Challenges Faced by Jeff Hardy: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Jeff Hardy. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Jeffrey Nero Hardy, best known as Jeff Hardy, is a highly acclaimed American professional wrestler currently signed to TNA, where he's a TNA World Tag Team Champion. He also makes appearances in WWE's NXT brand. Prior to TNA, he was a prominent figure in AEW. Renowned for his daring, high-flying wrestling style, Hardy is celebrated as one of the greatest and most innovative performers of his generation.

Sections (4)

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

1987: Death of Jeff Hardy's mother

In 1987, Jeff Hardy's mother, Ruby Moore Hardy, passed away from brain cancer when Jeff was ten years old.

2001: Singles Success and Feud

In 2001, Jeff Hardy experienced a push as a singles competitor, securing the Intercontinental, Light Heavyweight, and Hardcore Championships. Later in 2001, a storyline began where The Hardys feuded, leading to a match at Vengeance where Jeff defeated Matt. Following this, Jeff and Lita began feuding with Matt.

January 2003: Brief Heel Turn

In January 2003, Jeff Hardy briefly turned heel after attacking Van Dam and attempting to attack Shawn Michaels. The heel turn ended a month later when he tried to save Stacy Keibler from an attack by Christian and Chris Jericho.

April 22, 2003: Release from WWE

On April 22, 2003, Jeff Hardy was released from WWE due to erratic behavior, drug use, refusal to go to rehab, deteriorating ring performance, and tardiness. Hardy also cited burnout as a reason for his departure.

October 2005: Feud with Abyss, Rhino, and Sabu

Throughout October 2005, Jeff Hardy feuded with Abyss, Rhino, and Sabu in TNA. The feud culminated in a Monster's Ball match at Bound for Glory on October 23, which Rhino won. During the match, Hardy delivered a Swanton Bomb to Abyss from a height of approximately 22 feet.

June 2006: Release from TNA

In June 2006, Jeff Hardy was released from his TNA contract after being suspended in December 2005 for no-showing the Turning Point event.

January 27, 2008: WWE Championship Match at Royal Rumble

On January 27, 2008, Jeff Hardy faced Randy Orton for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble but was ultimately unsuccessful in winning the title.

March 15, 2008: Hardy's Home Burns Down

On March 15, 2008, Jeff Hardy's home burned down in a fire. He and his girlfriend Beth were not home, but his dog Jack died in the fire.

January 2009: Loss of WWE Championship at Royal Rumble

In January 2009, Jeff Hardy's storyline involved scripted accidents. At the Royal Rumble on January 25, 2009, Jeff Hardy lost the WWE Championship to Edge after his brother, Matt, interfered and turned on him.

September 11, 2009: Arrested on Drug Charges

On September 11, 2009, Jeff Hardy was arrested on charges of drug trafficking in controlled prescription pills and possession of anabolic steroids after a search of his house yielded various controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.

March 2011: Events of March 2011

In March 2011, Jeff Hardy experienced an event that TNA later referred to as part of his "road to redemption."

September 8, 2011: Sentenced on Drug Charges

On September 8, 2011, Jeff Hardy was sentenced to ten days in jail, 30 months of probation, and a fine of $100,000 for his drug charges. He served his jail sentence from October 3 to 14, 2011.

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.

March 10, 2018: Arrested for Driving While Impaired

On March 10, 2018, Jeff Hardy was arrested and charged in Concord, North Carolina, for driving while impaired. He allegedly hit 105 feet of guardrail before spinning out, causing $8,000 of damage to his car and $5,000 to the guardrail.

2018: Reduced Use of Swanton Bomb due to Injuries

By 2018, Jeff Hardy used the Swanton Bomb less frequently due to his 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, but was unsuccessful.

July 14, 2019: Arrested for Public Intoxication

On July 14, 2019, Jeff Hardy was arrested in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for public intoxication.

January 26, 2021: Royal Rumble Participation

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

June 14, 2022: Arrested for DUI and License Violations

On June 14, 2022, Jeff Hardy was arrested in Volusia County, Florida, for driving with a suspended license, violating license restrictions requiring an Ignition Interlock Device, and felony DUI. He was suspended without pay by AEW and required to complete alcohol rehabilitation and maintain sobriety to return.

February 2023: Sentenced for DUI and License Violations

In February 2023, Jeff Hardy was sentenced for his June 14, 2022, arrest, receiving a 38-day jail sentence (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.

February 14, 2024: Hardy Suffers Broken Nose in Final AEW Appearance

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

2025: The Hardys Trade Tag Team Titles

In 2025, at Rebellion, The Hardys lost the Impact World Tag Team titles to Nic and Ryan Nemeth, ending their reign at 183 days. However, at Slammiversary, they regained the championships in a four-way ladder match also involving the Nemeths, The Rascalz, and Fir$t Cla$$