After recently opening up about his sobriety, WWE star Jeff Hardy is capturing everyone’s attention. After a long battle with substance abuse, facing legal issues and suspensions from the ring, he is embarking on a journey to sobriety.
Born on August 31, 1977, Jeffrey Nero Hardy is an American professional wrestler and musician.
Hailing from Cameron, North Carolina, Hardy initiated his wrestling journey alongside his brother Matt Hardy by starting their own federation, the Trampoline Wrestling Federation (TWF).
Jeff Hardy’s Tumultous History Of Substance Abuse Led To His Biggest Downfall!
Over the years, Jeff Hardy’s tussle with substance abuse has been a conspicuous part of his personal and professional life.
In the mid-2000s, his scuffles with drugs and alcohol became known to the public. However, on many occasions, the legend himself has opened up about his struggles.
His addictions have led him to multiple legal problems, suspensions, and periods of rehabilitation throughout his career.
The news about Hardy’s substance abuse broke out after he was released from WWE in 2003. The reason for the exit was his refusal to attend rehab and erratic behavior.
Despite returning to WWE in 2006, he was suspended again for violating the Wellness policy in 2008.
Moreover, in 2009, his voluntary departure from WWE led to many speculations about his substance abuse, hindering his performance and career.
The year 2009 was tough for the wrestler. The police found significant quantities of prescription pills and anabolic steroids at his home and arrested him on drug trafficking charges.
Despite pleading guilty, he only received probation instead of a prison sentence.
Even though Hardy’s substance abuse and legal charges garnered public attention, he was still struggling with his addiction.
The 2011 Victory Road incident became one of the most infamous moments in Hardy’s career. He seemed visibly intoxicated and unable to perform, so the match had to be abruptly cut short.
Therefore, his insincerity towards his career became the reason for his suspension from TNA (impact).
In fact, in June of 2022, he was again arrested on a DUI charge, marking his third DUI offense in 10 years. He subsequently received a suspension from AEW.
After facing many roadblocks due to his substance abuse, Hardy has eventually contemplated his issues with substance abuse.
The Legend Has Contemplated About His Past And Has Made Commitments Towards Sobriety!
Following his 2022 DUI arrest, the legend has committed himself to sobriety and rehabilitation.
His family and wrestling colleagues have shown their utmost support for Hardy’s effort to maintain sobriety.
Hardy recently opened up about his journey toward recovery and how profoundly sobriety has impacted his life and career on Busted Open Radio,
“I’m clear-minded to be sober, innovative Jeff Hardy. I mean, it just, it’s almost child-like, the feeling of how it felt before I ever gave into drugs or alcohol. We were obsessed with pro wrestling, that was it. That was our main concern. And that obsession became our dream that came true as pro wrestlers. And so I feel like I’m back there in an older body, but man, I think a lot more with my heart now, instead of my mind.”
The WWE star also revealed that his newfound reliance on ice baths has significantly helped him to overcome his alcohol and drug addictions.
He goes on to credit his ice bath addiction as a critical factor in his recent good performances,
the ice baths have been helping incredibly. I’m totally addicted to ice baths now, instead of alcohol or drugs, and I love it. The first time I went underwater in an ice bath, I was like, ‘Whoa … there’s something to this.”
Fans had a huge fear of losing a legend like Hardy to drug addiction. It is undoubtedly a great moment for Hardy’s fans to witness the legend’s journey toward recovery and self-discovery.
Besides his illustrious wrestling career, Hardy has also ventured into a musical career, which is an extension of his creative side.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jeff Hardy’s mother, Ruby, passed away due to brain cancer in 1987 when he was just 9 years old.
- When he was young, Hardy used to play baseball but had to stop after he injured his arm in a motocross race crash.
- He married Beth Britt in 2011, and they have two daughters.
