By Mr. Mal Occhio
WrestlersRamblings.com wrestling blog

In news sure to be of interest to many fans, including faithful WrestlersRamblings contributor the Legendary PizzaSteve, the WWE has announced that they have resigned high-flyer Jeff Hardy for an imminent return to the company. Hardy, who was released by the WWE more than three-years ago amid substance abuse and behavioral issues, has recently competed on a limited-basis in Total Non-Stop Action (TNA) along with various independent promotions. His last match with the WWE was on March 24, 2003. During his downward spiral, Hardy was reportedly addicted to pain killers and methamphetamine (crystal meth) and lost his will to compete. Following various failed drug tests and rehabilitation, Hardy was finally fired. His brother Matt continued with the company, and was later released himself for unrelated reasons before being hired back. He currently competes on the Smackdown! brand. A reunion with Matt as part of the popular Hardy Boys tag-team remains a possibility, although it should be pointed out that the two were competing separately in the WWE when last employed together. On WWE.com, Hardy comments upon his final days in the industry’s largest wrestling company: “I didn’t need [rehab],� he said. “When I was released from WWE, it wasn’t just about demons or demonic metaphors that relate to drug use. I failed numerous drug tests because I just didn’t care . . . to wrestle anymore. A sense of me believes that it might have just been a way out. That’s in the past, and that’s forgotten about. I’m in a positive place now…and that’s what motivates me.�

BUY IT HERE: TNA Presents: Enigma - The Best of Jeff Hardy

IN OTHER WRESTLING NEWS . . .

Trish Stratus is reportedly ending her relationship with the WWE. Her contract expires next month, and the parting will reportedly be an amicable one, says PWTorch.com. Stratus is set to be married soon, and wishes to begin her new life as a married woman – outside of the wrestling world . . . In related WWE Diva news, Ashley Massaro has announced on her MySpace website that he will be wearing a cast for the next month after breaking her hand in a recent match with Kristal Marshall . . . the WWE has also announced that recently-deposed Diva Search contestant Rebecca DiPietro has signed a developmental deal with the company. In addition, two other contestants recently booted from the competition -  Maryse Ouellet, another finalist, and Brooke Adams – have been invited to observe workouts down in Ohio Valley Wrestling . . . Vince McMahon reportedly praised ECW performer Justin Credible for his recent performances, in particular his match with Balls Mahoney at the television tapings at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. While certainly not a high-profile member of the ECW staff, Credible was singled out by the boss for both his and Mahoney’s ability to handle the addition of a few more minutes to their match after it was determined the show was proceeding too quickly. Further, Credible was likewise praised for his match with CM Punk this past week on ECW . . . lastly, Hulk Hogan is reportedly nursing a bum knee that could prevent him from appearing on this week’s RAW – or at worse – Summerslam for his match with Randy Orton. The Hulkster is reportedly suffering from a cracked meniscus and is awaiting results from a recent MRI to determine the full extent of the damage. He is to be further examined over the weekend. Mr. Mal can’t help but wonder if Hogan is pulling one of his infamous powerplays again . . . just go away Hogan, please.

This entry was posted on Sunday, August 6th, 2006 at 11:00 am and is filed under WWE News and Views. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.