Huge Backstage Update – Matt Hardy’s WWE Release + TNA Debut

Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter

World Wrestling Entertainment officials had discussed releasing Matt Hardy from his contract weeks before it was officially granted last Friday. There were some in WWE who wanted Hardy gone as soon as he requested his walking papers, but the key factor preventing organization officials from letting him go was the belief that it would keep Jeff Hardy in TNA Wrestling longer than his current deal calls for. The argument was that with Linda McMahon nearing the end of her Senate campaign, WWE shouldn’t employ a wrestler doing anything he could to get fired.

Those close to Hardy say he is definitely headed to TNA Wrestling. While those affiliated with the Orlando based organization have not been directly told he is coming in, most everyone broached on the subject expects it to occur.

There has already been discussion within TNA Wrestling of programming a Hardys vs. Beer Money, Inc. feud with the hope that it would elevate Robert Roode and James Storm. It is said that both Hardy brothers are very much aware of this possible scenario.

Meanwhile, Hardy’s numerous attention seeking videos, such as a recent entry of him eating lunch with an unmasked Rey Mysterio, have not endeared him to the TNA locker room. Most in the TNA locker room weren’t defending his behavior on the YouTube clips he put out and that is coming from people who were good friends with him back in their days with WWE.

It isn’t known if Hardy is under the usual 90-day no compete clause following his release from WWE last Friday. So whether he is or not (he would be available in December if he is under the 90 days), the belief is that he is already TNA bound as noted above and it was a hot topic at the TNA house show events last week in Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois.

More as we get it.

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