SPECIAL REPORT:
Jeff Hardy Fired from the WWE
Use Your "Imagi-Nation"
By: Brian Myers

Shockingly on April 22, 2003 World Wrestling Entertainment cut all ties with Jeff Hardy, releasing him from his contract. Anyone who follows wrestling and the WWE through the Internet may know of the highly touted struggles Jeff Hardy has had of late. Jeff Hardy had been working in and out of the WWE for almost ten years with his older brother Matt. Just how bad was it that the WWE let one of its most popular Superstars just walk away? Or was this a feeling of mutuality? And most importantly to the fans reading this, where will Jeff be wrestling in the near future?

The Hardy Boyz have made a tremendous impact on Independent wrestling, as we know it. Whether you're willing to give them credit or not, they made an impact one way or another. Before their big break in the WWE, they were the innovators of OMEGA: Organization of Modern Extreme Grappling Arts. OMEGA's shows ran out of their home state of North Carolina. The organization was far ahead of their time especially for that specific era in wrestling. The OMEGA workers would often work twice a show (as different characters) and put fourth exasperating efforts that almost always involved breath taking, risky maneuvers. Through hard work and effort they made it to the big time with the WWE and as they say, "the rest is history".

Jeff's successes and credentials in the WWE speak for themselves. His willingness to put his health on the line night in, night out gained him an immense popularity with the fans. Of course it has been noted that Jeff began to break down mentally and physically. The wear and tear of the unpredictable life style of a professional wrestler got to him. The trouble began when he constantly showed up late for shows. It has even been reported that Jeff clearly asked for a release from his contract on more than one occasion. Whether there is any truth to these rumors remains speculation. But, Hardy's fate ultimately left him without a job and the WWE without one of its most individual Superstars.

Was this Jeff's decision? I'd like to think so. He wants more out of life. Jeff Hardy will be pursuing other options. He has no forth-coming booking, nor does he plan on wrestling anytime soon. As off the wall as he may be this just may be the next step for him. He's a goal setter, and I'm sure he'll find whatever it is that he is looking for.

Jeff Hardy was a great "in ring" entertainer. Never the best "in ring" wrestler by any means, but he had that something special that made you like him. He almost always played the underdog and would sneak by with a victory. Jeff's individuality is something that made him stand out, which is hard to come by in this business. I personally would love to see Jeff on a Ring of Honor card or working with Total Non-stop Action. Working the Indys would only make him better and I think the Indys need Jeff Hardy in some capacity. Jeff has to fall in love with wrestling all over again. I think the current innovation within the Independent wrestling scene today is sure enough to do the trick. Wherever Jeff ends up next, I wish him the best of luck. You haven't seen the last of him, that's for sure.



All E-Mail for Brian Myers can be sent to hitman03@aol.com