While he was Renee Young’s guest on WWE Backstage last night (Mar. 3), Jeff Hardy addressed several topics. Things like where he stands with his recovery from knee surgery, what’s holding up his return to WWE (and what brand he’ll be on), and even his brother Matt’s free agency. You can check out his whole interview above.
The best thing Jeff said was this (emphasis mine):
“But then on the night of Oct. 3, I got into some trouble. On the morning of Oct. 4, I arranged for me to go to inpatient rehab for the first time in my life. It was one of the best things I could have ever done for myself. And I’ve done something every day to better myself. And it’s just gonna be so good to be back in front of all those people, in the mindset that I am right now, and to feel that energy. Because there’s something left for me to do in the WWE. I’m not sure what that is, but I want to make that happen.”
Hardy’s issues with drugs & alcohol - and the professional, legal, and personal problems they’ve caused - are well-documented. Finding reasons to be optimistic or hopeful that an addict will change can be hard. Take it from an addict. But that Jeff did something different in response to his last DWI, and that he took action himself to make it happen, might just be a reason to be optimistic or hopeful he’ll change.
Later in the interview, Jeff talks about how powerful he finds core recovery concepts like “one day at a time” and not worrying about what he can’t control. The lingo is easy to throw around, but learning and believing it is key for a lot of people in recovery. I’m inclined to think Jeff is incorporating those ideas into his life, because he took the step of asking for help by checking himself into rehab.
There are no sure things in life, and certainly not when addiction is involved. We can’t count on Jeff Hardy getting sober, or never getting into another drug or alcohol-influenced jam.
But if you’re rooting for him to stay clean for himself, his loved ones, and for his fans... this is good news.
Take it easy, sir.