rampage (taped 2/14). Guevara has been a Jeff Hardy fan for many years, as evidenced by him sharing this photo of the two together from well over a decade ago in the days leading up to their match.
Unfortunately, the match did not go as planned. Both competitors are known for their high-impact offense and know associated risks. This fateful encounter would leave Hardy with a broken nose and Guevara with a suspension (and a middle finger salute from one of the most decorated tag teams in wrestling history.)
Sammy Guevara and Jeff Hardy crossed paths many years before they’d meet in the ring
The Incident & The Suspension
Mid-way through the match, Hardy was injured and became disoriented. Instead of giving Hardy sufficient time to to get checked out, Guevara climbed the top rope and executed his signature Shooting Star Press on Hardy. As seen below, Guevara botched the landing and inadvertently kicked Hardy in the face.
According to a report from Fightful Select, this was a violation of AEW’s concussion safety protocols and Guevara has been suspended accordingly.
The Suspension & Aftermath
Sammy Guevara attempted to apologize to Jeff Hardy after the match, but that also did go as planned.
Hardy was visibly upset and understandably so. A fan who was in attendance for the match captured this footage of the post-match altercation. Guevara extends his hand in an effort to make amends, but the Hardys weren’t having it.
Guevara wrestled one match since his bout with Hardy, a no-disqualification loss to Powerhouse Hobbs on the 2/24 episode of AEW Collision.
Jeff & Matt Hardy not happy with Sammy Guevara last night at the #AEWRampage tapings after after Sammy kneed Jeff in the face doing a Shooting Star Press. pic.twitter.com/n1IV3NUQje
AEW’s disciplinary committee is comprised of Bryan Danielson and two attorneys, according to Tony Khan on last week’s AEW Revolution media call.
Guevara was suspended from AEW back in 2020 and required to undergo sensitivity training. The disciplinary measures were handed down after ‘inappropriate’ comments he made about Sasha Banks/Mercedes Mone during a 2016 podcast appearance resurfaced.
Guevara has also He’s also had serious backstage issues with Eddie Kingston and Andrade, who recently returned to WWE. It’s unclear if either of those situations resulted in a formal suspension, or if any of these prior situations factored into the severity of this latest suspension.
Jeff Hardy and Sammy Guevara’s match on Rampage last week didn’t end the way anyone wanted it to. Guevara accidentally landed on Hardy’s face off a top rope move, and controversy was sparked from there. Now, we have a bit of an update on Jeff’s status.
AEW had to switch around plans for Jeff Hardy after that injury spot. It was reported that he did not sustain a concussion, but that broken nose still wasn’t a great thing at all. Matt Hardy has another look at the situation from his own point of view.
Jeff Hardy Update
During a recent episode of Matt Hardy’s Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, he opened up about his brother’s condition. He said that Jeff broke his nose, and he’s getting some tests done now.
The process is not a fast one, and Jeff Hardy will be out of action until he gets a green light from the doctor. Now, it is a waiting game at this point.
“Obviously, Jeff’s nose, as I said, it was broken, had a couple little breaks in it. He’s getting some tests done on his sinuses to see how his sinuses are doing. It’s not a fast project. These things move slow, but we’re just trying to make sure his health is first and foremost and putting that above everything else. So that’s the main thing kind of to update on the status of him.”
The Footage Went Viral
That spot went viral, as fan footage of the match spread online in a hurry after Guevara’s knee landed on Hardy’s face. That was not the way that spot was supposed to end at all. Now, Jeff is out of action.
Sadly, AEW issued a bunch of takedown notices for any video that leaked of Jeff Hardy’s injury. They are known to do that, and they struck again with DCMA takedowns.
SEScoops will have continued coverage of this story, and many more in the pro wrestling world. We will have to see how long Jeff Hardy is out of action, but fans are not 100% thrilled about the circumstances.
AEW put on a Dynamite in Oklahoma this week, and they delivered the best show they could. That being said, it also came with a fair amount of changes along the way.
AEW Changes Plan
AEW had to change their plan for Sting on Dynamite this week due to his father’s passing. That is not all, because Jeff Hardy also couldn’t be on the show.
Sammy Guevara faced Jeff Hardy in a singles match during the recent AEW Rampage tapings. Unfortunately, the match caused concern about Hardy possibly suffering a concussion, as Guevara’s knee collided with Hardy’s face during a Shooting Star Press that went wrong. In the end, Hardy suffered a broken nose, which was not a concussion, but it still wasn’t great news.
During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer mentioned that Jeff Hardy was expected to have a significant role on this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite, but those plans were ultimately canceled.
”Jeff Hardy was actually supposed to be on the show, and in a key role. One of the reasons why so little was announced was because they didn’t know if Sting would be able to come. The Jeff Hardy and Trent Beretta was supposed to be a singles match against Orange Cassidy. I don’t know why, but it had been built it. Not announced, because they announced that Trent was injured, but they didn’t announce it.”
“They were waiting until, basically, today, and that’s when they put Mike Bennett in that spot. I was told it was very chaotic backstage. I was told that the reason why they didn’t announce anything was because they didn’t know if they could do what they wanted to do, and they didn’t want to false advertise.”
More on AEW’s Changing Plan
AEW had to pivot in a big way this week, and there were a couple of things that didn’t go according to plan. Hangman Page also suffered an apparent injury, as he said his foot was badly hurt.
AEW has one more Dynamite after this before AEW Revolution on March 3rd. Only time will tell what AEW does
Eric Bischoff is not happy with the recent Jeff Hardy injury scare.
The Charismatic Enigma faced Sammy Guevara in a No Disqualification match on last Friday’s edition of Rampage. A clip from this match went viral on social media which saw Guevara botching a top rope dive and hitting Hardy on the face with his knee.
The former WCW president talked about this spot during the most recent 83 Weeks Episode. Bischoff was asked if such repeated botches are a result of talent wrestling a lot less frequently in AEW, and the wrestling veteran explained that AEW’s culture to promote high risk moves is also to blame:
“Very concerned for Jeff. He took that knee right to the side of the face. I don’t know where it actually hit him, but it looked to me like it planted right on his cheekbone, his temple. That’s a lot of power coming down off, that’s a lot of weight coming down off that top turnbuckle and there’s nowhere for Jeff’s head to go. So, fearful clearly, I didn’t really ask myself why.
But I think your observation’s probably mostly correct. Part of it is too because of the nature of what AEW finds appealing is so much of the high risk, justified ‘this is awesome’ chants, which usually are a result of something really, really high-risk and stupid. That’s what they’re going for. I think the talent probably feels like they’ve got to go to an extreme to get over.
Particularly cos you’re wrestling in front of 2000 people on a television show. The audience isn’t into your shit at all from the opening match on. It’s like wrestling in front of a high school cafeteria crowd. That makes it harder for talent and they push even further and they do things that are even riskier to try to overcome that issue.”
this is NOT the first time Sammy Guevara has injured Jeff Hardy with his amateur hour bullshit
“But I think mostly it’s the reps. Guys are just not as tight and sharp as they would be if they’re on the road three or four or five days a week. It is an issue. I think Dave Meltzer reported finish went according to plan and it’s not that big of an injury. I have heard substantially the opposite. It’s a mess. It’s a mess, and it’s a mistake.
Somebody’s gonna get hurt. Seriously hurt. People get hurt all the time. You start taking knees to the head from the top rope. What’s it gonna take? Somebody’s gonna need to die? Somebody’s gonna have to get brain injuries before somebody finally wakes up and goes ‘ok we need to get a little better control over what we do and how we do it.’ I don’t know. Hopefully not.”
Jeff Hardy and Sammy Guevara’s match on AEW Rampage is getting attention for all the wrong reasons. A botched spot resulted in a lot of fear among fans that Hardy was injured. Now, we have the latest update on his health status.
Jeff Hardy’s Injury Status
During the AEW Rampage taping this week, Sammy Guevara executed a shooting star press, and unfortunately, his knee landed heavily on Hardy’s face. Although the incident appeared severe, Hardy confirmed he was alright, and the match continued with Guevara executing a GTH finisher.
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Jeff Hardy sustained a broken nose but, fortunately, no concussion during his match taped on February 14th against Sammy Guevara for the February 16th Rampage show.
Jeff Hardy suffered a broken nose but no concussion in his match taped 2/14 against Sammy Guevara for the 2/16 Rampage show. Guevara did a shooting star press and his knee landed hard on Hardy’s face. It looked bad but Hardy did say he was okay and they went right to Guevara doing a GTH finisher
Jeff Hardy received a broken nose but no concussion from this spot with Sammy Guevara on the taped #AEWRampage. Jeff went on to finish the match.
It’s ironic that with all the risks Jeff Hardy takes, all he did was lay still on the mat this time. It was the Spanish God’s Shooting Star Press that did the damage. Hopefully, Hardy will not miss much time at all after this little setback.
AEW Rampage will reportedly kick off this week’s episode with Jeff Hardy vs Sammy Guevara. We will have to see how they cut everything together for television.
This is better news for Jeff Hardy, because things could have been a lot worse. Still, a broken nose is no fun at all. SEScoops is sending our best to Hardy has a heals up.
