The WWE could live to regret releasing Jeff Hardy if he signs with rivals AEW.
The world’s premier wrestling promotion cut Hardy’s contract short in December. He became the latest addition to the growing list of superstars to get released in recent times. The company has become renowned for getting rid of talent without warning.
Read: Why the WWE released Jeff Hardy.
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon has no problem cutting superstars he believes are bad for business. But it appears on this occasion his company acted too quickly.
In the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, journalist Dave Meltzer reported that the Head of Talent Relations, John Laurinaitis, rang Hardy to bring him back to the company. He even offered the sporting icon an induction into the WWE Hall of Fame if he agreed to make his return.
However, the 44-year-old turned down this opportunity and asked for his drug test results instead. He had to wait six weeks for the promotion to give him what he requested. His test was negative.
Why did Jeff Hardy leave the WWE?
Hardy was released from the company for refusing rehab after entering the crowd during the middle of a tag team match at a live event in Texas. He abandoned his partner, Drew McIntryre, who was left alone to fend off Roman Reigns and The Usos. This puzzled fans and left them concerned for his wellbeing.
Although his antics weren’t professional, Hardy’s test results show he wasn’t on drugs. Therefore, the WWE will regret not giving him the benefit of the doubt.
Had they waited for his test results rather than holding his previous issues with substance abuse against him, they wouldn’t be in the situation they are now. They appeared to hold Hardy’s well-documented battles with drugs against him.
Jeff Hardy to make the move to AEW
WWE is seriously concerned about him joining a thriving tag-team scene at AEW. In 2021, the WWE’s biggest rivals secured the services of the legendary CM Punk, and now they look set to land another big name dumped by Vince McMahon.
If Hardy signs with AEW, he will join his brother Matt. This would undoubtedly lead to the reunion of one of the greatest partnerships in the sport’s history, ‘The Hardy Boyz’. They would add to an already stacked roster of teams, including the Young Bucks, Santana and Ortiz, and Miedo and Fenix.
However, fans will have to wait a month to see if this fantasy could become a reality. Hardy’s WWE non-compete clause doesn’t expire until March 9, meaning he can’t wrestle in another promotion until that date.
Jeff’s signature would be massive for AEW, and both brothers have publically stated that they’d like one last run together. Wrestling enthusiasts might not have long to wait to see the legendary competitors team up once again.
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