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An icon in the wrestling world, Jeff Hardy has remained a charismatic enigma for decades within the sport. With legendary stints in both WWE and TNA, Hardy has been a top star in every company he has worked in, with those two standing out, as well as his time spent in ROH and AEW. Despite this, Jeff Hardy's controversial nature has always been a subject of ire among fans, as his behavior and issues outside the ring have often detracted from his on-screen work. Over the past 20 years, Jeff has faced substance and alcohol issues, as well as long-term injuries, forcing a decline in his health. Currently facing another serious DUI charge and suspended from action in AEW, it may be time for Jeff Hardy to hang up his boots once and for all.
Jeff Hardy's In Ring Work Had Declined In AEW
While some fans may hunger for one last Hardy Boyz run, or even one last Jeff Hardy singles run, as most were hoping for with his debut in AEW earlier this year, it is not a shared sentiment of all fans. Having left audiences split after a controversial ending to his last run in WWE, in which he walked out during a House Show, Jeff Hardy's 2022 has been interesting to say the least.
Coming into AEW with a ton of hype, fans were immediately fantasy-booking major marquee matches for Jeff to take part in, including a singles match against Darby Allin, something that fans would be treated to as one of Jeff's standout matches in the company. However, upon his debut, it became clear quickly that Jeff was not the wrestler he once was. Not moving the same way he has in the past and resorting to the same crazy, death-defying spots that made him famous years ago, Hardy looked like a shell of himself early on in his AEW run in a way that left people questioning the signing.
Consistent Substance Abuse Issues Have Turned Fans Away From Jeff Hardy
Undeniably the biggest reason that Jeff Hardy should retire is due to his issues outside the ring. With a heavy drinking issue leading to numerous DUIs over the past several years, Jeff Hardy has shot himself in the public eye, as he has gone from one of the most beloved babyface wrestlers of all time, to someone who is incredibly hard to root for. What makes matters worse, is how public this issue has been for years, in WWE, TNA, and most recently, AEW. Jeff Hardy has an alcohol problem and it is something that cannot be ignored.
While addiction is a problem and Jeff does deserve a support system in order to help get better in his battle against his own demons, it goes without saying that choosing to get drunk before getting behind the wheel of an automobile is entirely irresponsible, while also incredibly dangerous, as Jeff has put his own life and the lives of others on the line. At this point in time, he is not worth the risk for any company to use.
Jeff Hardy Isn't Needed As A Wrestler Anymore
When looking at the picture as a whole, in 2022 Jeff Hardy is not needed as a wrestler anymore. Despite remaining an undeniably charismatic, popular wrestling icon, Jeff's declined in-ring ability, decline in health, and personal demons have added up over time. With multiple DUIs to his name, Hardy is not only a liability in the ring, but outside of it too in a much more serious manner, as he has put the lives of innocent bystanders on the line with his drunken actions. Currently suspended by AEW, it remains to be seen if this latest attempt to get Hardy to clean up his act will work, with reports that he is currently or has finished a stint in rehab.
With teases from Matt Hardy that his brother could be returning sooner than later, a large portion of AEW's online fanbase has made it clear that they do not want or need Jeff Hardy back, either out of concern for his health or out of a lack of care for wanting to see him again. A quiet retirement, allowing Jeff to get healthy away from the wrestling would be in the future Hall of Famer's best interest, as he has nothing left to prove and almost nothing left to give to wrestling fans.