The issues between the Hardys and TNA continue.
The Hardy Brothers and TNA have been embroiled in a legal battle over the rights of the Broken character. In fact when Matt and Jeff were set to defend their Ring of Honor (ROH) tag team championships at the 15th Anniversary pay-per-view (PPV), Impact sent cease and desists to both ROH and cable companies carrying the PPV because they were using the Broken gimmick. In their successful title defense, the Hardys toned down certain aspect of the gimmick, with the announcers never using the terms “Broken” or “Brother Nero” but Matt still acting typical Broken Matt crazy.
Word is that TNA doesn’t want them to stop using the gimmick but wants a cut of the proceeds. Their argument is that the gimmick was created while Matt was working in TNA, while the Hardys claim that this was all their idea, created on their own, and much of the work was put in by them.
To add more fuel to the fire, it was noticed by fans on Twitter that TNA has been putting the trademark symbol on everything concerning the gimmick on their YouTube. Here is the Impact YouTube with the word “Broken” searched.
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This was brought to the attention of Reby Hardy by a fan on Twitter, prompting another Twitter rant.
Nice try. Except that is my TM, documented as filed LONG BEFORE you dumb stooges tried to play yourselves *slow clap* @RealJeffJarrett
— Reby Hardy (@RebyHardy) March 23, 2017
Where's the TM after the names of the characters yall ACTUALLY created ? Fucking scum of the earth, man... @EdNordholm @RealJeffJarrett
— Reby Hardy (@RebyHardy) March 23, 2017
I do appreciate it being put on this video, however, being that I shot it & was not paid for the footage, NOR DID I EVER SIGN A RELEASE pic.twitter.com/d4Q3WcYEY0
— Reby Hardy (@RebyHardy) March 23, 2017
You guys are really helping my case. The list of offenses stays growing. Like really, thank you ! @EdNordholm @RealJeffJarrett
— Reby Hardy (@RebyHardy) March 23, 2017
Dumb fucks. It just blows my mind how dumb these people are. Unbelievable.
— Reby Hardy (@RebyHardy) March 23, 2017
Hey @EdNordholm @RealJeffJarrett. I know you're up in your feelings about the boys leaving & all - awww - but it's healthier if you just pic.twitter.com/mcXkOvlQXZ
— Reby Hardy (@RebyHardy) March 23, 2017
Out here acting like scorned exes. I kinda almost feel bad for them, bendito... But then again, nah. #FuckThatOwl
— Reby Hardy (@RebyHardy) March 23, 2017
And then this exchange:
WWE lawyers can squash Impact like bugs, y'know https://t.co/yKFdeFaviH
— LZtHTRN (@LeoDeCraprio) March 23, 2017
I know https://t.co/yrYr384iv2
— Reby Hardy (@RebyHardy) March 23, 2017
The last part is of note because there was just a report earlier today that the Hardys have been offered WWE contracts, though the sides may not yet be in agreement about how full time the brothers would be in WWE.
Matt, who is usually a bit more quiet on this issue, or at least more veiled, than his wife, had words for Jeff Jarrett tonight. He quoted a tweet Jarrett sent the other week, and tonight, he was less Broken (TM) and more to the point.
Congratulations to @facdaniels on his win and his very successful weekend! @ringofhonor @IMPACTWRESTLING @GFWWrestling #ROHChamp
— Jeff Jarrett (@RealJeffJarrett) March 13, 2017
If this was sincere, you wouldn't have sent legal letters to all PPV providers in an attempt to destroy @ringofhonor's PPV. #BurningBridges https://t.co/4slTiI5TPl
— #BROKEN Matt Hardy (@MATTHARDYBRAND) March 23, 2017
Blood is bad here, folks, and it doesn’t look to be going away any time soon. Stay tuned as there will surely be more drama coming.