AEW has suspended Jeff Hardy without pay following his recent arrest for DUI and two related charges, but will work with him to try to get him sober.
The company’s stance was revealed today on Twitter by AEW President and CEO Tony Khan. His tweet stated that AEW has been in contact with Hardy and that the 44-year-old wrestler had expressed a willingness to get treatment for his substance abuse issues, but that he would only be able to resume his career upon completion of that treatment.
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) June 14, 2022
Hardy’s status had been the subject of much debate throughout the pro wrestling community since word broke of his arrest in Volusia County, Florida in the early morning hours of June 13. The DUI charge — his third in less than 10 years, making it a third-degree felony under Florida law — was seen as a sign that he was once again losing his battle with sobriety, and even worse, that he may hurt others as a result of his behavior.
Subsequent details of his arrest did nothing to lessen that impression, with police documents showing that Hardy had a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit when pulled over, and video obtained by TMZ detailing the full nature of Hardy’s disorientation during his interaction with law enforcement officers.
Jeff’s brother Matt, with whom he had reunited as a top tag team in AEW, tweeted out that he was “disheartened” by the news but pledged to help him in any way possible.
It was disheartening to hear the news about my brother yesterday. Recovery isn’t a linear process & I’ll continue doing whatever I can to help my brother be healthy. Being healthy & well is the most important thing for Jeff, his wife, his children & our family at this time.
— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) June 14, 2022
The Hardys were scheduled to take place in a three-team Ladder Match for the AEW World Tag Team Championship on Dynamite this week. But the promotion had stopped advertising the match following Hardy’s arrest, and reports surfaced suggesting that AEW broadcast partner Warner Bros. Discovery had asked the company not to promote Hardy in commercials or on TV.
Khan’s statement leaves the door open for a potential return at some point, but only if Hardy is able to get and stay sober, which is a position everyone in the wrestling world is likely to back at this point.