On the April 12th episode of AEW Dynamite, fans were shocked to hear Jeff Hardy’s theme music play throughout the Milwaukee Panther Arena as he reunited with his brother Matt.
His return came after having been out of action after being arrested back in June 2022. The former World Champion was arrested on numerous DUI-related offenses and suspended without pay by AEW. Hardy attended a rehabilitation facility in an effort to banish his well-documented demons before his DUI case was settled in February.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, Jeff’s brother Matt opened up about Jeff’s progress, saying he’s never seen his brother do more work on himself. He said that he believes Jeff will prove himself and that he’s dedicated to making real change in his life.
“This is the most work I’ve ever seen him do on himself. He had ten months. He seems different. He seems different. I don’t want to sit here and vouch for him, I don’t want you to take my word for it or take anyone else’s word for it. Watch him and follow his actions. He’ll make you a believer. I am confident that his actions, conduct, and behavior will make people a believer. He’s made me a believer.
“I’ve seen a lot of him and gotten to follow his journey and I know the work he’s put in and how dedicated he’s been to legitimately changing and trying to get his sh*t together once and for all. I’m so extraordinarily proud of him. He’s done great. Everyone was happy to see him. He’s happy to be there.”
Continuing, Matt Hardy said his brother was incredibly nervous to make his return since he hadn’t been in a wrestling ring for months.
“It was so adorable, right before we went out, he was so nervous and so worried because he hasn’t been in a ring, at all. He came out to my house on Monday, got in the ring, ran the ropes, took a few bumps. He was worried how the people were going to react to him.
“Jeff is one of the few individuals who has ‘it’ and people are connected to him. When he came out and the people went nuts and were cheering and chanting, it was great, a magical moment. Really glad we got to this point and very excited to see where we go forward from here.”
“I Have A Very Good Feeling” – Matt Hardy On Jeff Hardy’s Progress
Matt Hardy knows that Jeff has a lot to prove based on his past, but he believes in his brother and says he’ll prove his critics either wrong or right with his actions.
“Coming off his past, he has stuff to prove to people. I’m the ultimate optimist. My mentality doesn’t work for everybody, but I say, people change, give them a chance, especially if they’ve legitimately put the work in and have tried. I do that with everybody. Either he’ll prove you wrong or prove you right. I have a very good feeling about this point Jeff is at in his life.”
WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray believes this is Jeff’s final opportunity to return to wrestling, saying he “better not f*** up this opportunity.”
h/t Fightful