One Year Later: Jeff Hardy's Departure From The WWE

[Mitch Henessey]

We all remember how Jeff was on fire in the WWE last year. He was as over as over can be, and spent some time as the WWE and World Heavyweight Champion. Jeff's feud with CM Punk made the fans cheer for him even more, because they all wanted to see Hardy take down the mean Straight Edge superstar. Jeff Hardy VS CM Punk was a great feud. We saw the known drug user and mistake prone Jeff Hardy go up against the squeaky clean alcohol and drug free CM Punk. It was just perfect. Although, at Summerslam 2009, Punk got the best of Hardy, and that following week on Smackdown(August 28), Hardy lost a steel cage match for the WHC to Punk, and he was gone from the WWE. Hardy's decision to leave the WWE shocked a lot us, because Jeff was at the top of the mountain when he left. You could say Hardy was WWE's most over face during this time, and he was a merchandise selling machine.

Hardy returned to TNA earlier this year, when TNA decided to go up against WWE on Monday nights. Jeff's TNA run hasn't been too good so far. He's gained weight, and he doesn't seem to have that same spark as he did when was in the WWE. Now as far as Jeff's rise to the top in TNA goes, he hasn't seem to much time in TNA's main event scene. Sure he was in the four way match at Victory Road, and there is a chance he could have a championship match at Bound For Glory, but then again, a lot this has to do with Hardy's legal troubles.

Ever since Jeff left, Edge has gone to Raw, Jack Swagger became World Heavyweight Champion, Kane is on fire, and his greatest rival CM Punk, is the leader of a stable now. Although, Punk hasn't see to much time in the main event since Hardy left. Oh, and he might not be around that much these days, but Smackdown will always have The Undertaker. As far his departure having a significant impact on the WWE goes, well, I think WWE is doing just fine at the moment. Randy Orton is insanely popular with the fans, The Nexus storyline is interesting, and although it has been done 1,000 times, Undertaker VS Kane 2010 seems like it could worth getting into.

Some where down the line, Jeff could become a major player in TNA's main event scene, and I do think it will happen, because TNA will surely want to make him a World Champion.

What are your thoughts about Jeff's departure from the WWE, and what do you think the future holds for Jeff in TNA?

 

[I_Am_Electro_Boy]

When Jeff's legal issues are gone then we will see him as the TNA World Champ, I really didn't think Jeff would leave WWE because he was the most over superstar in WWE he was going to be the biggest superstar in WWE. I think he made a mistake by leaving WWE because he was going to be huge. It's a given that TNA don't know what to do with Jeff they never have, never will even if they give him the title they don't know how to use him properly, I'm a huge Jeff fane so I've got to respect his choice of leaving WWE and joining TNA.

 

[MOExecution]

Jeff Hardy is only good... And I repeat ONLY GOOD IN THE WWE! You basically stole the words out of my mouth. Jeff Hardy was WAY over and was on top of the mountain when he left the WWE and it shocked a lot of people when he left! I haven't seen TNA in about two - three weeks now so I haven't seen the weight gain, but TNA never knows what to do with Jeff Hardy... A year after Jeff Hardy has left WWE I will say WWE is better and Jeff Hardy is worse. He should have just stayed... He would be WAY over right now and possibly be WWE World HeavyWeight Champion.

 

[Hawkeye]

I honestly can't put into words how I feel about Jeff Hardy. A decade ago he was the reason I got into wrestling,now I really can't stand him. It seems like when he really was an enigma, the rainbow haired high flyer who let his risk taking actions do the talking for him,he was a hot commodity in the tag division. But then they gave him a voice,and with that the fame came as easy you like. He was in singles contention,his merchandise was selling, and he was never far away from his next big title shot/defense. Time and time again, Jeff had proven to be a heavy draw(despite his abysmal mic skills). Jeff's only problem in his career has been Jeff. It seems like throughout his entire career he never really 'grew up'. He's been wishy washy with his career moves and with the drug scandal added to the mix,it seems like he's really lost touch with his inner adult and decided not to have a good business mindset when it comes to wrestling. I can't say anything about his future in TNA because I have no idea of what they do in TNA outside of occasional results posted on the main page,but as far as WWE goes,he made a huge mistake. He was the man in WWE and you didn't even have to watch it to know who he was,those shirts and armbands where everywhere. I haven't heard anything about him since RVD went to TNA(outside of news from Matt's twitter feed),but I hope he's straightened himself out for that baby on the way. I know TNA has a lighter travel schedule and that will probably be great for him and his family.

 

[LigerBomb]

What are your thoughts about Jeff's departure from the WWE, and what do you think the future holds for Jeff in TNA?

Besides the truly big names of the day WWE has never been a one guy town. Jeff made them money and vice versa but that's about it. He was never a vital make-it or break-it component of the WWE machine. In fact as can be seen with his current TNA run, without the WWE machine covering up some of his glaring weaknesses the bloom has really fallen off the rose (and rather quickly I might add).

In terms of his future it's really anyone's guess. The guy has so many issues and the company he currently works for so esoteric that the possibilities are practically endless. Though even with that being the case I'd said the probability is that he will continue to do less business for himself in TNA and not reach the levels he attained in WWE.

I wish the guy all the best, and in his case TNA and it's laid back approach may actually be the best thing for him in the long term (especially with regards to his health and overall wellness). He may not ever reach the apex of his career again but that may not matter to him as much as it does to his devout fans. I assume he's rather content with his station these days.

 

[Y 2 Jake]

It amazes me how TNA got hold of the hottest babyface in the industry and turned him into a total nobody. Last year if you'd asked how Jeff Hardy could help TNA most people would say he'd be a fairly positive acquisition who'd help push TNA on. As it stands he's just another guy on the roster. What's sad is that he's been in that position since about 6 seconds after his debut.

Admittedly the Jeff Hardy from last year is almost unrecognizable from the Hardy of last year. But TNA should still have been able to do something with him.

If WWE were employing Hardy he'd be the same as he was last year. In better condition, super over and feuding with the biggest stars in the promotion. TNA could get The Rock and turn him into somebody who's filling roster space.

 

[Jack-Hammer]

I have little doubt that TNA will attempt to put the World Championship on Jeff Hardy, that is if he doesn't get sent to prison. However, I can't help but wonder if it'll ultimately be too little too late by then. In 2010, Jeff Hardy has lost a HUGE amount of steam and I do think a lot of that has to do with his legal troubles. But still, I'm skeptical that Jeff Hardy will ever be as hot as he was during his last year in WWE, especially the last 6 months or so he was there.

Jeff Hardy will probably always be popular, but he's never been a "we can't do without this guy" name in the WWE nor is he on that level in TNA. Let's face it, Hardy has been completely lackluster in TNA. I can understand and agree with TNA's reluctance to do anything major with him while these legal charges are looming over him. I just believe the whole situation has really put a damper on what might have been something really good for both Hardy and TNA.

 

[TellMeWhy]

The problem I see with Jeff in TNA is the Impact Zone. In the Impact Zone his response is not much thus not making him look as much of a star as Pope or Hogan is in the Impact Zone. If TNA traveled, it would be more to his benefit and probably TNA's benefit. I can imagine how many kids, women, and families would go to an Impact show to see Jeff Hardy. Jeff Hardy is a guy who feeds off of crowd reactions and without that,he appears to be missing a piece of his package. If you watch the video clips of TNA house show clips posted online, Hardy still usually gets a good pop. Now if those pops were to happen on tv, maybe some of you would feel different about his time in TNA.

 

[goodlay]

I understand why Jeff left WWE. It's the same reason why guys like RVD and Kurt left: The brutal schedule. In TNA they can work less dates and have a less stressful wrestling career.

As for all the hate against Hardy, it's pretty amazing how everyone loves him in WWE, then when he shows up in TNA all we get is hate about Jeff Hardy. If he showed up back in WWE, everyone would be right back on his nuts. Just like if Kurt returned to WWE.

Regarding his ring work, I don't think it's any different. Hardy has never been an amazing singles wrestler, and that CM Punk feud was mainly due to Punk. And in TNA the reason people are calling him boring and stale is because they don't want to put him in any legit storylines/feuds due to his legal issues. TNA is doing the best they can with Hardy right now. They are keeping him relevant, and teasing him in the main event with the Fatal 4 Way at Victory Road and being one of the finalists in the TNA World Title Tournament.

If Jeff's legal issues can get cleared up, you will definitely see a World Title run in Hardy's future in TNA.

 

[LigerBomb]

If WWE were employing Hardy he'd be the same as he was last year. In better condition, super over and feuding with the biggest stars in the promotion. TNA could get The Rock and turn him into somebody who's filling roster space.

For the pure shits and giggles, and my own personal amusement of reading through the subsequent streams of TNA defending posts, I rather like to see that scenario actually.

 

[Remix]

I understand why Jeff left WWE. It's the same reason why guys like RVD and Kurt left: The brutal schedule. In TNA they can work less dates and have a less stressful wrestling career.

As for all the hate against Hardy, it's pretty amazing how everyone loves him in WWE, then when he shows up in TNA all we get is hate about Jeff Hardy. If he showed up back in WWE, everyone would be right back on his nuts. Just like if Kurt returned to WWE.

Regarding his ring work, I don't think it's any different. Hardy has never been an amazing singles wrestler, and that CM Punk feud was mainly due to Punk. And in TNA the reason people are calling him boring and stale is because they don't want to put him in any legit storylines/feuds due to his legal issues. TNA is doing the best they can with Hardy right now. They are keeping him relevant, and teasing him in the main event with the Fatal 4 Way at Victory Road and being one of the finalists in the TNA World Title Tournament.

If Jeff's legal issues can get cleared up, you will definitely see a World Title run in Hardy's future in TNA.

...WWE offered him a deal where he'd work no house shows. Want to run that "brutal schedule" by me again?

As for Hardy, well let's face it, he's the same guy right now who got fired by both companies for being a junkie. I suspect he needs the WWE machine a LOT. Both to provide the whole retribution and support for his long standing drug problem and provide people who can help him look good.

 

[Furyof5]

One year ago Hardy was huge, he was World Heavyweight Champion, in probably the WWE's best feud at the time with CM Punk and was getting more popular by the day. Some circles were even regarding him (though I havent a clue why) as "the next Hogan". 1 year later the man is more or less nothing.

When in the midst of the single biggest push of his life Jeff decided to take a break. As ludicrous is this was it sounded sane in his drug infused mind. It didnt stop there, after a big drug bust at his home the man up and joined the rival company of the WWE, TNA. Big mistake on his part.

Now I agree with Jakes assessment, TNA has a habit of bringing in big stars and making them "Just another guy on the roster", but what they did with Jeff was atrocious. They turned one of WWE's biggest cash cows into just another guy, and that is nothing more than idiotic on their part; not that it should really surprise me, they make a lot of stupid moves.

 

[goodlay]

...WWE offered him a deal where he'd work no house shows. Want to run that "brutal schedule" by me again?

As for Hardy, well let's face it, he's the same guy right now who got fired by both companies for being a junkie. I suspect he needs the WWE machine a LOT. Both to provide the whole retribution and support for his long standing drug problem and provide people who can help him look good.

I was unaware of that, but all that shows is how much WWE wanted to keep Hardy. Wrestlers like Kurt have specifically said the WWE schedule burned them out and thus why they joined TNA. If you can't realize the WWE schedule is a lot rougher than the TNA one, then I don't know what to tell you.

Second part of your post I agree with.

 

[Remix]

I was unaware of that, but all that shows is how much WWE wanted to keep Hardy. Wrestlers like Kurt have specifically said the WWE schedule burned them out and thus why they joined TNA. If you can't realize the WWE schedule is a lot rougher than the TNA one, then I don't know what to tell you.

Second part of your post I agree with.

I seem to remember Kurt Angle being released because WWE didn't want him dying on their watch. Which was a real concern given how insane he is. And he is insane. Dude ripped three muscles off the bone and continued working AT A HOUSE SHOW and was on ~50 Vicodin a day (his figure). Man doesn't seem to be able to shift down gears.

And Jeff for whatever reason decided not to go back to WWE. They were offering him more money for fewer dates. But then, I'll bet WWE are happy that he said no now though. What with the whole legal problems and all.

 

[LigerBomb]

And Jeff for whatever reason decided not to go back to WWE. They were offering him more money for fewer dates. But then, I'll bet WWE are happy that he said no now though. What with the whole legal problems and all.

Well obviously they really liked the money he was making them via the WWE marketing machine. And as you say, they liked dodging the mess Hardy got himself into even more so. I mean really? Can you imagine the hot water Hardy would've landed this publicly traded company in? The very last thing WWE needs is one of their top Superstars getting busted in drug related crimes a few short years after the Benoit debacle.

 

[JUSBRINGIT]

TNA are just using him to get WWE worried. Think TNA have convinced Jeff that he can be extreme there and then hes been saying like TNA is the future. No its not because its full of OLD WWE talent u now have kurt, flair, hogan and jeff and a bunch of others and it needs to stop. TNA need young talent and they should start by saying jeff, hogan, flair piss off. WWE began to give Jeff alot of things in 2008. He beat Umaga then when on to rival with triple h for the wwe title which he won in the end and then he fueded with his bro then got striaght back into main eventing then suddenly he goes while he was on top of his game. months later he goes to TNA and we all know that the company is going to shits because of the six sided ring being taken away it just feels more like wwe soon it will be PG LOL

 

[gd]

Jeff has fallen incredibly over the past year or so. He was arguably the top wrestler in the world at the time and likely the most over wrestler in the world as well. The whole Punk feud was pretty freaking epic. I enjoyed it.

However, for whatever reason, it's just all gone at this point. I'm not sure if it's because Jeff simply isn't as good anymore or because TNA screwed it up. Probably a combination off both.

At this point, I'm not sure if Hardy will ever regain a World Title again. He simply just doesn't have "it" anymore and for all of the things TNA does, the one thing it does not do is hand out World Titles to anyone. I have a feeling it's just all down here from now for Jeff, which is hard for me to say. I'm actually a big fan of him.

 

[HBKevin]

This is a good example of why I just have never gotten into TNA. And I have tried several times. WWE really know how to create Superstars, as cheesy as that sounds. Jeff Hardy was getting the loudest pops I'd heard for anyone in a long time last year. But then I can watch guys like Hogan and Flair on Impact, and it doesn't even seem that special.

You could argue that TNA has more technical wrestlers, less corny comedy, whatever. And Hardy has really screwed himself anyway with the drug charges. But to take the biggest babyface of last year in all of pro wrestling, and just let him fade away in your company?

 

[Mustang Sally]

As for all the hate against Hardy, it's pretty amazing how everyone loves him in WWE, then when he shows up in TNA all we get is hate about Jeff Hardy. If he showed up back in WWE, everyone would be right back on his nuts. Just like if Kurt returned to WWE.

You're right; they would love Jeff and Kurt if they came back. I feel the same way; I like certain performers better in certain places than in others. It isn't just wrestlers who have individual styles; their companies do too, and it's often the combination of player and company that help the wrestler hit the heights.

After all, Hulk Hogan and Randy Savage worked for wrestling organizations before WWE, and while they were pretty successful in those places, their monster achievements didn't come until they joined McMahon's company. Their surroundings helped bring about their greatest popularity. The history they build with the fans with time and experiences make us identify them with the place they work.

It's not just a question of putting down TNA, by the way. For example, I think fans like seeing A.J. Styles right where he is now. If he went to WWE, fans might not identify with him being there and we would soon hear complaining from the wrestling community about how he's being mishandled. It's possible that WWE would use him correctly but fans simply liked him being in TNA. It works both ways.

Look at Mick Foley. I read his books and feel he was sufficiently knocked out by his own ring persona that he figured the TNA community would love him as much as WWE. But they don't, do they? I happen to agree because I want to see him in WWE, not TNA or anywhere else.

The same applies to Jeff Hardy. Sure, you can make good arguments about his wanting to work an easier schedule...... or to work in a place where they wouldn't bother him about his substance habits....... or how he'll have this fabulous championship run after his legal problems are dispensed with. Personally, I think he may get that run as champ but it won't make him much more successful than he is now. He just doesn't fit in TNA as well as WWE.

In WWE, he was in the right place and people liked seeing him there. I see nothing wrong with that and, in fact, agree with the sentiment.

 

[Hollywood Naitch]

Wow..it's really been a year?!?! The time has FLOWN by!

Onto the subject of "The Charismatic Enigma" then....

Jeff Hardy's star has fallen dramatically since he returned to TNA, that is for certain. He was MEGA-OVER in WWE before he left, possibly the most popular wrestler on the roster at that point, and while he is still over today in TNA, he just doesn't add much to any show he is on.

With all his personal problems, its probably understandable that his focus is not entirely on wrestling or keeping in shape at present, but he just doesnt come across on TV as the "star" he was in WWE, and he matches do not carry the same excitement as the did 12-18 months ago.

Until he returns to the WWE (that is if he doesn't end up in jail), Jeff Hardy will not be the superstar he once was. A WWE return would still blow the roof off an arena, but while he stays in TNA, he is just a face in the crowd. I could not buy into him as a credible world champion in TNA, he just doesn't have "IT" right now