Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jeff Hardy

Discover the career path of Jeff Hardy, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jeff Hardy is an American professional wrestler, currently signed with TNA. He gained prominence through his high-flying, daredevil style and charismatic persona. Hardy achieved significant success in WWE as a multiple-time world champion, Intercontinental Champion, tag team champion (primarily with his brother Matt), and more. He and Matt, as the Hardy Boyz, revolutionized tag team wrestling with their innovative and exciting matches. Beyond WWE, Hardy has also competed in TNA/Impact Wrestling and AEW, where he continued to showcase his unique wrestling style and connect with audiences. Despite facing personal struggles, Hardy has maintained a dedicated fanbase and left a lasting impact on the wrestling world.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

May 23, 1994: First WWF Match

On May 23, 1994, Jeff Hardy had his first World Wrestling Federation (WWF) match against Razor Ramon in Youngstown, Ohio. He was billed as Keith Davis that night.

June 25, 1994: Match Airs on Superstars

On June 25, 1994, Jeff Hardy wrestled against The 1-2-3 Kid, and the match aired on Superstars.

1994: Hardy Boyz Work for WWF

In 1994, The Hardy Boyz began working as enhancement talents for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

December 19, 1995: Taped Match against Razor Ramon

On December 19, 1995, Jeff Hardy taped a match against Razor Ramon, which aired on January 13, 1996.

January 13, 1996: Victory over Razor Ramon by Countout

On January 13, 1996 (taped December 19, 1995), Jeff Hardy defeated Razor Ramon by countout on WWF Superstars when Goldust's handler distracted Razor.

April 1998: OMEGA Folds

In April 1998, the Organization of Modern Extreme Grappling Arts (OMEGA) folded when Jeff and Matt Hardy signed contracts with the WWF.

May 1998: Jobber

As late as May 1998, Jeff Hardy wrestled as a jobber. During an ECW "invasion" storyline, Hardy was billed as being from Virginia instead of Cameron, North Carolina.

1998: Hardy Boyz Sign Full-Time Contracts with WWF

In 1998, the Hardy Boyz signed full-time contracts with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

1998: Signed to Contract in 1998

In 1998, the Hardy brothers signed a contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and were trained by Dory Funk Jr.

1999: First WWF Tag Team Championship

In 1999, The Hardy Boyz added Michael Hayes as their manager and won their first WWF Tag Team Championship by defeating the Acolytes on July 5, but lost it back to them a month later.

April 2, 2000: WrestleMania 2000

On April 2, 2000, The Hardy Boyz competed in the first-ever tag team triple threat ladder match at WrestleMania 2000 against The Dudley Boyz and Edge & Christian, where Edge & Christian won. During the match, Jeff Hardy performed a Swanton Bomb off a 20-foot ladder.

April 1, 2001: WrestleMania X-Seven TLC Match

On April 1, 2001, at WrestleMania X-Seven in Houston, the Hardy Boyz faced Edge & Christian and the Dudley Boyz in a TLC match for the Tag Team Championship. Despite a hard-fought effort, the Hardy Boyz were ultimately defeated by Edge & Christian in what is considered one of WWE's greatest matches.

2001: Jeff Hardy appears on Tough Enough

In early 2001, Jeff Hardy and Matt appeared on "Tough Enough", talking to and wrestling the contestants.

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February 25, 2002: Jeff Hardy on Fear Factor

On February 25, 2002, Jeff Hardy competed on "Fear Factor" against other WWF wrestlers but was eliminated in the first round.

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2002: Singles Career

In 2002, Jeff Hardy's popularity as a singles wrestler began to grow after splitting up as a team with his brother.

2003: Hardy forms PeroxWhy?Gen band

In 2003, Jeff Hardy formed a band called PeroxWhy?Gen with members of the band Burnside 6 and Shannon Moore.

June 23, 2004: TNA Debut

On June 23, 2004, Jeff Hardy debuted in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) at the Second Anniversary Show. He faced A.J. Styles for the TNA X Division Championship, using his new entrance theme "Modest" and the nickname "The Charismatic Enigma." The match ended in a no contest due to interference.

June 2006: TNA Release

In June 2006, Jeff Hardy was released from his Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) contract, ending his tenure with the company.

August 4, 2006: WWE Re-Signing

On August 4, 2006, WWE announced that Jeff Hardy had re-signed with the company, marking his return to WWE after a previous departure.

January 7, 2007: Intercontinental Championship Steel Cage Match

On January 7, 2007, at New Year's Revolution, Jeff Hardy defeated Johnny Nitro in a steel cage match to retain the Intercontinental Championship.

January 27, 2008: Royal Rumble WWE Championship Match

On January 27, 2008, Jeff Hardy faced Randy Orton for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble. Despite building momentum in the weeks leading up to the event, Hardy was ultimately defeated by Orton.

2008: WWE Championship Win

In 2008, Jeff Hardy captured his first of six world championships, the WWE Championship.

September 2009: Hardy signs deal with Fox 21 for reality show

In September 2009, Jeff Hardy signed a deal with Fox 21 to appear in a reality television show.

January 4, 2010: TNA Return on Impact!

On January 4, 2010, Jeff Hardy made his return to TNA on the live Monday episode of Impact!, along with Shannon Moore. He was attacked by Homicide but retaliated, signaling his renewed presence in the company.

2010: Jeff Hardy renames Twist of Fate

In 2010, during his time as a heel, Jeff Hardy renamed his signature move Twist of Fate to Twist of Hate.

January 4, 2011: TNA World Heavyweight Championship defense against Tetsuya Naito

On January 4, 2011, Jeff Hardy debuted 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.

March 2011: Victory Road events

In March 2011, Jeff Hardy experienced a 'rock bottom' moment at Victory Road, but the specifics of the event are not detailed in this entry.

August 23, 2011: TNA announces Jeff Hardy's return

On August 23, 2011, TNA announced Jeff Hardy would return to the promotion at the Impact Wrestling tapings on August 25 in Huntsville, Alabama, only five days after Matt Hardy was released from his TNA contract.

January 8, 2012: TNA World Heavyweight Championship match against Bobby Roode

On January 8, 2012, at Genesis, Jeff Hardy defeated TNA World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Roode via disqualification, but the title remained with Roode.

January 13, 2013: TNA World Heavyweight Championship Defense

On January 13, 2013, at Genesis, Jeff Hardy successfully defended the TNA World Heavyweight Championship against Austin Aries and Bobby Roode in a three-way elimination match.

October 20, 2013: Ultimate X Match at Bound for Glory

On October 20, 2013, at Bound for Glory, Jeff Hardy debuted a new theme song and competed in his first Ultimate X match for the TNA X Division Championship, but Chris Sabin won due to interference from Velvet Sky.

February 2014: Return to TNA as Willow

In February 2014, vignettes began airing, advertising Jeff Hardy's return to TNA as his OMEGA character, Willow.

October 22, 2014: Hardys Enter Number One Contenders Tournament

On October 22, 2014, The Hardys (Jeff and Matt Hardy) 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.

March 16, 2015: The Hardys Win TNA World Tag Team Championship

On March 16, 2015, The Hardys won an Ultimate X match for the TNA World Tag Team Championship for the first time as a team and individually.

May 8, 2015: Hardys Vacate TNA World Tag Team Championship

On May 8, 2015, The Hardys were forced to vacate the TNA World Tag Team Championship due to Jeff Hardy suffering a broken leg in a legitimate dirt bike accident.

January 5, 2016: Appearance on Impact Wrestling

On January 5, 2016, Jeff Hardy appeared on Impact Wrestling during its live Pop TV debut. He was backstage and ringside to support his brother Matt in the semi-finals and finals of the TNA World Title Series, although Matt ultimately lost.

January 12, 2016: Return to Impact Wrestling and Match Against Shynron

On January 12, 2016, Jeff Hardy returned to Impact Wrestling. Ethan Carter III denied Hardy an opportunity at the TNA World Heavyweight Championship and instead brought out Shynron to face Hardy. Hardy won the match.

January 12, 2017: Tag Title Defense Against The Wolves

On January 12, 2017, on Impact Wrestling, The Hardys, including Jeff Hardy, successfully defended their tag team titles against The Wolves. Jeff rolled up Davey Richards to secure the win and retain the titles.

March 4, 2017: ROH World Tag Team Championship Win

On March 4, 2017, Jeff Hardy returned to Ring of Honor at Manhattan Mayhem VI. He teamed with his brother Matt and they defeated The Young Bucks for the ROH World Tag Team Championship.

April 2, 2017: Surprise Return to WWE and Raw Tag Team Championship Win at WrestleMania 33

On April 2, 2017, at WrestleMania 33, Jeff Hardy made his surprise return to WWE along with his brother Matt Hardy. They were added as last-minute participants in the ladder match for the Raw Tag Team Championship. They defeated Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, Cesaro and Sheamus, and Enzo Amore and Big Cass to win the Raw Tag Team Championship, marking Jeff's first win at WrestleMania.

2018: Hardy reduces usage of the Swanton Bomb

By 2018, Jeff Hardy used the Swanton Bomb less frequently due to accumulated lower back injuries.

January 27, 2019: Royal Rumble Participation

On January 27, 2019, Jeff Hardy participated in the Royal Rumble match at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view. However, he was unsuccessful in winning.

March 13, 2020: Return to SmackDown and Victory Over King Corbin

On March 13, 2020, Jeff Hardy returned from injury on SmackDown, defeating King Corbin.

January 26, 2021: Royal Rumble Match Participation

On January 26, 2021, Jeff Hardy participated in the Royal Rumble match, entering at number 5, but he was eliminated by Dolph Ziggler.

February 2022: Plans to Join AEW Confirmed

In February 2022, Jeff Hardy confirmed in an interview that he planned on signing with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). He indicated that he would wait until after his 90-day WWE non-compete clause expired before joining.

April 12, 2023: Jeff Hardy returns to AEW

On April 12, 2023, Jeff Hardy made his return to AEW, assisting his brother Matt Hardy, Isiah Kassidy, and Hook from an assault by The Firm members.

May 6, 2023: Hardy and his allies defeat The Firm

On May 6, 2023, Jeff Hardy, alongside his brother Matt, Hook, and Isiah Kassidy, defeated The Firm, which included Lee Moriarty, Ethan Page, Big Bill, and Stokely Hathaway, in an AEW match.

February 14, 2024: Hardy's final AEW appearance

On February 14, 2024, Jeff Hardy was defeated by Sammy Guevara in a no disqualification match on AEW Rampage and suffered a broken nose. This was Hardy's final appearance with AEW.

June 14, 2024: Hardy returns to TNA and wins TNA World Tag Team Championship

On June 14, 2024, at Against All Odds, Jeff Hardy made an unannounced return to TNA to aid his brother Matt and others against The System. Later that year at Bound for Glory, The Hardys defeated The System and ABC in a Three-way Full Metal Mayhem match to win the TNA World Tag Team Championship for the third time.