BREAKING: Jeff Hardy Signs New Long-Term Contract with TNA Wrestling

[The 1-2-3 Killam]

This isn't really "breaking news", but as I'm the first to "break" it on the forums, you can get over it.

TNA President Dixie Carter was on Bellator MMA on Spike TV today, to announce that TNA World Heavyweight Champion, Jeff Hardy, had signed a brand new, long-term contract with TNA and Impact Wrestling. He will return to Impact on February 28th (the first show after the UK Tour) and will defend the title at Lockdown.

She also announced several places TNA will be visiting on their upcoming Impact Live tour, starting in Chicago.

So it appears, after all the negotiations and rumors about a potential WWE return, Jeff Hardy has bit the bullet and re-signed his contract with TNA. Jeff did say about a month ago that he intended to stick with them, but he wanted to take some time off. The UK tour gave him some time to do that, and I hope he can make his return bigger and badder than ever on February 28th. While I've never been a huge Jeff Hardy fan, he's impressed me as the Impact World Champion, and I think this is a fantastic decision, both for him and all his fans. Hardy would get easily lost in the WWE, as he's said in interviews, and TNA gives him an outlet to be on top, to stand out, to work a lighter schedule, and to put time and energy into his other creative outlets.

Good on you, Hardy. I'm truly happy for him.

 

[ShawnBronald]

I find this very interesting since WWE added Jeff Hardy to their Alumni section today and added several videos of Hardy's matches while in WWE. Was this part of the TNA/WWE lawsuit settlement?

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Love this move. Hardy to me is a guy who's finally really hitting his "stride" with TNA, and developing a bit of a legacy. He seems truly happy again where he's at with the schedule, what he's able to do outside the ring with his music, etc. and he's easily TNA's biggest draw, so to me, this is a total win-win scenario for the company and Hardy himself.

 

[StunningBlackMamba24]

Its whatever hes happy with. Being honest, I dont like Jeff Hardy, but I respect him, and his career throughout WWE. I wasnt really a hardy fan though, more of Matt Hardy. But anyways I know and I think we all know that Jeff isnt coming back to WWE for another while, lets say never say never. He doesnt like this new pg era thing, along with Batista, and Matt Hardy, leading to their departures. I dont watch TNA at all, and I find it as well interesting as someone said his alumni was added today on WWE.com. If hes happy with where hes at, then its all good. Im not gonna be that kind of person who could be pissed off he aint coming to the WWE. Being happy with where u are is much important.

 

[The Dragon Saga]

There's no negative to this move other than personal feelings toward Hardy.

From a purely product/business standpoint it makes sense and its a smart move. Jeff is just as much a household name as any wrestler living today, if they don't know of his TNA work then they'll surely remember him as a member of Team Extreme. Hes supposedly the biggest draw in-terms of merchandise, at 35-years-old he still has a few years left in him, his story and turn around is commendable and somewhat inspiring; Jeff Hardy is basically the top guy.

Good move by TNA, good going Jeff Hardy.

 

[sTyLnK]

He was with the WWE for many years, but we all know the heavy work load was too much for him. TNA is a good place for him now in this stage of his life. He has a family, it's a much lighter schedule and he gets to pursue his other passions in life, so good for him. Some people will be against it, but at the end of the day it's his life and for him, he feels TNA is the best place for him in his life. Can't knock him for that.

 

[klunderbunker]

What else was TNA supposed to do? This is the one of the few big stars they have so locking him up was the only move TNA had. At the end of the day, there's always a chance that Hardy could self destruct all over again so you need to get as much mileage out of him that you can right now. Keeping Hardy on the payroll was the only option TNA had. Smart move.

 

[New Hot Fed]

I guess it works in the context he's a star that sells t-shirts and I guess TNA must think he's really a big catch for them to lock someone like him longtime but he's really not someone I like whether it's his character or his wrestling style. He doesn't fit in how I view TNA and what I want TNA to be wich is focusing on their homegrown talent and have a more badass older style than going for the kiddies.

 

[AJ1981]

To be honest this isn't really a surprise is it? Hardy recently began a series of non-wrestling projects with TNA and is well known to like the work/life balance that the TNA schedule affords him. Jeff has done a lot to rehabilitate himself over the last year and whether that's due to becoming a father or the fear of imprisonment, well done to him. Although WWE would probably like a motivated Hardy to return they might not be willing to provide him with a part-time schedule and Hardy is probably aware of that. I see Hardy ending his career in TNA

 

[spiketbear]

I thought the company renamed itself Impact Wrestling. Why does everyone keep calling it TNA after all this time?

Also, "TNA" is now going to tour the United States and even the world on a regular basis, with one live show per week (plus house shows, probably). Isn't this exactly the thing Jeff Hardy was burned out by in WWE? This is compounded by the fact that he won't be able to see his young child regularly anymore with this new hectic travel schedule.

 

[SpecialFNK]

I thought the company renamed itself Impact Wrestling. Why does everyone keep calling it TNA after all this time?

Also, "TNA" is now going to tour the United States and even the world on a regular basis, with one live show per week (plus house shows, probably). Isn't this exactly the thing Jeff Hardy was burned out by in WWE? This is compounded by the fact that he won't be able to see his young child regularly anymore with this new hectic travel schedule.

I take this as the TV show is Impact Wrestling and the company is still Total Nonstop Action.
WWE has RAW on Monday nights, but the company isn't RAW.

not surprising to have Hardy resign.
problem I have is the announcement was on Bellator. WTF does Hardy have to do with Bellator. even TNA touring places should ahve been announced on Impact, not Bellator.
although I know why they did it, to get better ratings on Bellator.

 

[Zeven_Zion]

I thought the company renamed itself Impact Wrestling. Why does everyone keep calling it TNA after all this time?

Also, "TNA" is now going to tour the United States and even the world on a regular basis, with one live show per week (plus house shows, probably). Isn't this exactly the thing Jeff Hardy was burned out by in WWE? This is compounded by the fact that he won't be able to see his young child regularly anymore with this new hectic travel schedule.

I don't think Hardy's issue was based on frequency as much as it was based on what he has to do in each company. Even if TNA tours every week, it still won't be as hectic as it is in the WWE. He had more duties, so to speak, in the WWE.

I don't think sitting in a bus exhausts anyone. All that will change for him is the setting and the state he wrestles in. Otherwise it's the same as wrestling on iMPACT week in and week out.

I also don't think Hardy does as many house shows as he did in the WWE, which is also a huge part of it.

And even IF the schedule is just as crazy this speaks volumes for TNA. If Hardy prefers TNA over WWE even with a "hectic" schedule then TNA is a much better company for Hardy.

You can't base his decision purely on the schedule factor. Maybe he hates this change but there are other factors which can tip the scales in TNA's favor. TNA seems to be a more employee friendly company than the WWE, I bet they're paying him good money and he can pursue other projects.

Do you expect him to say no to TNA because of their now "hectic" schedule? Why? So he can go have WWE's hectic schedule? Even if he'll get more money there does Hardy seem like the money hound other guys are? Obviously he isn't, otherwise he'd be showing up on RAW in the next few months having dance offs or some other bullshit WWE pulls out of their stale ass.

 

[tears_of_rage]

You also have to keep in mind, jeff is also the lindsey lohan of wrestling, keeping himself on the right path is a challenge, he is also his own worst enemy, but so far so good.keep your fingers crossed.

 

[Papa Pillman]

I can't state enough how pleasantly surprised I have been with the quality of Hardy's current title reign. Although it is probably moreso due to the quality of the heels that he has been working against, Hardy still deserves to get a fair portion of the credit. He has looked very solid in all of his title defenses and has found a groove with how he interacts with the crowd and other wrestlers on the mic in spite of his promo limitations.

The next step is going to be how Jeff's current push translates to the road tapings. He won't be the toast of every arena that they play in the same way that he has become "king of the Impact Zone". Hopefully he doesn't let that effect his energy.

From the outside looking in, staying with TNA looks like the right move for both parties. I am glad that it is done, and we can put the "will Jeff return to WWE?" questions to bed for a while and focus on where creative goes with Jeff's title reign from here.

 

[harrythem]

This is a good move for both Hardy and TNA. Hardy is, to me, the feel good story in wrestling over the last year or so (Jake Roberts current status being second) and it seems a lot to do with his home life/happy working balance. If TNA helps him stay straight and his presence helps TNA then, top draw for all.

On a side note, I wouldn't actually mind seeing Jeff use his pull to get his brother a second chance in TNA. Matt seems to have turned his life around as well and has enough talent/charisma that he could add something to TNA (or at least be a member of Aces & Eights that the audience possibly cares about). Either way having both Hardys sober and ready to go could be of use to TNA.

 

[HBsam31]

This was a good move for both I think. Hardy is TNA's top guy and I think he is doing good things in TNA now. Hardy seems happy in what he is doing, and that is always a good thing. Seems like TNA is the best place for him and his family.

 

[The 1-2-3 Killam]

What else was TNA supposed to do? This is the one of the few big stars they have so locking him up was the only move TNA had. At the end of the day, there's always a chance that Hardy could self destruct all over again so you need to get as much mileage out of him that you can right now. Keeping Hardy on the payroll was the only option TNA had. Smart move.

As much as I try not to speculate too much on the personal lives of wrestlers, behind the scenes and outside of the ring, it's my personal opinion that Hardy going back to WWE might actually lead to another self-implosion. What was the first thing he did once leaving the WWE? Get busted on a huge drug charge that is still haunting him today (see: not being on the UK tour). Why? I'd say, half an addiction, and half being in a lot of pain after working as hard as he had been, on the WWE schedule. His years doing crazy extreme stuff have to be hell on his body. SO if he can literally work one or two televised matches a month with TNA, and then do live shows where he can kind of relax and take it easy - no crazy bumps or gimmicks - his body can recover. Less drugs needed. Pain killers are the gateway back to a place he doesn't want to go. This might be total bullshit, but I still think staying with TNA, getting the lesser schedule, being a top babyface, and getting to pursue his other creative outlets keep him healthier - physically, spiritually, etc. - and extend his sobriety and ring life.

Love this move. Hardy to me is a guy who's finally really hitting his "stride" with TNA, and developing a bit of a legacy. He seems truly happy again where he's at with the schedule, what he's able to do outside the ring with his music, etc. and he's easily TNA's biggest draw, so to me, this is a total win-win scenario for the company and Hardy himself.

I wonder how long Hardy can keep going. I feel like, in terms of popularity, by 2015 he could be the next Kurt Angle for TNA, as a main event, respected guy that crossed over and put the company on his back. Of course, Angle is still a draw, and still one of the best wrestlers in the world, regardless of age or the condition his body is in. But Angle only has 1 or 2 years left before he wants to retire. And good for him; get out before it kills you. Especially a guy like Angle, who should have to be walking around with a cane for the rest of his life. So I wonder, as a guy like Hardy who has probably put his body through more hell than the combined WWE roster right now - if you take out Big Show and Kane, that's a more accurate statement - how long can he go? Van Dam is still going, and Hardy seems to be in good shape, but I don't want to see him go to the point where he's back on drugs to numb the pain. That's a bad place to be in, for anybody , much less a drug addict with a huge amount of young kids that look up to him. Again. I'd like to see another 5 years out of Jeff, but I'd much rather see him be healthy and productive for the remainder of his life.

 

[essdee19]

I have no issiue wit hardy in tna but if they continue to do that slime ball shit with false advertising and putting tittles on him where he can't defend it then we don't need em

 

[Mustang Sally]

What else was TNA supposed to do? This is the one of the few big stars they have so locking him up was the only move TNA had. At the end of the day, there's always a chance that Hardy could self destruct all over again so you need to get as much mileage out of him that you can right now. Keeping Hardy on the payroll was the only option TNA had. Smart move.

It's a good point. The rumors circulating about Jeff re-joining WWE might have simply been him using the threat of negotiations with the competition to force his current employer to up the ante for his new contract. This type of labor tactic has been going on for a very long time and it could be that Jeff never had any intention of leaving; he just wanted to maximize what he earns with TNA. For all we know, Kurt Angle did the same thing when he signed his most recent TNA contract; there had been talk about Kurt going back to WWE too, remember?

TNA has to be smart about this type of thing. As KB said, Jeff is one of their biggest stars and they could hardly afford to lose him. Still, they don't have the resources of WWE and while they don't want the larger company to pick off their brightest performers by tossing big money at them, this is something that will occasionally happen.

Three years ago, TNA fired the first shots in a war they were ill-advised to wage. They were chased back to Thursday nights with their tails between their legs. Since then, I'd like to think they've been operating more efficiently and are being wiser in their dealings. Adversity breeds change; presumably TNA is run better than it was back then.

We don't know what Jeff will be earning under his new contract as opposed to the old one. Whatever the increase amounts to, I hope he's worth what they'll be paying him. In any case, Jeff Hardy is a success story. When you can work yourself into a position of being someone your employer can't afford to lose, you've accomplished something big.

 

[George Steele's Barber]

How do any of us know Jeff Hardy is clean? We had no idea he was abusing for most of the time he was abusing. How do we know is not just a functioning addict like so many performers?

All that matters with Jeff Hardy is staying clean. Wrestling doesn't matter. WWE/TNA don't matter. I'm not Dr. Drew Pinsky but I honestly can't see how any addict can work their bodies and take any level of bumps and stay clean. Whether it is the so called WWE "hectic" schedule or the assumed TNA "vacation" schedule, bumps are still bumps and injuries happen.

I think a lot of people are lying to themselves and guys like Angle and Hardy may be lying to us about what working for TNA really provides them.

Of course it's a good move for TNA to get Hardy signed. He could die in the ring of an overdose and wrestling fans are not going to tune away. It's also a good move for Hardy because it's a well paying job.

 

[MINISTRYrising]

this is good news for both Hardy and TNA. With guys like Henry and Swagger both making there returns this week, WWE's Main event scene is becoming pretty crowded at the moment and if Hardy was to return then he would only get lost in the shuffle and would not be the number one guy like he is in TNA. With TNA he gets to stay the number one guy in the company and TNA get the number one guy as far as merchandise goes