Humbling Hardy and Why This is Good for TNA/IW

[It's Damn Real!]

We all know Jeff Hardy's history. We know what happened at Victory Road, and we know what happened following it — we are also well aware that his less than fortunate brother was released due to a similar set of circumstances (though he never fucked up a main event or a match in his short-lived TNA career). And of course we certainly know that Jeff Hardy has since returned to TNA/IW, much to the chagrin of a number of users on forums like these who feel he simple "doesn't deserve" the opportunity—or as JJYanks put it: "Never trust an addict". Problem is... he does deserve the opportunity...

The problem I have with this philosophy—which I touched on briefly in the LD for TNA/IW last night—is that not all professional wrestling talents are or even should be held to the same set of standards or requirements, even if you think that practice is not "fair" or "right". This isn't about what's "fair" or what's "right" — it's about what sells and what doesn't. Jeff Hardy sells. Period. This is the biggest reason why Matt Hardy was released and why Jeff Hardy still has a job. Both had substance abuse issues go public and look poorly on the company — so what's the difference? Jeff is a certifiable SUPERSTAR. He supersedes life. He supersedes average talent. He supersedes TNA/IW. His name alone has more value than all things Matt Hardy combined, which makes stomaching the fact that Jeff is also an addict an easier pill to swallow. Matt Hardy does none of these things. That reason alone is why Jeff gets his redemption angle and why Matt Hardy is off wallowing in his own self-pity. If every superstar in history with an issue of substance abuse was given the JJYanks treatment of "never trust an addict", where would Shawn Michaels, Scott Hall, Rey Mysterio, Randy Orton, Hulk Hogan, Lex Luger, Batista, Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero, Brian Pillman, British Bulldog, Curt Hennig and dozens and dozens of other certifiable superstars be? Where would any of them have even been? Would any of them have even been? Sorry to break it to you, but superstars with incredibly valuable talents/names simply do not deserve to be treated the same as your average mid-card scrub when issues like this become a factor. Anyone who tells you otherwise, were they actually running a wrestling promotion, would end up running the worst wrestling product in history with the thinnest roster of all-time to boot.

That said, it is important to remember that Jeff Hardy is just one name on a roster of names who wrestle for TNA/IW. While his name may be more valuable and earn him extra leeway and quite obviously a number of extra shots to make his career there (and everywhere) a success, it doesn't award him any favors or love from the boys who share a career in the same company as him, which is why IMO this whole redemption/humbling angle that TNA/IW is running with him at the moment is very appropriate, and very, very important toward his potential future in the company. It's one thing to have the name value that awards you things others are not privy to, but it's quite another to ask the rest of your roster to work with a guy they don't trust or respect. Pushing Hardy back to square one by having him come in looking for forgiveness not only from the fans but from his coworkers could do a lot to re-gain some of the respect he legitimately lost with the boys in the room, even if this is all taking place as story on television because of how much it's rooted in reality. Even if all of these interviews he's doing backstage (AJ Styles & Devon) are works, if Jeff can really pull through them and follow through on this whole thing by returning to the ring to be the Jeff Hardy we all know he can be, he's likely to regain a number of supporters behind the scenes, including some of the boys he shares employment with like AJ Styles who on screen are obviously proponents against his even being there, despite still being an addict and a potential risk.

All that matters here is that this is handled properly. If done so, this is a good thing for TNA/IW and a good thing for the wrestling industry as a whole, as it would mean the quality of programming would go up. Like him or not personally, Jeff Hardy is a talented wrestler and has the type of personality and charisma that makes people tune in to see him perform. His being a major part of the second largest wrestling company in the US can only do positive things for the company and industry as a whole so long as he continues to remain clean and so long as the fans continue to be willing to forgive his transgressions in the event he falters again. Only until the point the fans refuse to forgive him does his value to the company and to professional wrestling in general begin to out weight the choice to give him another chance.

One way or another, the fans of TNA/IW (note: not just internet fans) want to see Jeff Hardy. It's undeniable, as was made abundantly clear by the reaction of the crowd in Huntsville, Alabama where he made his return, so not only is TNA/IW making the right decision by bringing him back, but they're making a good one too by doing so in a manner that's actually respectful of all the negativity leading up to his leaving in the first place caused. JJYanks will undoubtedly disagree, I'm sure, but as far as I'm concerned the right choice was made by all parties involved.

One more chance, indeed.

 

[JJYanks121]

Since ya basically called me out with this entire post, I guess I have to respond, right?

Perfect timing too, because hopefully everyone else will be able to take your points, read my counterpoints, and decide which side they support. Just a few points before I really get into it though. You ask where Benoit, Guerrero, Bulldog, Hennig, and others might be if companies followed my policy of being tougher on addicts. My answer? The might be ALIVE. Seriously, they were fun to watch for the time they performed, but was you cheering in your seat or at home while watching on TV worth their life? Was keeping these guys around while they knowingly had issues (and I know Eddie's situation is quite different but bear with me) worth it? You say yes, I say no. I'd rather have people alive personally.

You also say IF Jeff can pull though, this will be great. However, the point I continue to make is that we have no reason to believe he will pull through and that's the problem. This situation to me is like building a crib before your wife is pregnant. Sure, you've been fucking her nightly and the doctor assures you that her eggs are healthy, but until you have confirmed that there's a baby in there, why would you buy a crib and build it? What if she never does get pregnant?

The more drastic example is the life of Jeff Hardy. Jeff IS an addict and has been for a very long time. Depending on who you want to believe, Jeff has had issues with his drug use affecting his wrestling life dating back to as early as 2001. This is documented in the Hardy Boyz autobiography for those interested in a source. Back then, when Jeff was getting the huge push with the ladder match against Taker, he was constantly late to shows, even no-showing at some points. It became too much, his push was diminished and he left the company shortly thereafter. Then, he goes to TNA. There he gets involved in some stories but no-shows things there and essentially has TNA tell him "don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya!" on his way out. Time goes by and he returns to the WWE to try this wrasslin' thing again. He is about to get the push of his life with the MITB briefcase but gets suspended right before Wrestlemania, missing out on a big payday and huge opportunity. It would take him months to build up to where he should have been anyway. At this point, he has two strikes and realizes that he's walking a thin line so his work over the next year is the best of his career. People got very behind him and he became a true commodity in wrestling for the first time. Then, the old Jeff Hardy reared his ugly head, telling Jeff this life was too hard and he really didn't want to be a star if it meant not having "coping mechanisms". Thus, he cited burnout as his reason for leaving while on top of the world. A curious decision at best, and a stupid one at worst. A few weeks later, we understood.

When cops raided his house after a call, they found all sorts of goodies, things that would have gotten him strike 3 and the boot of all boots from the WWE. I guess you could say Jeff was smart enough to leave before getting that strike so the possibility exists for him to return someday, but at the same time, he basically left because he was an addict. He needed his drugs and the WWE's policy wouldn't let him have them. So he's on his own when TNA comes calling. Addicts need money and his "art" sure as shit wasn't making him any so he answered the call. TNA was more lenient about his issues so he felt like the "atmosphere" was better.

You can argue with me all you want about Jeff's recent tenure with TNA, but I'm going to call it like I see it. While there were a few gems in the pile (like his match with Angle), most of Jeff's work since March 2010 when he officially returned was subpar. He seemed lazy and I even have photo proof of the fact that he had a bad gut last July (I was at the infamous Brooklyn House show). As a fan, I could see that his work was sloppy and his appearance was sloppy, so I know he was not there with all his heart. He was there for a paycheck but I won't speculate as to what he needed it for.

Now, onto Victory Road. Let's not pretend this was a one time transgression and an "oopsy!" This was 10 years of bad decisions culminating on screen into one of the most embarrassing displays in a wrestling ring this side of Jake Roberts. Now, the difference is that Jake's infamous time was on a Pay Per View done by some random promoters when Jake was past his prime. Jeff's incident happened in the second largest wrestling company during his prime and in the show's main event. It was perhaps one of the worst things that could happen in a main event. While I agree with those who state that anyone should have been substituted in that match and that part of the blame is on TNA for letting him go out there, the fact that Jeff showed up in that condition to a PPV that he was booked to star on is one of the most selfish acts imaginable. So he was sent home indefinitely.

Now, this is a guy who was home for months, only surfacing to participate in tasing videos. Suddenly, he's asked to come back and at a show in front of a real crowd, Jeff makes his "apology" and the redemption angle begins.

Where IDR and I don't see eye to eye on this is that draw doesn't matter. Health does. If I'm running a promotion, I want my guys (and girls) as healthy as possible. I want my fans to know that they will always get the events they are promised and that they will enjoy them. Jeff is back and asking for redemption, but why should anyone buy it? WWE offered Jeff rehab and he turned it down. Free rehab was turned down by this man. Why should I believe he sought treatment on his own when free rehab was at his fingertips.

Now I know that people can change their lives without rehab, though it is quite difficult. I'm sure someone will bring up HBK and his finding g-d and getting clean that way. Maybe that worked for him, but I'm pretty sure that Jeff is not a born again Christian. If he was, I'm sure he and Sting would be seen together on TV (Sting is often shown on like gospel channels or at least he used to be for those who didn't catch the reference).

I know this will be played off two ways, but we have no reason to believe Jeff is actually clean which makes the angle being run on TV absolutely stupid. If he was known to be clean and known to have gotten help, then the thing MIGHT work and even then it would still be in bad taste. I found aspects of the Kurt/Jeff storyline to be in bad taste too, so we can't stop everything that's tasteless, but we sure as hell can avoid inevitable stupidity.

By that I mean a Jeff relapse. IF he even is clean to begin with, who's to say he won't screw this up. He's been screwing up for 10 years and a few months away where he's only seen tasing people is reason for me to believe he's changed his life? Color me unimpressed. So if I don't believe he's changed, why should I buy into a storyline where he's going around asking for forgiveness. Who's to say one of the guys who ridicules him isn't drinking or popping pills with him? After all, the champion of the company would have a few, pop some pills and then drive him around.......but I digress.

The point here is that I don't care that he's Jeff Hardy. I don't care if he was Dwayne fucking Johnson. If you have a problem with drugs, you are no good to anyone until you take the first step and admit you have a problem. Then, you get help in some way and you change EVERYTHING about your lifestyle. You eat different, you schedule your life differently, you make positive changes to reflect the positive change you are making towards sobriety. Then, when you might be ready, you can TRY to return to a place that enables you. For Jeff, that would be the wrestling world. It is an enabler as he takes bumps and will want to take pills to help deal with the pain. If he hurts, he can't take the pills. That's what addiction is. I'm not an addict so I can have a glass of wine or a beer with a friend. An addict cannot do that, not even a sip EVER. It's not about being able to handle things in small doses, it's about eliminating them from your life, PERIOD. So, can Jeff be in wrestling without doing those things? I'm not sure, and I damn sure don't think that even if he had started the second he left to recover that he would be ready right now to return to the wrestling world.

Yes, I have a conscience which is weird for a wrestling fan, but isn't anyone else tired of all these dudes dying? Does anyone want to see Jeff die? I hope not, and I hope this redemption angle isn't worth his life to you. If it is, that's just sad. Wrestling is bigger than Jeff Hardy. Tell me star power all you want but if you lose a guy for a year because he needs to get help for addiction, you build a new star. That's how the business works. I'll even go this far, TNA doesn't need Jeff Hardy. That's right, I said it. Who cares if the fans like him. If they were smart, they could do just fine without him ever again. If Jeff got healthy and never wrestled again, I wouldn't mind and that has nothing to do with my fandom of Jeff or lack thereof. Jeff has problems and I don't believe he's solved them, thus the story TNA is running is insincere. It is a fallacy for what they want to believe but it's sort of like TNA is a family member in denial about another family member dying of cancer. The reality is in front of you and you can mask it all you want, but it doesn't change the reality. You can say that "maybe the things people are saying to Jeff on screen will resonate if he's not good yet". WHY? Why would Devon Dudley's words from a script mean anything to Jeff Hardy? And honestly, if this was sincere, those words would have been something he heard a long time ago in the beginning of his recovery so at this point he'd be re-enacting stuff, but he's not.

To me, this whole thing is distasteful and detrimental to Jeff as a person which is more important. Bringing Jeff back is in no way good for him and I really don't care if he's a draw. Curt Hennig might be a draw for some nostalgia in today's wrestling world. Heck, a Curt and son match could have been fun, but he's no longer a draw..........because he's dead. Joe has no father because "he was a draw gosh darnit and we had to put him out there, addiction or not!" That's a terrible way to look at things and draw, no draw, quick draw McGraw, everyone deserves to live a healthy life. Wrestlers are no exception and I stand by everything I've said. Jeff can be a draw.........when he's healthy. I still have no reason to believe that he's sober and healthy and until I do, I can't believe that this story is a good idea.

 

[iwinulose]

i took the time to read the OP's thing, and i agree, though benoit and his family might still be alive if benoit had been fired........ moving on, this should be jeffs final chance, he is trying, the crowds still love him, some people on the internet still believe in him, giving him one final chance is a good idea, and it cant hurt TNA if jeff succeeds. as for this new angle tna is running with jeff, it is great. some people are getting to talk to him, telling jeff their feelings, hopefully jeff takes it to heart because its the truth. hopefully jeff can do it and become the jeff hardy that the people want.

 

[Trill Co$by]

The problem I have with this philosophy—which I touched on briefly in the LD for TNA/IW last night—is that not all professional wrestling talents are or even should be held to the same set of standards or requirements, even if you think that practice is not "fair" or "right". This isn't about what's "fair" or what's "right" — it's about what sells and what doesn't. Jeff Hardy sells. Period. This is the biggest reason why Matt Hardy was released and why Jeff Hardy still has a job. Both had substance abuse issues go public and look poorly on the company — so what's the difference? Jeff is a certifiable SUPERSTAR.

I'm sorry if this offends anyone, or if this is what becomes their wake up call, but no Jeff Hardy is no exception to any rule. In fact, if anything, he should be the one used as an example. Why? Because Jeff Hardy's actions not only affect him, but affect all the little kids that watch him. And if you think him being in TNA means that kids don't watch him, then think again. Not only that, but if Jeff is allowed to get sentenced jail time, break numerous of laws, and still keep his job then younger talent who are busting their asses off and doing things in a positive way will rightfully feel screwed out of an opportunity to prove themselves.

The theory that you believe him being someone that sells is the reason that he should stay, and that theory alone, is a bigger crock of shit than people saying Dwayne deserves to Main event mania. So what if he sells, he should still be punished, and not to mention, TNA's got a lot more stars who can sell just as well as Hardy could if given the chance to prove themselves, and I can guarantee that they'll be twice the worker and less likely to be caught up on jail time.

 

[sfury2005]

Hey JJ I do understand where you're coming from.

No one can say whether or not Jeff Hardy will ever not do drugs but I would say it's a good bet he wont be for awhile. He is under a 2 and a half year probation period where the slightest incident could probably get him throw in jail to finish off his sentence without going to court again. I'm also figuring that he will be on a strict court ordered drug testing policy with random testing every week or so. I read somewhere and not sure if it's true that he was also ordered into an out-patient drug rehab clinic, although I'm not sure how much good an out patient drug rehab would be. I will say this though if anyone watches the show Celebrity Rehab on VH1 it's easy to see it's not normally as easy as suddenly saying I'm clean and want to stay clean. It takes a change in routine and life and a strong desire along with plenty of help to stay and live clean and sober.

If he truly hit bottom and understands he's messed up what could have been an even better career then maybe TNA/IW taking a chance on him can help him keep clean. If you see how AJ and Devon talked to him on screen last night even though it was a TV show I'm pretty sure those were honest feelings they had towards what he did. Maybe an old friend like Devon coming down on him can help him out.

We only have his word for it that he's sorry for what he did at this point and actions speak louder than words. I would hope that TNA/IW would keep a better eye on things this time around and not let another debacle like that happen again. Hopefully the guys in the back will be able to do a lot in helping to keep him straight. He's a fairly new parent and husband I believe also isn't he? Sometimes things like that can wake a man up and cause him to be more responsible but at this point all we can do is sit back and watch and hope and pray that he has come out of clean and will stay that way.

We shall see how this turns out and for Jeff's sake I do hope we don't end watching another train wreck in slow motion.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

I have to disagree here. What TNA should do with Jeff Hardy is use him to set an example that applies to every single man and woman on their roster.

It's true that Jeff Hardy is a star and that's not debatable. That doesn't automatically mean that there should be different levels of accountability for wrestlers that are "stars" on the same level as Hardy and for those who aren't. At least, not when it comes to issues with substance abuse and the problems it can cause. Jeff Hardy's problems, the embarassment they've brought to TNA, the potential long term applications of said problems and what they could mean to Hardy's future goes beyond who is a draw and who isn't. I honestly and truly do hope Hardy has cleaned himself up and that he's finally "seen the light" so to speak.

If Jeff Hardy was or had been bringing in a large number of viewers to TNA, then I MIGHT, just MIGHT, see things at least a little bit differently. However, like every other huge name that's passed through TNA over the course of the past 5 years, Hardy's presence has done very little to change the viewership of their show. TNA has been drawing in the 1.4-1.7 million viewer range on a regular basis before Hardy arrived, during the time when Hardy was consistently on television and over the course of the past 6 months since Hardy has disappeared from television. So, also like the vast majority of big names that've come through TNA, I'm not really sure how much of a draw Hardy has been for the company.

 

[AmerikanWolves619]

This has got to come off as a HUUUGGGEEE slap across the faces of those who have been building TNA for the past 8-9 years from the ground up (AJ Styles, Roode, Storm, Daniels, Kaz, EY, Abyss, the Knockouts who were there from the beginning, and so on) because it would look like TNA feels it has more faith in someone like Jeff Hardy that it would on its own "home-grown" stars. All of these men and women have the drive, committment, and self-honor to be big stars if only TNA would take a higher investment in them rather than bringing Jeff Hardy back. Mind you, I used to mark out for him big time in the past; but now, though I do like the humility angle that the writers are taking with Hardy to set an example; this STILL put him above the rest of the PROVEN IMPACT! Roster!! Last chance for Hardy INDEED!!!

 

[mlp420]

This has got to come off as a HUUUGGGEEE slap across the faces of those who have been building TNA for the past 8-9 years from the ground up (AJ Styles, Roode, Storm, Daniels, Kaz, EY, Abyss, the Knockouts who were there from the beginning, and so on) because it would look like TNA feels it has more faith in someone like Jeff Hardy that it would on its own "home-grown" stars. All of these men and women have the drive, committment, and self-honor to be big stars if only TNA would take a higher investment in them rather than bringing Jeff Hardy back. Mind you, I used to mark out for him big time in the past; but now, though I do like the humility angle that the writers are taking with Hardy to set an example; this STILL put him above the rest of the PROVEN IMPACT! Roster!! Last chance for Hardy INDEED!!!

Homegrown stars my ass. Without Bob Carter's money TNA would have never even sniffed national television. I'm so sick of people acting like the so called "Originals" are entitled to main event spots. They're not entitled to shit. How are those guys more proven than Jeff Hardy? He was the biggest star in wrestling 2 YEARS AGO, not in WCW '97-98. It's not about what Jeff deserves/doesn't deserve. It's about business.

 

[CleverName51]

I completely disagree with giving an addict another chance. It doesn't matter that Jeff Hardy can sell tickets and be a superstar.

HE PERFORMED UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF SOMETHING.

Let's change the circumstances a small amount.

Jeff Hardy vs Sting at a TNA PPV

Hardy shows up high (again) and this time isn't high enough to be easily spotted as being in a bad state. (functioning level, but mentally gone)

Jeff Hardy works the match slightly slow, but not to the point where Sting or the Ref are overly worried. Jeff's condition deterioates during the match when fatigue is coupled with his condition.

At the climax of the match, Jeff is up on top for the Swanton...he jumps, doesn't get full rotation and lands on his head breaking his neck ending his life right there in the middle of the ring.

Or, alternatively: Jeff doesn't measure the distance properly and lands on his opponent crippling his opponent.

Or finally: a high Jeff Hardy gets antagonized by a fan, and goes ape-shit on the fan in his state.


All 3 of those situations aren't worth the $100 Million lawsuit that would follow.

Fire addicts, the risk isn't worth the benefit. EVER.

 

[wrestlingfanusa]

lol someone said benoit would still be alive if he was fired yea bc a bad situation he had plus getting fired and being at home would really help out idk maybe but onto jeff hardy they do have a thing that wwe dont have which is they can say they built up a company and jeff almost took it down wwe wouldnt be able to say hey man u fucked up and almost bankrupted the company tna being smaller has that edge this was the realest thing i have seen so far with tna

 

[bigbootydaddyV]

I think both sides make valid points, however, I think neither are good solutions for the overall problem of drugs in wrestling. Either opinion may have their effects on Jeff Hardy and his life, but neither get to the root of the problem with drugs in the wrestling industry. I truly believe a big part of the problem is the schedule and travel/hotel accommodations these guys have. These guys are on all kinds of uppers and downers to make the trips and perform. If these guys had better travel arrangements to get around these towns they can properly let their bodies heal without having to miss any time or take as many, if any, drugs to get by. Triple H said it himself when talking about Brock and how he loved the 20 minutes of wrestling and hated everything else. Yes, these are grown men, blah blah blah, but that doesn't change the reality of the situation. These are grown men forced to travel insane amounts, away from their families, hardly any time to rehab, and the majority aren't making nearly enough to make it easier (like get a bus or plane like show, trips, or brock). The younger generation should be listening to symposiums by the older guys who give them a glimpse of the dark road wrestling can take them, guys like Jake Roberts and the younger gen who've lost their folks like henning and davey boy should say what effect the extra curriculars have so hopefully they can rid the drug problem from the industry.

 

[JJYanks121]

So, the big news today is that Jeff's brother Matt is headed to rehab. I hope people can see the major difference between these brothers (and no, it isn't that one is a "draw" and one is not).

One brother is finally doing the smart thing. There's an offer of free rehab and he took step one, he finally admitted that he had a problem. Whether his girlfriend, his friends, or whoever else confronted him, HE is the one who is taking accountability for his own life and making a change. I'm very happy for him and I sincerely hope that he gets well.

See, THAT is how addiction is dealt with. Whether sponsored rehab or not, the first step is admitting the problem. I still haven't seen that with Jeff. Unfortunately, Jeff has had these problems a lot longer than his brother and has still yet to own up to them. No, the vague apology he made on Impact doesn't count. Matt has chosen to take proper steps to get himself better while his brother, who has always been known to make worse decisions, is "rehabbing" in a wrestling storyline. Which brother do you honestly think is making the better decision for his life?

Spare me if you actually say Jeff. I'm happy for Matt and truly hope he gets well. He seemed sincere in his video and I think he realized how stupid he's truly been. I can only hope that Jeff comes to the same realization before it's too late. Similarly, if it means Jeff has to walk away from wrestling for a while to get himself well, I'm all for it. I'd rather him truly get his life under control than anything else.

 

[HITMANFAN]

What, we should cut JH some slack because he earns money?

Seriously? Let him get away with whatever he wants, just because you end up with 'cabbage' in your pocket...great.

You could not be more wrong. Take away his support system, his money, his fame his 'loyal fans', his exposure so that it is just him alone with his addiction problems.

If he is any kind of man, he will stop feeling self pity, he will realise that no one is gong to bail him out this time, he would realise that all of Jeff Hardy's problems lay squarely on the shoulders of one 'Jeff Hardy'and no one else, and if he really grew a pair of stones on him...he would be lift himself out of the shit pile he always drops himself into.

And besides which...just how many chances should he be given...one, three, seven? He surely has had that many already hasn't he, in his career?

And the 'do whatever you like, regardless' message is the wrong one to send.

No sorry, but I have to go with the "Never trust a junkie" opinion. I have worked in pharmacy for over 20 years and they may all be great people, every one of them...but I would not trust one of them, not one.

 

[Dizzy]

I completely disagree with giving an addict another chance. It doesn't matter that Jeff Hardy can sell tickets and be a superstar.

HE PERFORMED UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF SOMETHING.

Let's change the circumstances a small amount.

Jeff Hardy vs Sting at a TNA PPV

Hardy shows up high (again) and this time isn't high enough to be easily spotted as being in a bad state. (functioning level, but mentally gone)

Jeff Hardy works the match slightly slow, but not to the point where Sting or the Ref are overly worried. Jeff's condition deterioates during the match when fatigue is coupled with his condition.

At the climax of the match, Jeff is up on top for the Swanton...he jumps, doesn't get full rotation and lands on his head breaking his neck ending his life right there in the middle of the ring.

Or, alternatively: Jeff doesn't measure the distance properly and lands on his opponent crippling his opponent.

Or finally: a high Jeff Hardy gets antagonized by a fan, and goes ape-shit on the fan in his state.


All 3 of those situations aren't worth the $100 Million lawsuit that would follow.

Fire addicts, the risk isn't worth the benefit. EVER.

He isn't an animal. The worst he could do is flip a fan off. When your high, you do not go "ape shit" and those are possibilities if TNA did NOT know about him being high 3 minutes before the match but considering they knew about it, the match was cut short. He was coherent enough to comprehend to get pinned in a 3 minute match.

If you watch the footage, he looked surprised and I think he realized what he did when Sting pinned him so quickly.

Setting an example IS the right thing however, WWE and TNA operate under the 3 strikes policy and Hardy has not hit his 3rd strike which means he still is obligated to a 2nd chance. Like it or not.

Matt Hardy burned his 3 strikes which is why he was fired.

1st Strike: Showing up late at house shows.
2nd Strike: Asking fans for refunds because he was suspended for being late.
3rd Strike: Getting a DUI and crashing his car.

If Jeff did that, he would be fired. Unless, Jeff makes a another mistake, he will stay.

In terms of example setting, TNA has done it with Matt, Gen Me (Who were fired for their attitude) and Wolfe/Magnus who got de-pushed after both failed their wellness policy test which also resulted into Wolfe having a disease.

I also think this new angle is a way to punish him as well. Jeff dislikes WWE now because of how they bad mouthed him backstage and let Punk shoot off on his arrest in 2009, now TNA is shooting on his situation for his angle.

 

[D-Man]

I respect the argument that IDR puts up here. I know that Impact Wrestling is his promotion of choice and he's with it's brigade of defense. I also know that although I hate IW's product, direction, way of running things, and how they portray their characters and angles on television, I find it to be a breath of fresh air in the world of nationally televised pro-wrestling.

Now, onto the argument about Jeff Hardy. IDR says he deserves another chance. IDR says that he deserves this chance because he's a superstar and he draws money. And as much as I love IDR, that is the single most ignorant statement I've read since other posters made stupid comments during the Chris Benoit incident.

I will use my occupation as a perfect example for this scenario: Let's say you owned a company that specialized in sales of product (very similar to TNA.) Let's also say that you had a top salesperson that made millions for your company. However, this same person was also caught multiple times for stealing thousands of dollars of the product. Fact is that, in the grand scheme of things, this person makes more money for the company than he steals. But his association with the company and the business is poison because he had been given many second chances after being caught stealing several times, yet he continues to break the law. Would a Fortune 500 company see it fit to continue hiring this person back just because he makes more money for the company than he steals? This is the point.

Jeff is a drug addict and a liability to the business of professional wrestling; plain and simple. If any wrestling promotion was to give Jeff Hardy a chance (especially after his own brother had been following in his unfortunate footsteps as of late) it should be after YEARS of therapy and professional help. Then, once Jeff has been proven to be 100% clean for a specified period of time, his comeback story would be amazing. He would probably draw more money than anyone could imagine because it's a story that many could relate to and sympathize with. But allowing him to come back now is just a recipe for disaster.

IDR, just because the guy makes money doesn't mean he's fit for the job. It's so completely selfish to want Jeff back just because he draws dollars and completely ignore all of his transgressions. This guy is a major problem to the industry. I know TNA needs money but are they really THIS desperate? Case in point, as one of their biggest fans, are YOU this desperate for them to make money that you'd put reliability, stock and the future of your company on this irresponsible ass hole's shoulders? Come on, man... that's horrific judgment all the way around.

**By the way, out of all the names in your list of past wellness policy violators, only three of them allowed their addictions to publicly affect the promotion they work for: Benoit (deceased), Shawn Michaels (only one known instance of a live show fuckup, followed by rehab, a break from wrestling, and returned to be beneficial in every way) and Scott Hall (TNA is the only promotion stupid enough to put him back on television).

 

[MisterRob]

I find it absolutely ridiculous that TNA marks are somehow defending Jeff Hardy and TNA's enabling of him to the point a threads made to try to justify these things. There is no justifying it. And sorry IDR but you're entirely wrong. In fact, your post is ignorant and I really have to question your ethics.

I find it entirely distasteful and disheartening that Jeff Hardy is back on TNA television and being PUSHED. Not only that but the angle he's in is one that's trying to garner sympathy for him, trying to push him as a FACE of all things. I refuse to watch Impact and see them twisting these real life issues, none of which have even been dealt with in the LEAST, into some angle to try to get Hardy over again and return him to being a top star for the company.

What I find even worse is the sheer hypocrisy of fans, and even more the company itself. You have Matt Hardy.. the brother who for his entire career was known as the workhorse. The dependable, dedicated, loyal brother who did everything he could for the company he was working for and was a good example to people. Then recently he has a fall from grace, develops clear issues and addiction and tumbles out of control. That was only the case for maybe a year or LESS, and what happens? The fans all turn on him instead of trying to see the problems he's going through and trying to give him support to get help and get through it. I hear nothing but people bash him and turn their backs on him in every regard, not wanting to have anything to do with him.

TNA as a company fires him out right. They do absolutely nothing to help him, they just get rid of him and discard him. And yet his brother? His brother's been an addict and trouble for most of his fucking career. Not once has Jeff Hardy ever tried to change those things, to correct his problems, or even to own up to them. And he STILL hasn't. He's still doing nothing to change his ways or get help. He's had chance after chance after chance; he's fucked over the company, the fans, and he's hurt business, and yet he's getting ANOTHER chance. Oh, poor Jeff Hardy!

So Matt Hardy, whose problems have been only recent, shows his character and quality by openly admitting he has a problem and taking the step to go into rehab and trying to get clean and better. While you have TNA once again enabling Jeff Hardy, not punishing him in any way, and Jeff Hardy continuing right along. Anyone who thinks this angle with Jeff Hardy right now is in any way punishment is out of their minds. There is absolutely no punishment involved. It's just a deceiving way to get the fans behind Hardy again so he can be pushed back up the ladder as one of the top guys and be an asset, again, to the company. In barely a month's time, too. He's being pushed over the rest of the roster, getting the spot of other talent, and that isn't just a slap in the face to everyone on the roster, a slap in the face to all the fans, but its also a slap in the face to his own brother, really.

This not only shows the character and quality of Jeff Hardy. But its also really showed the character and quality of those running TNA. This can't be justified. It shouldn't be ignored either. This is just clear proof that TNA as a company and those who defend them and try to make excuses for them and Jeff Hardy are complete hypocrits.

IDR has never been more wrong then he is in this thread.

 

[AntiChristDeicide]

MisterRob, yeah Jeff Hardy fucked up at a live PPV but at least he kept his mouth shut. Look, who knows if Jeff went to rehab or not during his time away? Did he? Maybe, maybe not but except for the youtube taser incident we didn't hear a peep out of Jeff Hardy. Matt Hardy on the hand, even before he fucked up he was always on youtube, or twitter talking shit. Then even after his major fuck up, he posted what seemed to be a suicide note on youtube to the point that the police was called to check on him and Jeff's girlfriend ( who should have been mad at Jeff) was totally pissed at Matt Hardy.
See thats the difference, Matt Hardy never stopped talking shit. Now yes Matt Hardy is going to WWE sponsored rehab, but my bet is that he is only doing this because its the onlyway for him to ever go back to a major wrestling organization. Look at another example, Kurt Angle fucked up lately but do you see him on youtube or twitter all the time since his fuck up? No because he has learned to keep his mouth shut, if Matt Hardy did the same thing maybe just maybe he would have kept his job.

 

[MisterRob]

MisterRob, yeah Jeff Hardy fucked up at a live PPV but at least he kept his mouth shut. Look, who knows if Jeff went to rehab or not during his time away? Did he? Maybe, maybe not but except for the youtube taser incident we didn't hear a peep out of Jeff Hardy. Matt Hardy on the hand, even before he fucked up he was always on youtube, or twitter talking shit. Then even after his major fuck up, he posted what seemed to be a suicide note on youtube to the point that the police was called to check on him and Jeff's girlfriend ( who should have been mad at Jeff) was totally pissed at Matt Hardy.
See thats the difference, Matt Hardy never stopped talking shit. Now yes Matt Hardy is going to WWE sponsored rehab, but my bet is that he is only doing this because its the onlyway for him to ever go back to a major wrestling organization. Look at another example, Kurt Angle fucked up lately but do you see him on youtube or twitter all the time since his fuck up? No because he has learned to keep his mouth shut, if Matt Hardy did the same thing maybe just maybe he would have kept his job.

This is one of the most asinine things I've read in a while.

You, sir, just like so many others, are an ENABLER.

You know why Jeff Hardy keeps quiet about it? Because he doesn't want to ADMIT he has a problem. He's hiding from it, hoping it goes away. Jeff Hardy has done absolutely nothing to help himself, and he sure as hell hasn't gone to rehab. If he had gone to rehab everyone would know. It would be reported all over the dirt sheets. TMZ would be reporting it, likely. TNA would be mentioning it, because it would actually HELP their cause. Jeff Hardy going to rehab would actually be a GOOD thing, and have nothing but positives. All the negative is because Jeff Hardy and TNA are doing NOTHING about it. Use some common sense, please.

Jeff Hardy has never once admitted, directly, that he has a problem. That he has an addiction or a drug problem. He cut a promo and made generalities, hinted at "something". His backstage segments have used generalities and never quite spoken directly of his "probem". And you know why that is? Because only internet nerds like us, those who get into the behind the scenes aspects of wrestling and are insiders into everything, know what he's really talking about. The general public, and the general audience watching Impact, will think this is just an angle and he's refering to his bad choices with IMMORTAL. And he's trying to be forgiven, the wrestlers are reacting, to him being the Anti-Christ character in Immortal. And that's what TNA's hoping for. They're enabling Jeff Hardy again, and they're downplaying his problem while bringing him back on tv to exploit and take advantage of him as a talent.

And you're out of your mind with your comments about Kurt Angle. Angle is all over twitter all the time making ludicrous and stupid comments. He tweeted all about his DUI, lying about his innocence. He made statements, he had his lawyers make statements, trying to make excuses, trying to lie about the whole truth behind his DUI. So, nice try.

The hypocrisy and the ignorance over Jeff Hardy just continues and keeps getting worse and worse.

 

[FightOwensFight]

I have to come in with most of the others and disagree with IDR on this one. Like D-Man, I work in a sales organization. We have a saying as it pertains to how we treat our staff; "The same but different." The people that are our top producers do get treated differently, but only when it comes to perks. They can leave early on certain days, get more frequent casual days, etc. They are not however allowed to break the rules. We have had instances where favoritism does take place when it comes to company policy and it ALWAYS causes issues within the company that takes weeks/months to smooth over.

Beyond the obvious enabling that TNA/IW is doing by welcoming Hardy back, I guarantee it is causing issues in the back with many of the "lesser" talent knowing they would have been kicked to the curb for less.

 

[Sub-Xero]

I had stated in an earlier post that I didn't want to see Jeff come back, not because I don't think he deserves another chance, but for his own well being. Unfortunately, he is back, and now that he's back, I do like the direction that he's going in. If I'm not mistaken, one of the 12 steps is to make amends and apologize to all the people that you've hurt. Now I'm sure that's not what he's doing on camera, but I'd like to think that he's done that with the boys in the back before they put him on TV doing the same thing. As for the question of forgiving him as long as he draws? I can't say that I completely agree with this practice, but I do understand. TNA isn't failing, but they're certainly not thriving either. If they can jump the ratings by showcasing a repentant Superstar, (I mean that literally, not in the way that all WWE wrestlers are "superstars") they've got to take that chance. As for Jeff showing up in an inebriated state and nobody noticing until something goes horribly wrong? TNA management is going to be watching him like a hawk. They simply can't afford to let that one slip past them again. Overall, I am somewhat happy that Jeff is clean enough to be on TV again, but I still wish he would stay clean even if it means staying home.

 

[IT Factor]

At the risk of sounding redundant, I can honestly see both sides of the debate here;

Negatives of Hardy's return:

Obviously, Hardy's return is a big deal. Deservedly so. However, this "one more chance" idea is sending a bad message to those in the TNA locker room. It is a slap in the face to those who have been with the company since the beginning and haven't screwed up. I think AJ Styles pretty much summed up my thoughts on the negatives. Hardy was the recognized champion of Impact Wrestling @ Victory Road and made a really bad choice that reflected badly on himself and those who have been busting ass to make IW a success. I'm sure all of the underpaid TNA originals like AJ Styles, Roode, Storm, Kazarian, etc were all pissed because they would kill for the opportunity to be World Champion and try to make a legacy that Jeff Hardy attempted to start. So, not only does Hardy come in from WWE and take the TNA originals' spotlight, he also screws up within mere months of TNA giving him the highest honor you can get; being World Champ. This is also really bad for Jeff Hardy, the individual. How can he change his drug habits or make a positive turn when TNA is basically letting him skate and slapping him on the wrist? Not only is it ineffective for Jeff, but, also for other drug users or alcoholics in TNA. That they can get away with doing whatever they want without reprisial of the consequences. Here lies another problem; double standards. Do you think if a lower card guy like Kazarian or Daniels would gotten "one more chance" if they'd disgraced themselves with the X-Division title[for instance]? No, they'd have fired them without a second thought. TNA really needs to set boundaries in this area and need to implement a wellness policy of their own and enforce it with no double standards. If Shark Boy messes up, send him to rehab[although he's probably not with the company anymore]. If Kazarian messes up, send him to rehab. If Jeff Hardy messes up, big name or not, send him to rehab. The end result should be sending Hardy to rehab to address his problems, not ignore them in favor of "one more chance". What good does it do giving him the opportunity if he'll do it again? Because it's not if it when. Jeff did it in WWE[violating their wellness policy on numerous occasions] and he's sadly continued it in TNA. The other bad thing is the risk of Hardy relapsing and finding him dead in some crappy hotel, which will probably happen if Hardy's problems aren't faced and defeated. I would venture to say TNA would be responsible as much as Hardy if that happened because they are choosing to enable Hardy instead of helping him. Who knows? Maybe I'm wrong and he'll return and never have a single problem with drugs or alcohol again. Maybe. Then again, history doesn't support that assumption.

Positives of Hardy returning;

I know all of the above kinda seems harsh. And it is. Tough love is often the only method of getting through to an addict. And let's be real, that's what Jeff is. There are good things that come of a clean Hardy returning. Obviously, name value. He's a big star and can do great things to promote and grow TNA. There's all kind of potential for Hardy to achieve greatness and cement a legacy while working in Impact Wrestling. I'm pretty sure WWE will never take either Hardy back with their recent offenses and who could blame them? That doesn't mean Hardy cannot earn a legacy if he returns clean and beats his personal demons. I found myself enjoying Jeff Hardy's heel run with Immortal before he started the drug business. He was doing something different that seemed to work and something he never achieved in WWE: a successful heel run. His mic work improved somewhat and he was getting mad heat.

This alone should reinforce that Jeff Hardy is a great talent. And that he is. I'm just concerned that this "one last chance" could be the end of Jeff Hardy, the man. Wrestling ain't ballet and we know it. Jeff is a risk-taker and innovator who lives in the high risk. It's just a shame that he has to resort to drugs or alcohol to live with that. So, I'm optimistically watching and hoping that Hardy will successfully return and beat those personal problems. Realistically though, I'm expecting an eventual relapse and he'll probably be using within weeks or months. Effectively ruining his name value and whatever shot he had at establishing a life-long legacy that he is capable of creating. Which is a real shame to any real fan of wrestling. And how sad that'd he be considered just another victim to the harsh wrestling business.

 

[AntiChristDeicide]

This is one of the most asinine things I've read in a while.

You, sir, just like so many others, are an ENABLER.

You know why Jeff Hardy keeps quiet about it? Because he doesn't want to ADMIT he has a problem. He's hiding from it, hoping it goes away. Jeff Hardy has done absolutely nothing to help himself, and he sure as hell hasn't gone to rehab. If he had gone to rehab everyone would know. It would be reported all over the dirt sheets. TMZ would be reporting it, likely. TNA would be mentioning it, because it would actually HELP their cause. Jeff Hardy going to rehab would actually be a GOOD thing, and have nothing but positives. All the negative is because Jeff Hardy and TNA are doing NOTHING about it. Use some common sense, please.

Jeff Hardy has never once admitted, directly, that he has a problem. That he has an addiction or a drug problem. He cut a promo and made generalities, hinted at "something". His backstage segments have used generalities and never quite spoken directly of his "probem". And you know why that is? Because only internet nerds like us, those who get into the behind the scenes aspects of wrestling and are insiders into everything, know what he's really talking about. The general public, and the general audience watching Impact, will think this is just an angle and he's refering to his bad choices with IMMORTAL. And he's trying to be forgiven, the wrestlers are reacting, to him being the Anti-Christ character in Immortal. And that's what TNA's hoping for. They're enabling Jeff Hardy again, and they're downplaying his problem while bringing him back on tv to exploit and take advantage of him as a talent.

And you're out of your mind with your comments about Kurt Angle. Angle is all over twitter all the time making ludicrous and stupid comments. He tweeted all about his DUI, lying about his innocence. He made statements, he had his lawyers make statements, trying to make excuses, trying to lie about the whole truth behind his DUI. So, nice try.

The hypocrisy and the ignorance over Jeff Hardy just continues and keeps getting worse and worse.

Oh for satan's sake, did i ever mention that wanted Jeff to be intoxicated in the ring? No, what i said is that yeah he fucked-up at a live PPV and then kept quiet about it until he returned. Did he go to rehab or not while he was away? Who knows, but my guess is that he went or is going to go while on probation because why else would have TNA kept Jeff Hardy around while kicking out Matt Hardy to to curb? Also, don't you think he already apologized to all the talent backstage? My guess is yes, because if not the first thing we would have seen would be wrestlers and management stomping his brains out. Anyways Jeff Hardy is back so now so we have to live with it.

__________________________________

"Survey says, One more for the good guys !!!" - Scott Hall

 

[IT Factor]

Oh for satan's sake, did i ever mention that wanted Jeff to be intoxicated in the ring? No, what i said is that yeah he fucked-up at a live PPV and then kept quiet about it until he returned. Did he go to rehab or not while he was away? Who knows, but my guess is that he went or is going to go while on probation because why else would have TNA kept Jeff Hardy around while kicking out Matt Hardy to to curb? Also, don't you think he already apologized to all the talent backstage? My guess is yes, because if not the first thing we would have seen would be wrestlers and management stomping his brains out. Anyways Jeff Hardy is back so now so we have to live with it.

__________________________________

"Survey says, One more for the good guys !!!" - Scott Hall

Sadly, we do have to accept that Jeff Hardy is back whether we like it or not. It's not open to debating and that's fact. My concern is for Jeff Hardy the real life person. If he has a major addiction issue and it's not addressed, he'll relapse again like he has in the past. He'll keep doing this until the problem is addressed and solved or until he's dead. The bad part is TNA will keep enabling Jeff no matter what, which is where most fans have a problem with Hardy. Impact Wrestling is becoming a haven for drug addicts and alcoholics to go without reprisial of their actions let alone the consequences of those actions. There's also abit of a double standard going on with Jeff, which only adds fuel to the fire. Anyone else would've been fired on the spot for doing what Hardy did @ Victory Road, yet that doesn't effect him getting numerous chances.

I'm all for giving screwups second chances. No one is perfect. But when this is the normal pattern of behavior, there's a problem. Which is ironic, seeing as you quoted the most famous addict[alcoholic is more accurate] and screwup in wrestling. And I was a huge Hall fan, myself. He had alot of similarities to Jeff and went unchecked for his problems in WCW & TNA. Only the WWE had the courage to want Hall to begin rehab. I'm afraid Jeff is the same type of reoccuring addict that Scott Hall was and it will forever taint TNA/Impact Wrestling for years to come. Which is sad because Jeff has alot to offer if he's sober and on his game. They may have to revise that catchphrase for Hardy if nothing's done: "Survey says, One More for the dead guy!"-Jeff Hardy.

 

[BigPoppaPunk]

IMO, humbling Hardy isn't enough in this situation. I mean, they fired Matt for a DUI, which IMO isn't as bad as screwing up on a live PPV. If any other talent had caused the ME of a PPV to be cut down to 1:30, they'd be fired immediately. TNA should've made an example out of Jeff to all former WWE guys who think they can get away with anything in their company. Instead, they decide to give him another chance? I gotta ask if they are smoking the same pot as RVD. With Jeff pattern of behavior, it's only a matter of time before some relapse happens again.


I realize TNA thinks Jeff is vital to their success, but objectively you gotta draw the line somewhere. If a talent can get away with ruining a live PPV, what kind of message does that send to the locker room? More especially if you happen to be a big name from WWE. I'm sure several drug or alcohol abusers currently employed by WWE would love to go to TNA and avoid the Wellness Policy that cracks down on this. If TNA doesn't start making consequences for wrestlers who are impared, then not only will the brand suffer, but guys will die eventually. Then TNA will have to endure a shitstorm of bad PR. Effectively killing the company as AJ aluded to when ripping Jeff a new one.

It's clear TNA isn't looking out for Hardy's well being or best interests, or they would have done something other excuse his actions.