Jeff Hardy is still one of the most popular pro wrestlers to have graced the squared circle, having competed in promotions such as WWE, ROH and TNA Wrestling. Fans are certainly well aware of his history of substance abuse issues and the personal demons he had to face.
WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross recently spoke on his Grilling JR podcast, where he talked about WrestleMania XX. During the conversation, he also gave his thoughts regarding Jeff Hardy being released from the company in 2003.
Ross revealed that Jeff Hardy was simply in denial that he had problems with substance abuse.
“Total denial. Jeff was in total denial. Like a lot of substance abusers, he just didn’t perceive that he had a big problem. It’s nothing I can’t handle. And so, you know, I remember sitting down and talking with him at a TV after the drug test and so forth, and him appearing to be affected, not in the right frame of mind, you know, on whatever pills he was taking.”
“And I said, you know, ‘We have this theory here, we either solve problems, or we eliminate them. The way we are going to solve your problem, if you agree, is that we are going to send you to rehab and help you with your (problem). Why are you doing this? Why are you purposely valuing getting high over your career? You are not going to make any money getting high. You can make a lot of money as Jeff Hardy the Superstar.”
“And he was getting a singles opportunity coming up; he had great charisma, as we all know. Phenomenal performer. He said, ‘I’m not going to rehab.’ I said, ‘Is that your final answer? Do you want to think about this? Get back to me later today because we have got to decide today.’ ‘No, I’m not going.’ Alright then. Basically, what you’re telling us is that you’re done because we can’t continue this way. It’s not an option. We just can’t do it. So, you know, he was wrecking corvettes, and he was missing death—multiple times.”
