Jim Ross sheds light on Jeff Hardy’s AEW run: a missed opportunity?
Jim Ross, the legendary wrestling commentator, has weighed in on why Jeff Hardy is underperforming in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The 46-year-old Hardy again impressed at TNA Against All Odds on June 14, rushing to the ring to support his brother Matt Hardy in winning the TNA World Championship from Moose
This unexpected return ended Hardy’s lackluster two-year tenure at AEW. Despite high fan expectations and a lucrative contract with Tony Khan’s organization, the former WWE champion has struggled to recapture the magic that once defined his career
In a recent episode of his podcast “Grilling JR,” AEW announcer Jim Ross offered his thoughts on why Hardy’s AEW tour didn’t hit the expected heights Ross, who serves as WWE’s head of talent relations up in Hardy’s past, showed that previous cases of Hardy’s perhaps trust plays an important role.
Ross elaborated, “It might have come down to reliability. You know, he had so many — I don’t want to say false starts. But he had several chances to get his ball rolling and get back in the game. It might be that. Because some of these experiences that preceded him were not real complimentary. You know, I remember talking to him, and I wanted to send him to rehab. And I told him that. I found it better when you’re dealing with talent just to tell them the truth. Tell them the truth and let the cards fall where they may.”
Ross’s comments suggest that Hardy’s history of personal struggles may have influenced AEW’s decision to use him sparingly. “So I think maybe it was that, at least part of it. But there’s no obvious reason that Jeff should not have been used more prominently. So I don’t know the bottom line, but I think history and precedent had something to do with it,” Ross concluded.
Hardy’s tenure in AEW was anticipated to be a resurgence for the charismatic performer, whose high-flying antics and daredevil style made him a fan favorite in WWE. However, repeated setbacks and inconsistencies appeared to stifle his momentum.
Jim Ross announces his upcoming comeback
In addition to gaining insight into Hardy, Jim Ross also provided an update on his condition. Ross has been absent from AEW television since he was hospitalized in Oklahoma City on May 23 after suffering an infection that left him short of breath. Despite missing out on AEW’s Double or Nothing when healthy, the 72-year-old commentator assured fans he would return.
Ross recently revealed that he is expected to return to the announce room for AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door on June 30. His return is highly anticipated, as his voice and presence have been integral to the AEW broadcast team.
Ross’s absence has been felt deeply by fans and colleagues alike, and his return is set to bring back the familiar, enthusiastic energy that he is known for. His ability to convey the excitement of the matches and provide insightful commentary is something that both wrestlers and fans look forward to.
H/T: 411Mania for the above transcription.
