Jeff Hardy
Template:Short description Template:For-multi Template:Use American English Template:Use mdy dates Template:Good article Template:Infobox person Jeffrey Nero Hardy (born August 31, 1977) is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where he is one-half of the TNA World Tag Team Champions in his fourth reign. He also appears on partner promotion WWE on its NXT brand where he is a former one-time NXT Tag Team Champion. He is also known for his tenure in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Known for his risktaking and high-flying style, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of his generation<ref group="lower-alpha"><ref name="auto6">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="auto7">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="auto8">Template:Cite web</ref></ref> and of all time.
Together with his brother Matt Hardy, the tag team The Hardy Boyz are widely regarded as one of the major teams that revived tag team wrestling during the Attitude Era<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and one of the greatest tag teams in professional wrestling history.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Born and raised in Cameron, North Carolina, Hardy started his career as a youth performing in the Trampoline Wrestling Federation, which he started alongside his brother Matt Hardy. Eventually, that would transition into the Organization of Modern Extreme Grappling Arts (OMEGA) as they became older.<ref name="auto"/> As a tag team, the Hardy Boyz worked as enhancement talents for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) from 1994, and were signed to full-time contracts in 1998.<ref name="digest">Template:Cite web</ref> They gained notoriety in the tag team division, partly due to their participation in Tables, Ladders and Chairs matches.<ref name="TLC"/> With the addition of Lita, the team became known as Team Xtreme and continued to rise in popularity. After splitting up as a team in 2002, Jeff's popularity as a singles wrestler began to grow. However, the brothers still teamed up sporadically in the years afterward, and together they have held twenty-one world tag team championships between WWE, TNA, ROH and other promotions.
Hardy had great success in his singles career, capturing his first of six world championships, the WWE Championship, in 2008, and going on to hold WWE's World Heavyweight Championship twice and the TNA World Heavyweight Championship three times. Within WWF/WWE, he has also won the Intercontinental Championship five times, the Hardcore Championship three times and the European, Light Heavyweight, and United States Championships once each. Having won the required championships, he is the 18th Triple Crown Champion and 9th Grand Slam Champion in WWE history (one of five men to complete both WWE Grand Slam formats, and one of two to win all original Grand Slam titles). He has headlined numerous pay-per-view events for WWE and TNA, including TNA's flagship event, Bound for Glory, on two occasions. Readers of Pro Wrestling Illustrated named him "Most Popular Wrestler of the Year" on two occasions.
Outside of professional wrestling, Hardy is involved in motocross, as well as artistic endeavors, particularly music and painting. He is currently a member of the band PeroxWhy?Gen, with whom he tours and has released three studio albums and four extended plays. In 2003, Hardy, along with his brother Matt, co-wrote an autobiographical book of memoirs titled The Hardy Boyz. Their book was a New York Times Best Seller.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>Template:Professional wrestling sidebar
Early life
Jeff Nero Hardy<ref name="slam">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="auto"/> is the son of Gilbert and Ruby Moore Hardy, and the younger brother of Matt Hardy.<ref name="wwe">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=digest/><ref name="space">Template:Cite web</ref> Their mother died of brain cancer in 1987, when Jeff Hardy was ten. <ref name=digest/><ref name="rumours suck">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Hardy, Hardy, and Krugman: p. 7.</ref><ref name="Instagram">Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref> He developed an interest in motocross at age 12 and got his first bike, a Yamaha YZ-80.<ref name="page11">Hardy, Hardy, and Krugman: p. 11.</ref> He had his first race when he was in the ninth grade.<ref name="page12">Hardy, Hardy, and Krugman: p. 12.</ref> Hardy played baseball when he was young, but had to stop after he crashed during a motocross race, injuring his arm.<ref name="page12"/> He also played football during high school as a fullback and linebacker.<ref name="page11"/> He briefly competed in amateur wrestling in high school.<ref>Hardy, Hardy, and Krugman: p. 45.</ref> He had to stop playing football in high school, after he was ordered to pick between professional wrestling and football, and he chose wrestling.<ref>Hardy, Hardy, and Krugman: p. 46.</ref> Hardy's favorite subjects in school were U.S. history and art, which he did for extra credit.<ref>Hardy, Hardy, and Krugman: p. 9.</ref>
Professional wrestling career
Early career (1993–1998)
Hardy, along with his brother Matt and friends, started their own federation, the Trampoline Wrestling Federation (TWF) and mimicked the moves they saw on television.<ref name=digest/> Later on, the TWF went under several names, eventually being integrated into a county fair in North Carolina. The brothers and their friends then began to work for other independent companies. They drove all over the East Coast of the United States, working for companies such as ACW and other small promotions.<ref name="slam"/>
Before arriving in the WWF, Jeff and Matt formed their own wrestling promotion, the Organization of Modern Extreme Grappling Arts (OMEGA) with Thomas Simpson.<ref name="auto"/> The promotion was a more successful version of the original TWF and included talent such as both Hardy brothers, Shannon Moore, Gregory Helms, Joey Matthews, and Steve Corino, among others.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In OMEGA, each of the brothers portrayed several characters; Hardy portrayed such characters as Willow the Wisp, Iceman, Mean Jimmy Jack Tomkins, and The Masked Mountain.<ref name="auto"/> While there, Hardy held the New Frontier Championship (NFC) as a singles competitor and the Tag Team Championship with Matt.<ref name="auto"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=nf>Template:Cite web</ref> The promotion folded in April 1998 when they signed contracts with the WWF.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment (1994–2003)
Early years (1994–1998)
Hardy cites Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior, Sting, and Shawn Michaels as his childhood inspirations to wrestle.<ref name=IGN>Template:Cite web</ref> He started on World Wrestling Federation (WWF) television as a jobber. His first WWF match was against Razor Ramon on May 23, 1994, in Youngstown, Ohio,<ref>RAW results, May 23, 1994. Profightdb.com (May 23, 1994). Retrieved on August 3, 2015.</ref> with Randy Savage mentioning on commentary, "Welcome to the big time". His ringname that night, Keith Davis, was the name of Razor's scheduled jobber, who backed out on short notice. Gary Sabaugh, who had brought Hardy in a group along with Davis, suggested him to agent Tony Garea, who agreed after Hardy claimed he was 18 (he was in fact, only 16).<ref>Hardy, Hardy, and Krugman: p. 43.</ref> The next day, he wrestled under his real name against The 1–2–3 Kid, and the match aired on the June 25, 1994, episode of Superstars.<ref name=Cawthon>Template:Cite web</ref> Later on faced against King Kong Bundy and Jim Neidhart, Owen Hart and Triple H. Hardy defeated Razor Ramon by countout on WWF Superstars January 13, 1996 (taped December 19, 1995) when Goldust's handler distracted Razor and Razor chased after him.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 1996, he would be teamed with his brother, Matt and occasionally wrestled as a jobber as late as May 1998 (including a match against Rob Van Dam during the ECW "invasion" storyline that had Hardy billed as being from Virginia instead of Cameron, North Carolina)<ref>May 12, 1997 on Raw Is War.</ref><ref name=digest/>
The Hardy Boyz (1998–2002)
The Hardy brothers eventually caught the eyes of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF). After being signed to a contract in 1998,<ref name=digest/><ref>Hardy, Hardy, and Krugman: p. 75.</ref> they were trained by Dory Funk Jr. in his Funkin' Dojo with other notable wrestlers such as Kurt Angle, Christian, Test, and A-Train.<ref name="slam"/> When the team was finally brought up to WWF television, after months of "jobbing" and live events, they then formed the acrobatic tag team called the Hardy Boyz.<ref name="auto"/> While feuding with The Brood in mid-1999, they added Michael Hayes as their manager.<ref name="auto"/> On July 5, they won their first WWF Tag Team Championship by defeating the Acolytes, but lost it back to them a month later.<ref name="WWF tag 1">Template:Cite web</ref> After the dissolution of the Brood, the Hardys joined forces with Gangrel as The New Brood and feuded with Edge and Christian.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="newbrood">Template:Cite web</ref> This stable did not last long, however, and on October 17 at No Mercy, the Hardy Boyz won the managerial services of Terri Runnels in the finals of the Terri Invitational Tournament in the WWF's first ever tag team ladder match against Edge and Christian.<ref name=digest/><ref name="NoMercy99">Template:Cite web</ref> They competed in the first ever tag team triple threat ladder match against The Dudley Boyz, and Edge & Christian at WrestleMania 2000 on April 2, 2000, in which Edge & Christian won. During the match, Hardy performed a Swanton Bomb to Bubba Ray Dudley off a 20-foot ladder.
In 2000, the Hardy Boyz found a new manager in their real-life friend Lita.<ref name="wwe"/> Together, the three became known as "Team Xtreme".<ref name="wwe"/> They continued their feud with Edge and Christian throughout 2000, defeating them for the WWF Tag Team Championship on two occasions.<ref name="WWF Tag2">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="WWF Tag3">Template:Cite web</ref> At SummerSlam on August 27, the Hardy Boyz competed in perhaps the most physically demanding type of match they had competed in thus far- the first ever Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match (TLC match)- in their hometown of Raleigh, for the Tag Team Championship against the Dudley Boyz and Edge & Christian, but were unsuccessful. The second TLC match at WrestleMania X-Seven on April 1, 2001, in Houston, which is regarded as one of the greatest matches in WWE history they faced off once again against Edge & Christian and the Dudley Boyz but lost to Edge & Christian.<ref name="TLC">Template:Cite web</ref>
Hardy gained attention for his high risk stunts in the TLC matches, such as doing Swanton Bomb frontflips off of the top steps of 10 and 20 foot high steel ladders,<ref name="TLC"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> making a name for himself as one of the most seemingly reckless and unorthodox WWF performers of his time.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2001, Hardy received a push as a singles competitor, and he held the Intercontinental (defeating Triple H),<ref name="IC History">Template:Cite web</ref> Light Heavyweight (defeating Jerry Lynn)<ref name="WWE LH">Template:Cite web</ref> and Hardcore Championships (defeating Mike Awesome and Van Dam on two occasions).<ref name="WWE hardcore">Template:Cite web</ref> At the end of 2001, the Hardys began a storyline in which they began to fight, which led to Matt demanding a match at Vengeance on December 9, with Lita as the special guest referee.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After Hardy beat Matt by pinfall at Vengeance, while Matt's foot was on the ropes, Hardy and Lita began feuding against Matt.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the middle of the feud, however, Hardy faced The Undertaker in a Hardcore Championship match on the December 17 episode of Raw and lost.<ref name="Dec 17 01">Template:Cite web</ref> After the match, The Undertaker was scripted to attack both Hardy and Lita, injuring them.<ref name="Dec 17 01"/> On the next episode of SmackDown!, The Undertaker attacked Matt as well, also injuring him, in storyline.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Hardys and Lita were not seen again until the Royal Rumble on January 20, 2002, because WWF did not have another storyline for their characters.<ref name="lita 170/171">Template:Cite book</ref> The Hardys later came back as a team, and there was never any mention of their previous storyline split.<ref name="lita 170/171"/>
In early April, the Hardy Boyz began a feud with Brock Lesnar after Lesnar gave Matt an F-5 on the steel entrance ramp, which led to an angered Hardy seeking revenge on Lesnar.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Backlash on April 21, Hardy faced-off against Lesnar in Lesnar's first televised match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Lesnar dominated Hardy and won the match by knockout.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Lesnar and the Hardys continued to feud over the next few weeks, with the Hardys coming out victorious only once by disqualification.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Judgment Day on May 19, Lesnar gained the upper hand on the Hardy Boyz before tagging his partner, Paul Heyman, in to claim the win for the team.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In July 2002, Hardy won his third Hardcore Championship by defeating Bradshaw.<ref name="wwe2">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="WWE hardcore"/>
Singles championship reigns and departure (2002–2003)
After years in the tag team division, Hardy took on The Undertaker in a ladder match for the WWE Undisputed Championship on the July 1 episode of Raw.<ref name="auto"/><ref name="2ndcoming">Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy came up short in the intense match, but earned The Undertaker's respect when he displayed courage by attempting to rise to his feet after the bout and challenge The Undertaker to continue.<ref name="auto"/> Hardy competed for singles titles on several occasions and defeated William Regal for the European Championship on the July 8 episode of Raw.<ref name="european">Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy was defeated a few weeks later by Rob Van Dam on the July 22 episode of Raw in a ladder match to unify the European Championship and the Intercontinental Championship, and the European Championship was retired.<ref name="european"/> Finally, the Hardy Boyz split apart, as Hardy continued to pursue his singles ambitions on Raw and his brother, Matt left Raw for his own singles pursuits signing with Stephanie McMahon's SmackDown! brand. On Raw, Hardy would compete in WWE's Hardcore division until the title's unification with the Intercontinental Championship.<ref name="matt bio">Template:Cite web</ref>
In late 2002, Hardy had been teaming with Rob Van Dam and Bubba Ray Dudley. He along with Bubba Ray and Spike Dudley defeated 3-Minute Warning at Survivor Series on November 17 in a six-man tag team elimination tables match.
In January 2003, Hardy briefly turned into a heel (villain) after he attacked Van Dam and attempted to attack Shawn Michaels.<ref name="slam"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It ended a month later when he tried to save Stacy Keibler from an attack by Christian and Chris Jericho to no avail.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In February, he had a brief program with Michaels, which saw the two team up.<ref name="2ndcoming"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Then, in storyline, Hardy began dating Trish Stratus after saving her from Steven Richards and Victoria in March.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy and Stratus had a brief on-screen relationship that saw the duo talking backstage and teaming together in matches. Hardy competed in his final match (his first departure) against The Rock and lost.<ref name="slam"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy was released from WWE on April 22, 2003.<ref name="slam"/><ref name="return">Template:Cite web</ref> The reasons given for the release were Hardy's erratic behavior, drug use, refusal to go to rehab, deteriorating ring performance, as well as constant tardiness and no-showing events.<ref name="wwe"/><ref name="return"/> Hardy also cited "burn out" and the need for time off as reasons for leaving WWE.<ref name=IGN/>
Independent circuit and Ring of Honor (2003)
On May 24, 2003, Hardy made his first wrestling appearance after being released by WWE during a show for the promotion OMEGA.<ref name="auto"/> There, he used his old gimmick, "Willow the Wisp", and challenged Krazy K in a match for the OMEGA Cruiserweight Championship, in which he was defeated.<ref name="auto"/>
This same year, he also appeared on Ring of Honor (ROH) at the event Death Before Dishonour, once again as "Willow the Wisp", wearing a mask and a trench coat.<ref name="ROHboo">Template:Cite web</ref> As Willow, he participated in a triple-threat match against Joey Matthews and Krazy K, having the victory and during the which he was quickly unmasked and lost his jacket, being left in an attire similar to the one he wore in WWE.<ref name="ROHboo"/> Because of this, he was booed before, during, and after the match by the ROH audience, who chanted "We want Matt!" and "You got fired!".<ref name="ROHboo"/>
Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (2004–2006)
Hardy debuted in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) on June 23, 2004, at the Second Anniversary Show, in a match against A.J. Styles, for the TNA X Division Championship.<ref name="TNA debut">Template:Cite web</ref> He also debuted his new entrance theme "Modest", a song performed by Hardy himself, and a new nickname, "The Charismatic Enigma".<ref name="auto"/> The match ended in a no contest when Kid Kash and Dallas interfered.<ref name="TNA debut"/> Hardy returned to TNA on July 21 and was awarded a shot at the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy challenged for the title on September 8, losing to NWA World Heavyweight Champion Jeff Jarrett.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In October, he won a tournament,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> earning a shot at the NWA World Heavyweight Championship on November 7 at Victory Road, TNA's first monthly pay-per-view.<ref name="victoryroad">Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy was defeated by Jarrett once again in a ladder match at Victory Road following interference from Kevin Nash and Scott Hall.<ref name="victoryroad"/>
At Turning Point on December 5, Hardy, Styles and Randy Savage defeated Jarrett, Hall and Nash (collectively known as the Kings of Wrestling).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy went on to defeat Hall in a singles match, substituting for Héctor Garza at Final Resolution on January 16, 2005.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
At Against All Odds on February 13, Hardy lost to Abyss in a "Full Metal Mayhem" match for the number one contendership to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy returned the favor by defeating Abyss in a Falls Count Anywhere match at Destination X on March 13.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the March 25 episode of Impact!, Hardy teamed with Shocker defeating David Young and Lex Lovett.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy then went on to feud with Raven,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy defeated Raven in a Six sides of steel match at Lockdown on April 24.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy was suspended from TNA after no-showing his "Clockwork Orange House of Fun" rematch with Raven at Hard Justice on May 15, allegedly due to travel difficulties.<ref name="auto"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Hardy's suspension was lifted on August 5, and he returned at Sacrifice on August 14, attacking Jeff Jarrett.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
He wrestled his first TNA match in four months at Unbreakable on September 11, losing to Bobby Roode following interference from Jarrett.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Throughout October 2005, Hardy became embroiled in a feud with Abyss, Rhino and Sabu.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The four-way feud culminated in a Monster's Ball match at Bound for Glory on October 23, which Rhino won after delivering a second rope Rhino Driver to Hardy.<ref name="slam"/><ref name="Bound05">Template:Cite web</ref> In the course of the match, Hardy delivered a Swanton Bomb to Abyss from a height of approximately Template:Height.<ref name="Bound05"/> Later that night, Hardy competed in a ten-man battle royal for the number one contendership to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, which Rhino also won.<ref name="Bound05"/> At Genesis in November, Hardy lost to Monty Brown in another number one contender match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Hardy was scheduled to wrestle on the pre-show of Turning Point on December 11, but once again no-showed the event, again citing traveling problems.<ref name="slam"/><ref name="auto"/> Hardy was suspended as a result and did not appear on TNA television again.<ref name="auto"/> In March, April, and May 2006, Hardy appeared on several live events promoted by TNA in conjunction with Dave Hebner and the United Wrestling Federation. Hardy was later released from his TNA contract in June 2006.<ref name="slam"/><ref name="auto"/>
Return to WWE (2006–2009)
The Hardy Boyz reunion (2006–2007)
On August 4, 2006, WWE announced that Hardy had re-signed with the company.<ref name="return"/> In the following weeks, vignettes aired hyping his return on the August 21 episode of Raw.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the day of his return, Hardy confronted then WWE Champion Edge, before an altercation between the two that ended when Lita pulled Edge out of the ring, preventing Hardy from delivering a Swanton Bomb.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After failing to capture the Intercontinental Championship from Johnny Nitro over the next few weeks, including at Unforgiven on September 17,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy finally defeated Nitro to win his second Intercontinental Championship on the October 2 episode of Raw.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the November 6 episode of Raw, Hardy lost the Intercontinental Championship back to Nitro, after Nitro hit him with the Intercontinental Championship title belt.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> One week later, Hardy regained the Intercontinental Championship from Nitro on the November 13 episode of Raw, with a crucifix pin.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This marked Hardy's third reign as Intercontinental Champion.<ref name="IC History"/>
On the November 21 episode of ECW, Hardy teamed with his brother, Matt, for the first time in four years to defeat The Full Blooded Italians.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Survivor Series on November 26, they both were a part of Team D-Generation X, which gained the victory over Team Rated-RKO with a clean sweep.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The brothers then received their first opportunity since Hardy's return to win a tag team championship at Armageddon on December 17.<ref name="aramgeddonladder"/> They competed in a four-team ladder match for the WWE Tag Team Championship, but they came up short in their attempt.<ref name="aramgeddonladder">Template:Cite web</ref> In the course of the match, however, they inadvertently legitimately injured Joey Mercury's face.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
With Hardy still feuding with Johnny Nitro and the other members of MNM, he was challenged once again by Nitro at New Year's Revolution on January 7, 2007, in a steel cage match for the Intercontinental Championship.<ref name="NYRsteelcage"/> Hardy once again defeated Nitro.<ref name="NYRsteelcage">Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy then teamed with Matt to defeat MNM at both the Royal Rumble on January 28 and No Way Out on February 18 (the latter in which they teamed with Chris Benoit and MVP teamed with MNM).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The next night on the February 19 episode of Raw, Hardy lost the Intercontinental Championship to Umaga.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy competed in the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 23 on April 1.<ref name="MITB07"/> During the match, Matt threw Edge onto a ladder and encouraged Hardy, who was close to the winning briefcase, to finish Edge off.<ref name="MITB07"/> Hardy then leaped off the Template:Convert ladder, drove Edge through the ladder with a leg drop, injuring both Edge and himself.<ref name="MITB07"/> The two were unable to continue the match and were removed from ringside on stretchers.<ref name="MITB07">Template:Cite web</ref>
The night after WrestleMania on the April 2 episode of Raw, the Hardys competed in a 10-team battle royal for the World Tag Team Championship.<ref name="Apr2tagtitles"/> They won the titles from then WWE Champion John Cena and Shawn Michaels by last eliminating Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch.<ref name="Apr2tagtitles">Template:Cite web</ref> They then began a feud with Cade and Murdoch, with the Hardys retaining the Championship in their first title defense against them at Backlash on April 29 and again at Judgment Day on May 20.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Hardys then defended their titles against The World's Greatest Tag Team in a Ladder match at One Night Stand on June 3.<ref name="ONS-Hardys">Template:Cite web</ref> However, the next night on Raw, the Hardys lost the titles to Cade and Murdoch, competing through injuries sustained in their previous night's ladder match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Hardys earned a rematch at Vengeance: Night of Champions on June 24 but were defeated.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Intercontinental Champion (2007–2008)
In the midst of feuding with Umaga, who defeated Hardy at The Great American Bash on July 22 to retain the Intercontinental Championship,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy was abruptly taken off WWE programming.<ref name="auto"/> He posted on his own website and in the forums of TheHardyShow.com that it was time off to heal, stemming from a bad fall taken in a match against Mr. Kennedy on the July 23 episode of Raw.<ref name="auto"/> He made his return on the August 27 episode of Raw, defeating Kennedy by disqualification after Umaga interfered.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following week, on the September 3 episode of Raw, Hardy captured his fourth Intercontinental Championship by defeating Umaga.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
This was the start of a push for Hardy, and at Survivor Series on November 18, Hardy and Triple H were the last two men remaining to win the traditional elimination match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy began an on and off tag team with Triple H,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="partnership">Template:Cite web</ref> which eventually led to a respectful feud between the two.<ref name="partnership"/> The rivalry continued at Armageddon on December 16, when Hardy defeated Triple H to become the number one contender for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble on January 27, 2008.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the weeks leading up to the Royal Rumble, Hardy and Randy Orton engaged in a personal feud, which began when Orton kicked Hardy's brother, Matt, in the head in the storyline on the December 31 episode of Raw.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy, in retaliation, performed a Swanton Bomb on Orton from the top of the Raw set on the January 14 episode of Raw and seemed to have all the momentum after coming out on top in their encounters.<ref name="fateRR"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy, however, lost the title match at the Royal Rumble,<ref name="fateRR">Template:Cite web</ref> but was named as one of six men to compete in the Raw Elimination Chamber match at No Way Out on February 17, where he survived to the final two before being eliminated by the eventual winner, Triple H.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
During the March 3 episode of Raw, Hardy appeared on Chris Jericho's "Highlight Reel" segment as a special guest, but ended up attacking Jericho.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This led to an Intercontinental title match on the following Raw where Hardy dropped the title to Jericho.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Off-screen, Hardy dropped the title after he was suspended for sixty days, as of March 11, for his second violation of the company's Substance Abuse and Drug Testing Policy.<ref name="baltimoresun-2008">Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy was also removed from the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania XXIV on March 30 in which he was booked to win after the suspension was announced.<ref name="baltimoresun-2008"/><ref name="fire1">Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy returned on the May 12 episode of Raw, defeating Umaga.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This reignited the rivalry between the two, and they met in a Falls Count Anywhere match at One Night Stand on June 1, which Hardy won.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
World Championship reigns and departure (2008–2009)
On the June 23 episode of Raw, Hardy was drafted to the SmackDown brand as a part of the 2008 WWE draft.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy made his debut for the brand on the July 4 episode of SmackDown, defeating John Morrison.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy participated in the WWE Championship Scramble match at Unforgiven on September 7 and also challenged for the championship at No Mercy on October 5 and Cyber Sunday on October 26, but failed to win each time.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He was originally scheduled to be in the WWE Championship match at Survivor Series on November 23, but, in storyline, was found unconscious in his hotel stairwell, allowing the returning Edge to replace him in the match and win the title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Armageddon on December 14, Hardy defeated Edge and Triple H in a triple threat match to capture the WWE Championship, his first world championship.<ref name="WWEChampionship">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In January 2009, Hardy's next storyline led to his involvement in scripted accidents, including a hit-and-run automobile accident and an accident involving his ring entrance pyrotechnics.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At the Royal Rumble on January 25, Hardy lost the WWE Championship back to Edge after Hardy's brother, Matt, interfered and turned on Hardy, hitting him with a steel chair.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The buildup to this feud involved Matt implying that he was responsible for all of Hardy's accidents over the past few months, and at WrestleMania 25 on April 5, Matt defeated Hardy in an Extreme Rules match and in a stretcher match on the April 10 episode of SmackDown.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In a rematch at Backlash on April 26, however, Hardy defeated Matt in an "I Quit" match to end the feud.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On the following episode of SmackDown, Hardy won a fatal four-way elimination match to become the number one contender for Edge's World Heavyweight Championship at Judgment Day on May 17, but lost to Edge after Matt interfered and attacked him. Hardy then defeated Edge in a non-title match on the following SmackDown to earn the right to choose the stipulation for their rematch at Extreme Rules on June 7 and chose a ladder match. At Extreme Rules, Hardy won the match to become World Heavyweight Champion for the first time. Immediately after the match, CM Punk cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase and defeated Hardy to win the championship. He received his rematch against Punk in a triple threat match also involving Edge on the June 15 episode of Raw, but failed to win.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy got another rematch at The Bash on June 28, and won the match via disqualification after Punk kicked the ref in the back while feigning an eye injury with Punk still retaining the title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Night of Champions on July 26, however, Hardy defeated Punk to win the championship for the second time. He made his first successful title defense five days later on SmackDown by defeating John Morrison. After the match, he was attacked by Punk, who invoked his rematch for the following week, where Hardy retained the championship after interference from Matt Hardy, who was the special guest enforcer. Punk again attacked Hardy post-match, resulting in Teddy Long announcing a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match between the two for the World Heavyweight Championship at SummerSlam on August 23.<ref name="WHC2">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The next week, Hardy showed up (kayfabe) injured from Punk's attack, and was forced to compete in a handicap match against the Hart Dynasty, which he lost. CM Punk attacked Hardy again and was about to injure his neck with a steel chair until Matt Hardy came to the save and helped Hardy up, turning Matt face and reuniting the Hardys once again. At SummerSlam, Hardy lost the World Heavyweight Championship back to Punk.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the August 28 episode of SmackDown, Hardy lost to Punk in a steel cage rematch for the World Heavyweight Championship with the stipulation "loser leaves WWE", resulting in Hardy leaving WWE, in storyline.<ref name="CareervCareer">Template:Cite web</ref> This storyline was put in place to allow Hardy to leave WWE to heal his injuries, including a neck injury.<ref name="reality tv" /> Hardy also had two herniated discs in his lower back and was suffering from restless legs syndrome. Jeff Hardy's contract with WWE expired that week thus ending his 3-year stint with the company.<ref name="reality tv" />
Return to TNA (2010–2017)
Immortal (2010–2011)
On TNA's first live Monday episode of Impact! on January 4, 2010, Hardy made his return to TNA, along with Shannon Moore.<ref name="live-TNA-return">Template:Cite news</ref> He was attacked by Homicide after emerging from the crowd, but hit Homicide with a steel chair and performed the Twist of Fate on the Impact! Zone ramp.<ref name="live-TNA-return"/> He later appeared in backstage segments throughout the evening.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following day, it was reported that Hardy had signed a new contract with TNA.<ref name="TNA-contract-10">Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy would make his next appearance for the company on the March 8 episode of Impact!, saving D'Angelo Dinero, Abyss and Hulk Hogan from A.J. Styles, Ric Flair and Desmond Wolfe.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following week, Hardy defeated then TNA World Heavyweight Champion A.J. Styles in a non-title match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On the April 5 episode of Impact!, Hardy was introduced as a member of Team Hogan for the annual Lethal Lockdown match, where they would face Team Flair.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> One week later, however, Hardy was injured when James Storm spewed a volatile liquid against a flame from his lighter, forming a fireball that singed most of Hardy's face.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Lockdown on April 18, Team Hogan (Hardy, Abyss, Jeff Jarrett and Rob Van Dam) defeated Team Flair (Sting, Desmond Wolfe, Robert Roode and James Storm).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Sacrifice on May 16, Hardy defeated Mr. Anderson.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After Sacrifice, Anderson turned face and eventually managed to convince the skeptical Hardy that he really had changed, after which the two went on to form a tag team.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Slammiversary VIII on June 13, Hardy and Anderson, now known as Enigmatic Assholes, defeated Beer Money, Inc. (Robert Roode and James Storm) in a tag team match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On the August 19 episode of Impact!, the TNA World Heavyweight Championship was vacated after Rob Van Dam was injured by Abyss. Hardy was entered into an eight-man tournament for the championship, defeating Rob Terry in his first round match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At the semi-finals at No Surrender on September 5, Hardy first wrestled Kurt Angle to a twenty-minute time-limit draw, after which Eric Bischoff ordered a five-minute period of extra time. After that and a second five-minute extra time period also ended in draws, it was ruled that Angle was unable to continue and the match ended in a no contest.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After wrestling a draw on the September 16 episode of Impact!, it was announced that both Hardy and Angle would advance to the finals at Bound for Glory on October 10, where they would compete with Mr. Anderson in a three-way match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
At Bound for Glory, Hardy turned heel with Hulk Hogan and Eric Bischoff and with their help defeated Angle and Anderson to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship for the first time. They were then joined by Jeff Jarrett and Abyss, revealing the group that Abyss had been referring to as "they" for several months.<ref name=BoundForGlory2010>Template:Cite web</ref> On the following episode of Impact!, the stable was named Immortal, as it formed an alliance with Ric Flair's Fortune. Meanwhile, Hardy debuted a new dark character, using cryptic messages as he explained the reasons behind his turn.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Turning Point on November 7, Hardy retained his title in a defense against Matt Morgan, a replacement for Mr. Anderson, who was sidelined after suffering a concussion during an attack by Hardy.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the following episode of Impact!, Hogan presented Hardy with a new design of the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, which he dubbed the TNA Immortal Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Final Resolution on December 5, Hardy successfully defended the championship in a rematch against Morgan after incapacitating the special guest referee Mr. Anderson and having a replacement referee count the pinfall.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On January 4, 2011, Hardy made his debut for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) at Wrestle Kingdom V in Tokyo Dome, where he successfully defended the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Tetsuya Naito.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On January 9 at Genesis, Hardy's brother, Matt, made his TNA debut as a surprise member of Immortal and defeated Rob Van Dam to prevent him from receiving a match at Hardy's championship. That same night, Hardy gave Anderson a match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, immediately following Anderson's victory in a number one contender's match. Despite Matt, Flair, and Bischoff interfering in an attempt to help Hardy, Anderson defeated Hardy for the championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the January 13 episode of Impact!, the Hardy Boyz reunited and defeated Anderson and Van Dam in a tag team match, following interference from Beer Money, Inc.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the February 3 episode of Impact!, Hardy received his rematch for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship. The rest of Immortal interfered in the match, but were stopped by Fortune, which led to Anderson retaining the championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On February 13 at Against All Odds, Hardy defeated Anderson in a ladder match to regain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.<ref name=AgainstAllOdds2011>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy held the championship for less than two weeks, defending it once against Rob Van Dam, before losing it to the returning Sting on February 24, at the tapings of the March 3 episode of Impact!.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Victory Road incident
Template:Main On March 13 at Victory Road, Hardy received a rematch for the title under No Disqualification rules, but was defeated in ninety seconds.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> TNA had made the decision to cut the match short after deeming that Hardy was too intoxicated to wrestle, coming out visibly under the influence during his entrance.<ref name=HardyUpdate031411/> The following day it was reported that TNA had sent Hardy home from the week's Impact! tapings.<ref name=HardyUpdate031411>Template:Cite magazine</ref> On the March 17 episode of Impact!, Immortal severed their ties with Hardy.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
TNA World Heavyweight Champion (2011–2013)
On August 23, 2011, TNA announced that Hardy would be making his return to the promotion at the Impact Wrestling tapings on August 25 in Huntsville, Alabama.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The return would take place only five days after Matt Hardy was released from his TNA contract.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In his return, which was taped for the September 8 episode of Impact Wrestling, Hardy spoke to the audience, acknowledging that he had hit rock bottom at Victory Road in March, before asking the fans for "one more shot", turning face in the process.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy wrestled his first match in six months on September 15 at a live event in York, Pennsylvania, defeating Jeff Jarrett.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy then began feuding with his former stable Immortal, attacking Eric Bischoff on the October 6 episode of Impact Wrestling and engaging in brawls with Jeff Jarrett at Bound for Glory and on the October 20 episode of Impact Wrestling.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy wrestled his first televised match since his return on the October 27 episode of Impact Wrestling, defeating Immortal member Bully Ray.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On November 13 at Turning Point, Hardy defeated Jeff Jarrett three times, first in six seconds, the second in six minutes, and the third in ten seconds.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On December 11 at Final Resolution, Hardy defeated Jarrett in a steel cage match to become the number one contender to the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On January 8, 2012, at Genesis, Hardy defeated TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode via disqualification and as a result the title remained with Roode.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the following episode of Impact Wrestling, a rematch between Hardy and Roode ended in a no contest, following interference from Bully Ray.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following week, Hardy was entered into a number one contender's match against James Storm, which ended in a no contest following interference from Ray and Roode.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On February 12 at Against All Odds, Hardy was unable to capture the TNA World Heavyweight Championship from Roode in a four-way match, which also included Bully Ray and James Storm.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the following episode of Impact Wrestling, Hardy lost his shot at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, following interference from the returning Kurt Angle.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On March 18 at Victory Road, Hardy was defeated by Angle in a singles match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On April 15 at Lockdown, Hardy defeated Angle in a rematch, contested inside a steel cage.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the following episode of Impact Wrestling, Hardy and Mr. Anderson were defeated by Rob Van Dam in a three-way number one contender's match for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During the first "Open Fight Night" the following week, Hardy teamed up with Anderson to unsuccessfully challenge Magnus and Samoa Joe for the TNA World Tag Team Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On May 13 at Sacrifice, Hardy was defeated by Anderson in a singles match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the following episode of Impact Wrestling, Hardy defeated Anderson in a rematch.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the live May 31 episode of Impact Wrestling, Hardy won a fan voting to become the number one contender to the TNA Television Championship. However, his title match with Devon ended in a no contest, following interference from Robbie E and Robbie T.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On June 10 at Slammiversary, Hardy was defeated by Mr. Anderson in a three-way number one contender's match, also involving Rob Van Dam.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On the June 14 episode of Impact Wrestling, Hardy entered the 2012 Bound for Glory Series, taking part in the opening gauntlet match, from which he was the first man eliminated by Bully Ray.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy wrestled his final group stage match of the tournament on the September 6 episode of Impact Wrestling, defeating Samoa Joe via submission, thus finishing fourth and advancing to the semi-finals.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Three days later at No Surrender, Hardy defeated Joe in a rematch to advance to the finals of the tournament.<ref name=NoSurrender2012/> Before the finals took place, Hardy suffered a storyline injury after taking part in a brawl between the TNA locker room and the Aces & Eights stable.<ref name=NoSurrender2012/> Despite the injury, Hardy defeated Bully Ray in the finals to win the 2012 Bound for Glory Series and become the number one contender to the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.<ref name=NoSurrender2012>Template:Cite web</ref> On the following episode of Impact Wrestling, Hardy defeated Ray in a rematch to reaffirm his status as the number one contender.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On October 14 at Bound for Glory, Hardy defeated Austin Aries to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship for the third time,<ref name=BFG2012>Template:Cite web</ref> and, according to TNA, completing his "road to redemption" following the events of March 2011.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy made his first televised title defense on the October 25 episode of Impact Wrestling, defeating Kurt Angle to retain his title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On November 11 at Turning Point, Hardy defeated Austin Aries in a ladder match to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the December 6 episode of Impact Wrestling, Hardy was attacked by the Aces & Eights who were revealed to be paid off by his number one contender Bobby Roode.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Three days later at Final Resolution, Hardy defeated Roode to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, after which, both men were attacked by the Aces & Eights.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the following episode of Impact Wrestling, Aces & Eights member Devon revealed Austin Aries as the man who outpaid Roode for the Aces & Eights to interfere in their match, which led to Hardy issuing Aries a title challenge.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following week, Hardy was successful in retaining his title against Aries, following interference from Bobby Roode.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The rivalry culminated in a three-way elimination match on January 13, 2013, at Genesis, where Hardy defeated both Aries and Roode to retain the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the January 24 episode of Impact Wrestling, Hardy successfully defended the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Christopher Daniels. Afterwards, Hardy was jumped by a masked member of Aces & Eights who then injured Hardy's left leg with a ball-peen hammer.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This was done to write Hardy out of the tapings in the United Kingdom, as the UK would not allow him to make appearances due to his criminal convictions.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy made his in-ring return on the February 28 episode of Impact Wrestling, teaming with his new number one contender Bully Ray to defeat Bad Influence (Christopher Daniels and Kazarian).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On March 10 at Lockdown, Hardy lost the TNA World Heavyweight Championship to Ray in a steel cage match, following interference from the Aces & Eights, ending his reign at 147 days.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the March 21 episode of Impact Wrestling, Hardy defeated Kurt Angle, Magnus, and Samoa Joe in a four-way match to become number one contender for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy received his title opportunity on the April 11 episode of Impact Wrestling, but was again defeated by Bully Ray in a Full Metal Mayhem match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Hardy returned to TNA on June 2 at Slammiversary XI, teaming with Magnus and Samoa Joe in a winning effort against Aces & Eights (Garett Bischoff, Mr. Anderson, and Wes Brisco).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As a result of previously winning the Bound for Glory Series, Hardy and Bobby Roode were entered into the 2013 Bound for Glory Series on the June 13 episode of Impact Wrestling.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following week, Hardy defeated Roode in his first BFG series match via pinfall to earn seven points in the tournament.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy's participation in the Bound for Glory series ended on the September 5 episode of Impact Wrestling, when he was eliminated from a twenty-point battle royal by Kazarian.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On the September 19 episode of Impact Wrestling, Hardy defeated X Division Champion Manik in a non-title match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the October 3 episode of Impact Wrestling, Hardy teamed with Manik defeating Kenny King and Chris Sabin which led to the announcement of the Ultimate X match for the X Division Championship at Bound for Glory.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On October 20, 2013, at Bound for Glory, Hardy debuted a new theme song and competed in his first Ultimate X match for the TNA X Division Championship but was unsuccessful as Chris Sabin won the match after an interference from Velvet Sky.
Willow (2013–2014)
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In November, Hardy entered the World Title Tournament to crown a new champion, after A.J. Styles left the company with the championship. Hardy defeated Chris Sabin and Bobby Roode in the first two rounds of the tournament,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> to reach the finals at Final Resolution. In the championship match, Hardy was defeated by Magnus after interference from Ethan Carter III and Rockstar Spud. The following week on Impact Wrestling, Hardy teamed up with Sting to face The BroMans, Ethan Carter III and Rockstar Spud, which they lost. Afterwards, a frustrated Hardy announced he could no longer work in TNA with Dixie Carter's backstage politics, and quit TNA.
In February 2014, strange vignettes began airing advertising Hardy's return to TNA under his OMEGA character, Willow.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He made his TNA return at Lockdown, in the Lethal Lockdown match as part of Team MVP. He then appeared on the following episode of Impact Wrestling, facing Rockstar Spud.<ref name="WillowImpact">Template:Cite web</ref> In the following weeks, he would continue to feud with Ethan Carter III and Rockstar Spud, leading to a tag-team match between them (with Kurt Angle as Willow's partner) at Sacrifice on April 27, Willow and Angle would go on to win that match.<ref name="TNA Sacrifice PPV Results">Template:Cite web</ref> On the May 1 episode of Impact Wrestling, Willow defeated James Storm by disqualification when Storm shoved the referee and as Storm made his way up the ramp, Mr. Anderson appeared and hit Storm with the Mic check. On the May 8 episode of Impact Wrestling, Willow's match against Magnus ended in a DQ when Bram interfered and handcuffed Willow to the bottom rope and started to hit him with a metal turnbuckle. On the May 15 episode of Impact Wrestling, Willow defeated both Magnus and Bram in a two on one handicap match. On the May 22 episode of Impact Wrestling, Willow defeated Magnus in a Falls Count Anywhere match. On the June 5 episode of Impact Wrestling, Willow won his match against Bram by DQ when Magnus came to the ring and attacked him with a Steel Pry Bar. At Slammiversary XII, Willow was defeated by Magnus.
The Hardys third reunion (2014–2016)
On the July 10 episode of Impact Wrestling, Director of Wrestling Operations Kurt Angle asked Willow to bring Jeff Hardy back for a 20-man over the top rope battle royal later that night.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy competed in the match as himself and won, earning a match with Lashley for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship the following week, which Hardy lost.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On the July 24 Impact Wrestling, Hardy told the audience that we had not seen the last of Willow and then brought out Matt Hardy, his brother, to reform The Hardys.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Wolves joined them in the ring and challenged them to a match for the TNA World Tag Team Championship at Impact Wrestling: Destination X, which the Hardys agreed to. At Destination X, the Hardys lost against the Wolves, but shook hands after the match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On October 22, 2014, The Hardys entered a number one contenders tournament for the TNA World Tag Team Championships defeating The BroMans (Jessie Godderz and DJ Z) in the first round of the tournament.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On October 29, episode of Impact Wrestling, The Hardys defeated Team Dixie (EC3 and Tyrus) in the semifinals to advance to the finals of the tournament where they defeated Samoa Joe and Low Ki to become number one contenders for the TNA World Tag Team Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the January 7 episode of Impact Wrestling, Hardy along with his brother Matt were at ringside for The Wolves vs. James Storm and Abyss; during the match, The Great Sanada and Manik attempted to interfere in the match, but then ended up receiving a Side Effect from Matt Hardy, and a Twist of Fate from Jeff Hardy. Despite that, it distracted Eddie Edwards, who then received a Last Call super kick from Storm. At the Lockdown episode of Impact Wrestling, Hardy suffered a minor concussion which was set as a storyline injury when he fell on the door of the cage; James Storm hit Hardy off the door onto the steel steps below with a cowbell. The falling off the cage spot was covered in mainstream media such as USA Today and TMZ.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy returned after TNA United Kingdom tour. In March, The Hardys participated in a tournament for the vacant TNA World Tag Team Championship. On March 16, 2015, The Hardys won an Ultimate X match for the belts for the first time as a team and individually.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On May 8, 2015, the Hardys were forced to vacate the TNA World Tag Team Championship due to Jeff suffering a broken leg in a legitimate dirt bike accident.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Hardy returned from injury on the July 29 episode of Impact Wrestling, making an announcement that his brother, Matt, would face TNA World Heavyweight Champion Ethan Carter III in a Full Metal Mayhem match, in which Matt was unsuccessful. After a brief hiatus, Hardy returned on the August 26 episode of Impact Wrestling, where he and Matt made an agreement that if Matt would lose his second match against Carter for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, then Jeff would become his personal assistant. Matt was unsuccessful, and Jeff was forced to be Carter's assistant. On the September 23 episode of Impact Wrestling, after refusing to hit Spud, then hitting Carter with a Twist of Fate, Hardy quit as Carter's personal assistant, therefore also (storyline) quitting TNA.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the September 30 episode of Impact Wrestling, TNA President Dixie Carter announced that Hardy would be the special guest referee in the three-way dance TNA World Heavyweight Championship match between Carter, his brother Matt, and Drew Galloway at Bound for Glory. At the event, Hardy turned on Carter by hitting him with a steel chair with Matt hitting the Twist of Fate, thus giving Matt his first TNA World Heavyweight Championship. Hardy made an appearance on January 5, 2016, episode of Impact Wrestling on its live Pop TV debut backstage and ringside to support his brother Matt in the semi-finals and finals of the TNA World Title Series, which Matt had later lost.
Brother Nero (2016–2017)
On the January 12, 2016, episode of Impact Wrestling, Hardy made his return in a segment that involved Ethan Carter III denying Hardy an opportunity at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, instead bringing out Shynron to face Hardy, with Hardy winning the match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the January 26 episode of Impact Wrestling, Hardy issued a challenge to the villainous Matt Hardy for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, as the match was set to begin he was attacked by Eric Young and Bram. Hardy returned on March 15 episode of Impact Wrestling, Jeff Hardy defeating Eric Young in a match to determine the third challenger for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship match in which included Matt Hardy and Ethan Carter III, which Jeff lost. After Matt losing the title, he started a feud with Jeff, he wanted an I Quit match against him. On the April 19 episode of Impact Wrestling, the match eventually ended up in a no-contest after neither man could continue.
On the May 10 episode of Impact Wrestling, Hardy teaming with James Storm against Decay in a losing effort after an Imposter Willow distracted Hardy. After the match, Hardy searched backstage for Imposter Willow but was attacked by three people dressed as Willow. On the May 17 episode of Impact Wrestling, Hardy defeated one of the Imposter Willows. Afterwards, Matt Hardy revealed himself to be one of the Imposter Willows behind the attacks on Jeff. In the following weeks, Matt Hardy would debut a new persona as a "Broken" man with part of his hair bleached blonde along with a strange British-like accent, blaming Jeff (who he began to refer to as "Brother Nero", Nero being Jeff's middle name) for breaking him and becoming obsessed with "deleting" him. On the June 28 episode of Impact Wrestling, Matt challenged Jeff to a final battle with the Hardy brand on the line, to take place at their home in Cameron, North Carolina the next week.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On July 5, during special episode "The Final Deletion", Matt defeated Jeff in the match to become sole owner of the Hardy brand, forcing Jeff to drop his last name and become referred to as "Brother Nero".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Also, Matt would force Jeff to stop using his high-flying moves in order to stop him from being a "spot monkey".
On the August 18 episode of Impact Wrestling, Brother Nero and Matt defeated The Tribunal, The BroMans and The Helms Dynasty in an "Ascension To Hell" match for an opportunity to challenge Decay for the TNA World Tag Team Championship. On September 8, they faced Decay in a match held at the Hardy compound dubbed "Delete or Decay", where Brother Nero would again sacrifice himself to save Matt from Abyss.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> At Bound for Glory, the Hardys defeated Decay in what was dubbed "The Great War" to win the TNA World Tag Team Championship for the second time. On the October 6 episode of Impact Wrestling, they successfully defended their titles against Decay, in a Wolf Creek match. During the match, Brother Nero "transformed" into Willow and his Hardy Show persona Itchweeed during the pre-recorded backstage fighting.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite news</ref>
On the November 3 episode of Impact Wrestling, the Hardys successfully defended their titles against The Tribunal. After the match, the Hardys were attacked by the masked trio known as Death Crew Council (DCC), with Matt later suffered (kayfabe) amnesia after being knocked off a forklift by one of the DCC members. On the December 1 episode of Impact Wrestling, Matt returned to the ring, ambushing DCC by using their entrance theme; he would accept DCC's title challenge. The Hardys faced Bram and Kingston, and Matt would pin Kingston to retain the titles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the following weeks, the Hardys would issue an open challenge for the tag team titles. On December 15, during special episode "Total Nonstop Deletion", they were once again successful in retaining. Brother Nero hit Crazzy Steve with the Twist of Fate, who then fell into a volcano (that had appeared on the compound in the weeks leading up the event), and was shot up into the sky, landing in the ring. Matt then covered him to win the match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy had previously debuted the Itchweeed character earlier in the episode, defeating Chet Sterling.
On the January 12, 2017, episode of Impact Wrestling, The Hardys successfully defended their titles against The Wolves; Jeff would roll up Davey Richards to retain the titles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following week, on the inaugural Race for the Case tournament, Jeff won the green case.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Genesis, The Hardys retained their titles against the DCC and Decay in a three-way tag team match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On Open Fight Night, the Hardys would begin a storyline where they would teleport to different promotions and win that promotions' tag team championship gold, which was referred to by Matt as their "Expedition of Gold". Jeff called out Lashley for the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, but he was unsuccessful in his attempt at winning it.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On February 27, the Hardys announced their departure from TNA, after contract talks broke down between the two parties.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Though the two sides were reportedly close to a contract agreement, talks began to break down and changes in management prompted their departure from the company.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The TNA World Tag Team Championships were vacated due to the Hardys' departure and was explained on TNA television in a segment where The Hardys would teleport to their next Expedition of Gold destination, but a technicality resulted in them disappearing and the belts appearing in the arms of Decay.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Return to ROH (2017)
On March 4, 2017, Hardy returned to Ring of Honor at Manhattan Mayhem VI where he teamed with his brother and they defeated The Young Bucks for the ROH World Tag Team Championship.<ref name=ManhattanMayhem>Template:Cite web</ref> They then lost the titles back to The Young Bucks in a ladder match on April 1 at Supercard of Honor XI, to which after the match, Jeff was noted as staying in the ring and saying "We'll fade away and classify ourselves as obsolete", paying homage to their "Broken" characters. It was also announced after the match that both Matt and Jeff Hardy's contracts had expired.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Second return to WWE (2017–2021)
The Hardy Boyz's return (2017–2018)
At the WrestleMania 33 pay-per-view on April 2, 2017, Hardy made his surprise return to WWE, along with his brother Matt Hardy, being added as last-minute participants in the ladder match for the Raw Tag Team Championship, defeating Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, Cesaro and Sheamus, and Enzo Amore and Big Cass to win the Raw Tag Team Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Also, it was their first win as a team at WrestleMania, as well as Hardy's first victory at WrestleMania.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The next night on Raw, The Hardy Boyz successfully defended the title against Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Payback, The Hardy Boyz retained their championships against Cesaro and Sheamus, who attacked them after the match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The next night on Raw, Cesaro and Sheamus explained their actions, claiming the fans were more supportive of 'novelty acts' from the past like The Hardy Boyz, who they feel did not deserve to be in the match at WrestleMania 33.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Subsequently, at Extreme Rules, The Hardy Boyz lost the titles against Cesaro and Sheamus in a steel cage match,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and failed to regain it back the following month at the Great Balls of Fire event.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On the August 28 episode of Raw, Hardy won a battle royal by last eliminating Jason Jordan to become the number one contender for the Intercontinental Championship,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> but was unsuccessful in his challenge the following week.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In September, Hardy suffered his first major injury which was a shoulder injury and it was reported that the injury would sideline him for four to six months.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On January 22, 2018, Hardy made a special appearance on the 25th-anniversary episode of Raw in a poker segment also involving The APA, Ted DiBiase, and many other wrestlers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the March 19 episode of Raw, Hardy also made a cameo appearance in a segment, calling "The Ultimate Deletion" between Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt, allowing his brother Matt to pick up the victory.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Championship reigns (2018–2020)
On the April 9 episode of Raw, Hardy returned from injury, where he assisted Finn Bálor and Seth Rollins in a confrontation with The Miz and The Miztourage (Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Later that night, Hardy teaming up with Bálor and Rollins to defeat Miz and Miztourage.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following week on Raw, Hardy defeated Jinder Mahal to win the United States Championship, making him the second person to complete the modern Grand Slam, after completing the original format separately.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The next day, Hardy was traded to the SmackDown brand as part of the Superstar Shake-up, and took the title with him. Later on that day, Hardy defeated Shelton Benjamin in his first match on the SmackDown brand since 2009.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy retained his title against Jinder Mahal at the Greatest Royal Rumble event on April 27,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and against Randy Orton at Backlash on May 6.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Two days later on the May 8 episode of SmackDown Live, Hardy lost to The Miz in a qualifying match for the 2018 pay-per-view Money in the Bank ladder match. Two weeks later on the May 22 episode of SmackDown Live, Hardy faced Daniel Bryan in an attempt to earn another Money in the Bank qualifying match, which he lost.
At Extreme Rules, Hardy lost the title to Shinsuke Nakamura, after a pre-match low blow by Nakamura, ending his reign at 90 days.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> After the match, Randy Orton attacked Hardy with a low blow.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Two days later on SmackDown Live, Hardy had a rematch with Nakamura, winning by disqualification after Orton attacked Hardy.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy received another rematch at SummerSlam, but was again defeated by Nakamura.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the August 21 episode of SmackDown Live, Hardy and Orton faced off in a match that ended in a no-contest, with Hardy continuing to attack Orton after the match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following week, Hardy challenged Orton to a Hell in a Cell match at the namesake pay-per-view, which Orton accepted.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At the event on September 16, Hardy lost to Orton.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
After nearly a month off, Hardy returned on the October 9 episode of SmackDown Live, defeating Samoa Joe to qualify for the WWE World Cup tournament at Crown Jewel.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At the event, Hardy lost to The Miz in the first round of the tournament.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the November 6 episode of SmackDown Live, Hardy lost to Samoa Joe in an attempt to join Team SmackDown at Survivor Series.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, the following week, Hardy defeated Andrade "Cien" Almas to earn a spot on Team SmackDown, after team member Daniel Bryan was removed from the match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Survivor Series, Team SmackDown lost to Team Raw.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At the Royal Rumble pay-per-view on January 27, 2019, Hardy participated in the Royal Rumble match, but was unsuccessful.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Elimination Chamber, Hardy failed to capture the WWE Championship in an Elimination Chamber match, after being eliminated by Daniel Bryan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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On the February 26 episode SmackDown Live, Hardy teamed with the returning Matt Hardy to defeat The Bar (Cesaro and Sheamus).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At WrestleMania 35 on April 7, Hardy competed in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, but was eliminated by eventual winner, Braun Strowman.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Two days later on SmackDown Live, The Hardy Boyz defeated The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) to win the SmackDown Tag Team Championship, their ninth tag team championship together in WWE.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The reign only lasted 21 days, as they had to vacate the title due to Hardy injuring his knee, this was explained in storyline as injuries afflicted by Lars Sullivan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> WWE announced that Hardy would be out of action for six to nine months.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On the March 13, 2020, episode of SmackDown, Hardy returned from injury, defeating King Corbin.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He began a feud with Sheamus over comments that the latter made, defeating him in the first round of the Intercontinental Championship tournament on the May 22 episode of SmackDown.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following week on SmackDown, Hardy was "arrested" (kayfabe) after crashing his car into Elias, however later in the episode, Hardy would cause a distraction for Sheamus, costing him a match against Daniel Bryan, and attacked Sheamus after the match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The feud led to a match at Backlash, which Hardy lost.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the July 24 episode of SmackDown, Hardy defeated Sheamus in a Bar Fight, ending their feud.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the August 14 episode of SmackDown, Hardy issued a challenge to the Intercontinental Champion AJ Styles for the title.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following week on SmackDown, he defeated Styles to win the Intercontinental Championship for the fifth time.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the August 28 episode of SmackDown, Hardy retained the title against Shinsuke Nakamura. At Clash of Champions, Hardy lost the title to Sami Zayn in a triple threat ladder match, which included AJ Styles.<ref name="COC2020">Template:Cite web</ref> On the October 2 episode of SmackDown, he received a rematch for the title but he was unsuccessful.
Final feuds and departure (2020–2021)
As part of the 2020 Draft in October, Hardy was drafted to the Raw brand.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the October 12 episode of Raw, Hardy would face Seth Rollins and AJ Styles in a triple threat match, but a returning Elias would attack Hardy, thus starting a feud between them. At Hell in a Cell, Hardy lost to Elias by disqualification after he hit him with a guitar.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy then defeated Elias in a Guitar on a Pole match on the November 2 episode of Raw, and in a Symphony of Destruction match on the November 30 episode of Raw.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On January 26, 2021, at the Royal Rumble, Hardy entered the Royal Rumble match at number 5, but was eliminated by Dolph Ziggler. On the February 1 episode of Raw, Hardy would team with a returning Carlito to defeat Elias and Jaxson Ryker to end his feud with Elias. At Elimination Chamber, Hardy unsuccessfully challenged for the WWE Championship in an Elimination Chamber match after being eliminated by Drew McIntyre. On the June 7 episode of Raw, Hardy defeated Cedric Alexander in a match where had Hardy lost, he would have retired. He defeated Alexander once more on the following episode of Raw.
On the July 19 episode of Raw, Hardy, who by popular demand notably brought back his "No More Words" entrance theme song by Endeverafter for the first time since his 2009 departure (all of his appearances since his WrestleMania 33 return before this one were to "Loaded", which doubles as his tag team entrance with brother Matt), defeated NXT Champion Karrion Kross, becoming the first man in WWE to defeat Kross by pinfall.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the September 6 episode of Raw, Hardy was seen chasing the 24/7 Championship, which was heavily criticized by fans.<ref name="Baeckstrom Casey 2021">Template:Cite web</ref> The following Raw, Hardy challenged Damian Priest for the WWE United States Championship, but lost.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On the September 20 episode of Raw, Hardy would defeat Sheamus to be added to the United States title match at Extreme Rules.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At the event, Hardy would fail to win the title as Damian Priest would retain.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He then entered a brief feud with Austin Theory, losing to Theory on the October 11 and October 18 episodes of Raw.
As part of the 2021 Draft in October, Hardy was drafted to the SmackDown brand.<ref name="SmackDown100121">Template:Cite web</ref> He defeated Sami Zayn on the November 12 episode of SmackDown to qualify for Team SmackDown at Survivor Series. The following week he defeated Madcap Moss. At Survivor Series, Hardy took part in the 5-on-5 elimination match on Team SmackDown but was lastly eliminated by Seth Rollins.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He then began aiding Drew McIntyre in his feud with Happy Corbin and Madcap Moss with Hardy and McIntyre going on to defeat the duo in tag team action on the November 26 episode of SmackDown, Hardy later appeared in his final WWE televised appearance the following week, helping McIntyre fend off the two during a segment of Happy Talk.
During a house show on December 4, Hardy walked out during a tag team match.<ref name="2021Release"/> The following day, he was sent home during WWE's live tour.<ref name="2021Release"/> This turned out to be his final WWE appearance as Hardy was released from his contract five days later.<ref name="2021Release">Template:Cite web</ref> Subsequent reports revealed that Hardy was originally going to be placed in a storyline in NXT 2.0 with MSK as their "Shaman" but that spot was given to Riddle instead.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
All Elite Wrestling (2022–2024)
In an interview with Jared Myers in February 2022, Hardy confirmed that he planned on signing with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where his brother Matt has worked since 2020, and would wait until after his 90-day WWE non-compete clause expired to do so.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Myers confirmed that Hardy said this in an interview with Post Wrestling.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On the March 9 episode of Dynamite, Hardy made his AEW debut, saving his brother Matt from an attack by Team AHFO (Andrade El Idolo, Private Party, and The Butcher and The Blade).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On the May 4 episode of Dynamite, Hardy had his first singles match, defeating Bobby Fish to qualify in the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On the May 11 episode of Dynamite, Hardy advanced to the tournament's semifinals after defeating Darby Allin.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On the May 18 episode of Dynamite, Hardy would be eliminated from the tournament after losing to Adam Cole.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> After winning a tag team match at the Double or Nothing event, in which he teamed with his brother to wrestle against The Young Bucks, it was revealed that Jeff had sustained a "terrible" concussion-like injury, which left him "almost knocked out" according to Matt.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
On June 14, AEW announced that Hardy was indefinitely suspended without pay after being arrested for driving under the influence the day prior.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="Hardysuspend">Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy was scheduled to appear at Triplemanía XXX on June 18, where he and Matt were to face Dragon Lee and Dralístico in the main event. After his arrest, the company Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide announced that he would not participate in the event and would instead be replaced by a surprise wrestler.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At the event, Matt teamed with Johnny Hardy.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On April 12, 2023, Jeff made his return, assisting his brother, Isiah Kassidy, and Hook from an assault by The Firm members Lee Moriarty, Ethan Page, and Big Bill. On May 6, 2023, Hardy and his brother Matt alongside Hook and Isiah Kassidy would take on The Firm consisting of Lee Moriatry, Ethan Page, Big Bill along with Stokely Hathaway.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Firm would be defeated. Hardy was set to make an appearance with his Willow the Wisp persona, but this idea was scrapped by AEW.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On the February 14, 2024 episode of AEW Rampage, Hardy was defeated by Sammy Guevara in a no disqualification match. During the match, Hardy suffered a broken nose.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This would be Hardy's final AEW appearance as on June 14, it was reported that his contract had expired, ending his tenure with the company.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Second return to TNA (2024–present)
Jeff Hardy made his surprise return to TNA on June 14, 2024, at Against All Odds (2024), coming to the aid of his brother Matt following a post-match attack by Moose and The System.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following night, Jeff reunited with Matt to face Eddie Edwards and Brian Myers for the Impact World Tag Team Championship, with The Hardys winning by disqualification.
On the August 31, 2024 episode of Impact, The Hardys defeated The System in a non-title match. At Victory Road (2024), they defeated First Class, becoming the number one contenders for the tag team titles.
At Bound for Glory (2024) on October 26, The Hardy Boyz defeated The System (Myers and Edwards) and Ace Austin & Chris Bey in a three-way Full Metal Mayhem match to win the Impact World Tag Team Championship.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At Final Resolution (2024), they successfully defended the titles against The System in a tables match.
At Rebellion (2025), The Hardys lost the titles to Nic and Ryan Nemeth, ending their reign at 183 days. At Slammiversary (2025), they regained the championships in a four-way ladder match also involving the Nemeths, The Rascalz, and Fir$t Cla$$.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Third return to WWE (2025)
While still contracted to TNA, the Hardy Boyz made a return appearance with WWE during the February 25, 2025 episode of NXT. At NXT: Roadblock on March 11, The Hardy Boyz successfully defended the TNA World Tag Team Championship against NXT Tag Team Champions Nathan Frazer and Axiom.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At NXT vs. TNA Showdown on October 7, the Hardy Boyz won the NXT Tag Team Championship after defeating DarkState's Dion Lennox and Osiris Griffin in a Winners Take All match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At NXT Halloween Havoc on October 25, Lennox and Griffin regained the NXT Tag Team Championships from The Hardy Boyz, who wrestled as The Broken Hardys, in a Broken Rules match.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Professional wrestling style and persona
Hardy's professional wrestling style has been described as "high-flying" and "death-defying"<ref name="Robinson2015">Template:Cite book</ref> with "daredevil stunts".<ref name="Brown2011p23"/> His signature finishing move is the Swanton Bomb.<ref name="Kaelberer2003">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Brown2011p23">Template:Cite book</ref> However, by 2018, Hardy used the Swanton Bomb less frequently due to his accumulated lower back injuries.<ref name="Lisko2018">Template:Cite news</ref> Hardy also used the move 450 Splash in his early career but stopped after injuring his shoulder, instead using the Swanton Bomb exclusively.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy also uses the Twist of Fate, a [[Cutter (professional wrestling)#Front facelock cutter|Template:Frac Facelock cutter]] or a [[Stunner (professional wrestling)#Front facelock stunner|Template:Frac facelock stunner]]. During his time as a heel in 2010, the Twist of Fate was renamed the Twist of Hate.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy's other signature moves include Whisper in the Wind (a rolling senton bomb or a corkscrew moonsault); Poetry in Motion; a sitout jawbreaker; and a double leg drop to the midsection of a supine opponent.<ref name="Brown2011p27">Template:Cite book</ref>
Hardy's professional wrestling persona reflects his artistic interests. He is known for his face and body paint which he creates himself before his matches.<ref name="facepaint1">Template:Cite web</ref> He credits seeing Sting as a child during a show in North Carolina with inspiring him to create new designs with his face paint each match, saying, "Sting was coming out, this was an old NWA [National Wrestling Alliance] show, and I was able to touch his shoulder. And he had his face painted, his neon green tights on, and the blonde hair - and I was like, 'Oh my gosh, I want to do that. I want to make somebody feel like he made me feel right now'".<ref name="Hayden 2018">Template:Cite web</ref>
It is difficult to paint on a canvas while traveling for his work as a wrestler, so he uses his facepaint as a creative outlet.<ref name="facepaint2">Template:Cite AV media</ref> He considers himself shy and introverted when not wearing his painted face, saying, "I can get to the building and have this image in my head. And being that I don't have a canvas I can just use my face as what I want to try to bring to life... All these artistic thoughts come into mind. Like it shows artistic freedom and also freedom of your soul. It's like expression at its best. I think I am more sociable when I'm all painted up. I think I feel normal, quite normal, a lot more normal than when I'm all shy and not painted. That's Jeff Hardy, the Charismatic Enigma at his best, when he comes out with the face paint. The face painted freak, man, that's by far a compliment in my book".<ref name="facepaint2"/><ref name="Sachdeva2018">Template:Cite web</ref>
Other media
Hardy appeared on the February 7, 1999, episode of That '70s Show entitled "That Wrestling Show", along with Matt, as an uncredited wrestler.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Hardy, Hardy, and Krugman: p. 93.</ref> Hardy and Matt also appeared on Tough Enough in early 2001, talking to and wrestling the contestants.<ref>Hardy, Hardy, and Krugman: pp 187–188.</ref> He appeared on the February 25, 2002, episode of Fear Factor competing against five other World Wrestling Federation wrestlers.<ref name="227–229">Hardy, Hardy, and Krugman: pp 227–229.</ref> He was eliminated in the first round.<ref name="227–229"/> His brother eventually won the $50,000 for his charity. Hardy also appears on The Hardy Show, an internet web show which features the Hardys, Shannon Moore and many of their friends.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In September 2009, Hardy signed a deal with Fox 21 to appear in a reality television show.<ref name="reality tv">Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2001, Hardy, Matt and Lita appeared in Rolling Stone magazine's 2001 Sports Hall of Fame issue.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2003, Hardy and Matt, with the help of Michael Krugman, wrote and published their autobiography The Hardy Boyz: Exist 2 Inspire.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
According to the Wrestling Figure Checklist, Hardy had 128 different action figures released in the 1990s, 2000s and 2010s.<ref name="George 2020 p. ">Template:Cite book</ref>
As part of WWE, Hardy has appeared in several of their DVDs, including The Hardy Boyz: Leap of Faith (2001) and The Ladder Match (2007).<ref name="twistoffateDVD"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He is also featured in the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling release Enigma: The Best of Jeff Hardy (2005) and Pro Wrestling's Ultimate Insiders: Hardy Boys – From the Backyard to the Big Time (2005). On April 29, 2008, WWE released "Twist of Fate: The Matt and Jeff Hardy Story".<ref name="twistoffateDVD">Template:Cite web</ref> The DVD features footage of the brothers in OMEGA and WWE, and also briefly mentions Hardy's first run with TNA.<ref name="twistoffateDVD"/> In December 2009, WWE released a DVD about Hardy entitled Jeff Hardy: My Life, My Rules.<ref name="mylifemyrulesDVD">Template:Cite web</ref> In 2012 Total Nonstop Action released "Enigma: The Best Of Jeff Hardy Volume 2", a followup to the 2005 release featuring a 2 disc long documentary following Hardy's return to TNA, his heel turn, and the Victory Road 2011 incident, and is accompanied by the matches spoken about. In 2015, Total Nonstop Action release "The Best of Jeff Hardy Volume 3: Humanomoly", featuring some of his greatest matches throughout his TNA tenure.
Video games
| WWF/E Video games | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Title | Notes | |
| 1999 | WWF WrestleMania 2000 | Video game debut | |
| 2000 | WWF SmackDown!<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | ||
| WWF Royal Rumble | |||
| WWF No Mercy<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | |||
| WWF SmackDown! 2: Know Your Role | |||
| 2001 | WWF With Authority! | ||
| WWF Road to WrestleMania | |||
| WWF SmackDown! Just Bring It | |||
| 2002 | WWF Raw | Cover athlete | |
| WWE WrestleMania X8 | |||
| WWE SmackDown! Shut Your Mouth | |||
| 2003 | WWE Crush Hour | ||
| 2007 | WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008 | ||
| 2008 | WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009 | ||
| 2009 | WWE Legends of WrestleMania | Importable character | |
| WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 | |||
| 2014 | WWE SuperCard | ||
| 2015 | WWE Champions | ||
| 2017 | WWE 2K18<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | Downloadable content | |
| 2018 | WWE 2K19 | ||
| 2019 | WWE 2K20 | ||
| 2020 | WWE 2K Battlegrounds | ||
| 2022 | WWE 2K22 <ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | ||
| AEW Video games | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Title | Notes | |
| 2023 | AEW Fight Forever | AEW video game debut | |
Artistic and musical pursuits
Hardy has an eclectic set of interests outside of wrestling which includes songwriting, poetry and creating art.<ref name="wwe"/> He calls his artistic side "The Imag-I-Nation".<ref>Template:Cite video</ref> He has created three-dimensional artworks such as a Template:Convert statue of an "aluminummy" named "Neroameee" out of tin foil outside of his recording studio (a spray painted trailer),<ref name="wwe"/> an artificial volcano in his front yard, which he then jumped over on his motocross dirtbike and a large sculpture of his brother Matt's hand signal "V1", which was seen on The Hardy Show, an online webshow which featured both the Hardys, Shannon Moore, and many of their friends.<ref name="hardyshow">Template:Cite web</ref> He has sold his original paintings online<ref name="online art">Template:Cite web</ref> and has donated his artwork to numerous charity auctions.<ref name="painting auctions">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Chron 2011">Template:Cite web</ref> He also designs the art sold on numerous merchandise throughout his career including the album artwork for his musical pursuits.<ref name="painting auctions"/>
In 2003, Hardy formed a band, PeroxWhy?Gen, with members of the band Burnside 6 and Moore, who later left.<ref name="page247"/> He also converted a trailer into a recording studio and taught himself how to play guitar and later purchased a drum set.<ref name="page247">Hardy, Hardy, and Krugman: p. 247.</ref> Their first album (marketed as a Jeff Hardy solo album) Plurality of Worlds was released through TNA Music on November 7, 2013.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Peroxwhy?Gen released their second album Within the Cygnus Rift on July 27, 2015.<ref name="peroxwhygenrocks1">Peroxwhygen | Within the Cygnus Rift Template:Webarchive. Peroxwhygenrocks.com (July 27, 2015). Retrieved on August 3, 2015.</ref> Their third album, Precession of the Equinoxes, was released in 2017.<ref name="Harris 2018">Template:Cite web</ref> He performs his music at venues while traveling for his wrestling career, sometimes just hours after a match.<ref name="music tour1">Template:Cite web</ref> His music features rock and pop songs, tend to be autobiographical and Hardy prefers performing his slower songs live.<ref name="music tour1"/>
Discography
Studio albums
- Plurality of Worlds (2013)
- Within the Cygnus Rift (2015)
- Precession of the Equinoxes (2017)
Extended plays
- Similar Creatures (2012)
- Spawn of Me (2016)
- Individuals (2019)
- Human Forms (2020)
- The Omega Sessions (2022)
- The Omega Sessions: II (2024)
Singles
- Vaccine (2020)
Personal life
Hardy met his girlfriend Beth Britt in 1999, shortly after the Hardy Boyz won the WWF Tag Team Championship for the first time.<ref name="page102">Hardy, Hardy, and Krugman: p. 102.</ref> The couple met at a club in Southern Pines, North Carolina.<ref name="page102" /> On March 15, 2008, it was reported that Hardy's home burned to the ground in a fire.<ref name="baltimoresun-2008" /><ref name="fire1" /> Hardy and his girlfriend Beth were not home at the time, but his dog, Jack was killed in the fire.<ref name="baltimoresun-2008" /><ref name="fire1" /> In August 2010, Hardy announced that Britt was pregnant with the couple's first child,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> a daughter named Ruby Claire Hardy, who was born on October 20, 2010. Hardy and Britt got married on March 9, 2011.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The pair's second child, a daughter, Nera Quinn Hardy, was born on December 31, 2015.<ref>Template:Cite webTemplate:Cbignore</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Hardy has a tattoo of roots that starts on his head, behind his ear, and finishes at his hand.<ref name="superstar ink">Template:Cite web</ref> He also has a few other signature designed tattoos, one of which, a dragon, he hid from his father at a young age.<ref name="superstar ink" /> It was also the first tattoo he got in 1998.<ref name="page130">Hardy, Hardy, and Krugman: p. 130.</ref> He later got tattoos of the Chinese symbols for "Peace" and "Health", as well as tattoos of fire and a wave.<ref name="page130" /> On March 14, 2020, Hardy revealed a new tattoo on his back. Hardy regards his tattoos as his "artistic impulses".<ref>Hardy, Hardy, and Krugman: p. 131.</ref>
Legal issues
On September 11, 2009, Hardy was arrested on charges of drug trafficking in controlled prescription pills and possession of anabolic steroids, after a search of his house yielded 262 Vicodin prescription pills, 180 Soma prescription pills, 555 milliliters of anabolic steroids, a residual amount of powder cocaine, and drug paraphernalia.<ref name="2009arrest">Template:Cite web</ref> On September 8, 2011, Hardy was sentenced to ten days in jail, 30 months of probation, and a fine of $100,000.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Hardy served his jail sentence from October 3 to 14, 2011.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On March 10, 2018, Hardy was arrested and charged in Concord, North Carolina, for driving while impaired. Hardy allegedly hit 105 feet of guardrail before spinning out. Police reported Hardy caused $8,000 of damage to his car, and an additional $5,000 to the guardrail.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On July 14, 2019, Hardy was arrested in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for public intoxication.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On October 3 of the same year, Hardy was arrested and charged with driving while impaired in Moore County, North Carolina.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
On June 14, 2022, Hardy was arrested by Florida Highway Patrol officers in Volusia County, Florida, on charges of driving with a suspended license, violating restrictions placed on his license which required him to keep an Ignition Interlock Device — a handheld breathalyzer that prevents users from starting their vehicle after drinking alcohol — in his car, and felony DUI.<ref name="arrest">Template:Cite news</ref> According to Florida highway patrol officers, they observed a white vehicle "swerving" and "running off the road" at approximately 12:30 p.m. eastern time. They stated that once they got Hardy to pull over and they approached, he seemed confused, belligerent, and smelled of alcohol. The arrest report states that Hardy could not complete any portion of the field sobriety tests the officers had him do, and that he blew a blood alcohol level of 0.291, well above Florida's legal limit of 0.08.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In a press release sent out on June 14, AEW president Tony Khan announced that Hardy was indefinitely suspended without pay, and that he would only be invited back to AEW on the condition he would complete alcohol rehabilitation treatment and "maintain his sobriety".<ref name="Hardysuspend"/><ref name="arrest"/> Hardy submitted a plea of nolo contendere to charges of DUI, driving under a suspended/canceled/revoked license, and driving while his license was restricted. As a result, Hardy was sentenced to the following in February 2023: a 38-day jail sentence (which Hardy had already served), two years of probation, $4,500 in court fees, a 10-year suspension on his driver's license, two years with an ignition interlock device, a 90-day vehicle impoundment, a court-mandated school or DUI program, and community service.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Championships and accomplishments
- 4th Rope Wrestling
- 4th Rope Tag Team Championship (1 time, current) – with Matt Hardy
- All Star Wrestling (West Virginia)
- ASW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Broken Matt<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- The Baltimore Sun
- Feud of the Year (2009) Template:Small<ref name="Baltimore2009">Template:Cite web</ref>
- The Crash
- The Crash Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Broken Matt<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- House of Glory
- HOG Tag Team Championship (2 times, current) – with Matt Hardy<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- International Wrestling Cartel
- IWC Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Matt Hardy<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- MCW Pro Wrestling
- MCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Matt Hardy<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- National Championship Wrestling
- NCW Light Heavyweight Championship (4 times)<ref name="auto"/>
- New Dimension Wrestling
- NDW Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="slam"/>
- NDW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Matt Hardy<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- New Frontier Wrestling Association
- NFWA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="slam"/>
- North East Wrestling
- NEW Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="slam"/>
- NWA 2000
- NWA 2000 Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Matt Hardy<ref name="slam"/><ref name=F4WMarch7>Template:Cite web</ref>
- OMEGA Championship Wrestling
- OMEGA Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- OMEGA New Frontiers Championship (1 time)<ref name="nf"/>
- OMEGA Tag Team Championship (2 times) – with Broken Matt/Matt Hardy<ref name="slam"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- OMEGA Heavyweight Championship Tournament (2015)<ref>cite web|url= https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=3265&page=2</ref>
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Comeback of the Year (2007, 2012, 2017)<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
- Match of the Year (2000) with Matt Hardy vs. The Dudley Boyz and Edge and Christian in a triangle Ladder match at WrestleMania 2000<ref name="pwi-matchofyear">Template:Cite journal</ref>
- Match of the Year (2001) with Matt Hardy vs. The Dudley Boyz and Edge and Christian in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match at WrestleMania X-Seven<ref name="pwi-matchofyear"/>
- Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (2008, 2009)Template:Citation needed
- Tag Team of the Year (2000) with Matt Hardy<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
- Ranked No. 7 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2013<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Ranked No. 418 of the top 500 greatest wrestlers in the PWI Years in 2003<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Ring of Honor
- ROH World Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Matt Hardy<ref name="ManhattanMayhem"/>
- Holy S*** Moment of the Decade (2010s) – Template:Small – with Matt Hardy<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
- TNA World Heavyweight Championship (3 times)<ref name=BoundForGlory2010/><ref name=AgainstAllOdds2011/><ref name=BFG2012/>
- TNA World Tag Team Championship (4 times, current) – with Matt Hardy/Broken Matt<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- NWA World Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender Tournament (2004)
- TNA World Heavyweight Championship Tournament (2010)<ref>cite web|url= https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=54097</ref>
- TNA World Tag Team Championship #1 Contender Tournament (2014) – with Matt Hardy
- TNA World Tag Team Championship Tournament (2015) – with Matt Hardy<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Bound for Glory Series (2012)<ref name=NoSurrender2012/>
- Race for the Case (2017 – Green Case)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- TNA World Cup (2015) – with Gunner, Davey Richards, Rockstar Spud, Crazzy Steve and Gail Kim<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- TNA World Cup (2016) – with Eddie Edwards, Jessie Godderz, Robbie E and JadeTemplate:Citation needed
- TNA Wrestler of the Year (2012)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Universal Wrestling Association
- UWA World Middleweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="slam"/>
- World Wrestling Federation/World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
- WWE Championship (1 time)<ref name="wwe2"/><ref name="WWEChampionship"/>
- World Heavyweight Championship (2 times)<ref name="WHC2"/><ref name="WHC">Template:Cite web</ref>
- WWF/E Intercontinental Championship (5 times)<ref name="IC History"/>
- WWE United States Championship (1 time)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- WWE European Championship (1 time)<ref name="wwe2"/><ref name="european"/>
- WWF/E Hardcore Championship (3 times)<ref name="WWE hardcore"/>
- WWF Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="WWE LH"/>
- WWE Raw Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Matt Hardy<ref name="wwetagtitlehistory">Template:Cite web</ref>
- WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Matt Hardy<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- WWF/World Tag Team Championship (6 times) – with Matt Hardy<ref name="wwe2"/><ref name="tag team titles">Template:Cite news</ref>
- WCW Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Matt Hardy<ref name="auto"/>
- NXT Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Matt Hardy
- 18th Triple Crown Champion
- Ninth Grand Slam Champion (under original format; Ninth overall)
- Fourth Tag Team Triple Crown Champion – with Matt Hardy
- Terri Invitational Tournament (1999) – with Matt Hardy<ref name="NoMercy99"/>
- Brisbane Cup (2007)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Slammy Award (2 times)
- Extreme Moment of the Year (2008) giving Randy Orton a Swanton Bomb from the top of the Raw setTemplate:Citation needed
- Extreme Moment of the Year (2009) jumping from a ladder onto CM Punk through the Spanish announce table at SummerSlamTemplate:Citation needed
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- Best Flying Wrestler (2000)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Feud of the Year (2009) vs. CM Punk<ref>Template:Cite magazine</ref>
- Most Disgusting Promotional Tactic (2008) WWE teasing a drug overdose to remove him from a Survivor Series title match<ref name="won">Template:Cite journal</ref>
- Worst Worked Match of the Year (2011) vs. Sting at Victory Road (owing to Hardy's inebriation)<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
- Wrestling Superstar
- Wrestling Superstar Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Matt Hardy<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
References
Template:Reflist Template:Reflist
Further reading
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External links
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- 1977 births
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- 21st-century American professional wrestlers
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- HOG Tag Team Champions
- Living people
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- Musicians from Raleigh, North Carolina
- NWA/WCW/WWE United States Heavyweight Champions
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- People from Moore County, North Carolina
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- ROH World Tag Team Champions
- Sculptors from North Carolina
- Singer-songwriters from North Carolina
- Sportspeople from Raleigh, North Carolina
- The Crash Tag Team Champions
- TNA World Heavyweight/Impact World Champions
- TNA/Impact World Tag Team Champions
- UWA World Middleweight Champions
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