WWE RAW Results (05/12/08) Jim Ross welcomes us to the Joe Louis Arena as we go into the show with the lights out in the arena. The lights come back on and William Regal is in the ring...
The Dog Pound has returned. Now, I'll let the shock set in and say that I do apologize for the lack of columns recently; I am in the middle of hunting down an internship and that has taken the majority of my time. Enough with the excuses though, because there is a bigger issue that I want to deal with today; the shocking (and sadly untimely) suspension of Jeff Hardy.
You may remember, Jeff Hardy supposedly struggled with some "recreational" drug use in the past and when the WWE offered, he refused to get help. Now, one could say that this first violation was really a blessing in disguise. Why? Jeff, as a performer (and in some cases as a character) was becoming stale. In addition to this, the WWE seemed to lose any direction as to where to go with him. Remeber when he turned heel for about three weeks by attacking Rob van Dam? Yeah, that didn't work out did it?
Violating policy the first time around, may have been the best way for Jeff to get a break from the business. Due to the fact that he refused to get help, he was released. I believe that Jeff is a person that is so dedicated to what he does, that the only way he would take a break, is after he is FORCED to take one. Getting released from his contract was the best way for Jeff to get away, rest his body, and regain his passion for the business.
Once Jeff was free to pursue his other interests outside of wrestling, he was able to really see how much he loved and missed it. Enter his stint in TNA. This was a way for Jeff to truly see if his passion was still there, and it was a way for jeff to return to the business slowly at first because of the lighter schedule. Was the passion was regained fully, he returned to the WWE.
Since his return to the WWE, Jeff Hardy has truly been on the biggest ride of his professional life. Think about it, he gave the fans what they wanted upon his return when he re-united with Matt and brought back the Hardy's; classic matches with guys like John Morrison, Shelton Benjamin, Carlito, etc. All leading to the biggest push of his career.
Now, many could attribute Hardy's push to the untimely injury of John Cena, however, I feel his initial push was designed to bring a fresh face into the main event picture. The WWE could see that no matter what they did with Jeff, the fans were behind him. I for one, thought the WWE set up Jeff Hardy's main event push with great timing and accuracy. They made the right desicion, and now, we reach a stand-still.
Hardy, even though he lost at the Royal Rumble, has proven he can go toe-to-toe with the main event guys on a consistent basis. In addition, guys like Triple H and Shawn Michaels were willing to do the clean job and further put Hardy over. Add to that, the fact that fans just love this guy to death, and Hardy had all the pieces in his lap! Adding him to the MITB match at 'mania was the right move because anything with a Hardy and a ladder is a perfect match.
From here, I believe the WWE was going to have Hardy win it and get a shot at the title once again. Hardy's pursuit of the top title in the company was not going to end, and the WWE was going to use the MITB match as the next step to fuel his push. It is here, Hardy dropped the ball.
I am not going to berate and bash the guy for making the mistake he did. I respect the guy tremendously for what he does on a consistent basis to his body, just to entertain us fans every night. The question now is, when Jeff hrady returns, where will he stand?
Will the WWE trust him enough to continue his push? I have no doubt the fans will stand behind him no matter what happens, but his ultimate success from this point on depends on whether or not the WWE decides to give him the ball once again. Jeff Hardy was in the prime position to finally make the full transisition from midcard wonder, to main-event star; he is still in the prime of his career and has time on his side to rebound, but will he make the choice to do so?
Sadly, this mistake has taken Hardy out of the MITB match and out of Wrestlemania. I only hope that this time around, Hardy again, maintains the passion and desire for the business, and doesn't get discouraged. This time, he truly learns from his mistake. Upon his return, we should all see a new side of the Rainbow-Haired Warrior!
That does it for now peeps. As always, comments and feedback are welcome. Remember, you're always welcome...at "The Dog Pound."
