Jeff Hardy: Next WWE champion?
After the Survivor Series pay-per-view in November, this is what I wrote about Jeff Hardy: “I think the company has finally realized that he is ready and able to take it to the next level, and I would love to see a Randy Orton-Jeff Hardy title program.”
Obviously, I have gotten my wish. When I wrote that, however, I was thinking that an Orton-Hardy title match at either Royal Rumble or No Way Out would be a good bridge to the real money program – Orton vs. Triple H at WrestleMania.
But after watching Raw the past two weeks, I think the long-term plan – if indeed it was to pit Orton against Triple H for the title at WrestleMania – needs to be changed. I think Hardy should win the WWE title from Orton and headline WrestleMania as the champion, either in a singles match with Triple H or a triple-threat match involving Orton.
In a development that few could have predicted, Hardy has become the hottest act in WWE, and the company should give him the ball and see how far he can run with it. His feud with Orton has made for compelling television, highlighted by Hardy’s death-defying moves on the past two episodes of Raw.
Until Hardy’s recent surge, his once-promising career appeared to have been derailed by personal problems as well as the company’s glass ceiling. Like many observers, I believed he was the next Shawn Michaels when he arrived in WWE in the late ’90s. But after a while, I actually thought Matt Hardy surpassed his brother as far as potential and marketability simply because he was more dependable.
Now 30 years old, Jeff Hardy seems to have gotten his act together. He is carrying himself like a main-eventer and the fans are responding to him like one. More importantly, WWE is pushing him like one. That push should include a title run, even if it’s a brief one.
The key in this equation is Triple H. There’s no question that he is going to be involved in the main event at WrestleMania; it’s just a matter of who his opponent will be.
Triple H versus Hardy would make sense from a story line standpoint. They had formed something of an alliance a couple months ago, and then Hardy defeated Triple H to earn a shot at Orton’s title. Plus, it is believed that Triple H wants to turn heel soon, and nothing would generate more heel heat for him than turning on Hardy and feuding with him over the WWE title.
Comments
Kevin,
I really enjoy reading your posts and I agree with you on Jeff Hardy. It's great to see that he has battle some personal demons and finally get a shot at being the top guy. as for WM24, Orton,Hardy, HHH would be off the charts. As for the rumble, could the writers make it any more obvious that HHH is gonna win the RUMBLE!!! LOL.. Heel or Babyface HHH is still the man.
Posted by: George | January 17, 2008 7:32 AM
Just out of curiosity - how can someone be a "champion" if they only win because its in the script? Don't you have to win something?
Posted by: F. Pants McFadden | January 17, 2008 8:06 AM
You and I discussed this before I see a Triple threat at mainia before Trips turns heal... it could give one of those long feuds that Vince likes... gives it lots of fuel and can be lived out for awhile.. And the whole Jeff Hardy Triple H feud can go on until Cena returns and does his pay back toOrton and then seeks Triple H for the title... That way gives Hardy a chance at lashley and Big Show when they return...
Posted by: Bryan | January 17, 2008 8:19 AM
I couldn't agree with you more that Jeff Hardy should be the champ. After all he was TNA's world champ for a while.
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: Actually, Jeff Hardy never won the TNA title.
Posted by: Chris Bise | January 17, 2008 8:23 AM
Well, you see...I'm still sticked up to th eidea of Hardy winning the royal rumble and then going to Wrestlemania. That could be Big. But there is too much heat surrounding HHH's spot in the event so my wish is not likely to happen.
Hardy as a champion at Wrestlemania (crowned before or during the event) it could be like a dream. Not only for him.
In the last few months Hardy is showing something new. It's like he is really selling you the show. Like you really feel what's going on. Despite his flat microphone, silent nature, and his habit of saying "man" at the end of every single sentence, Hardy is probably today the reason why many people watch the show.
I like HHH, wrestling wasn't the same during his absence, but It could be great to think in Wrestlemania Main event and dont bring him to the table.
Great blog as always.
Posted by: Gaston | January 17, 2008 11:10 AM
hi this is briar jeff is a high fyler and is so good that was cool when he jumped on randy orton and jeff will win the tittle
Posted by: briar | January 17, 2008 1:24 PM
Triple Threat matches in the WWE never work...but I think HHH as heel vs. Hardy for the belt, with Hardy as champ would be a great 'Mania main event. I dont know how Orton would fit into this years 'Mania, but leave the tripple threat out of it, let it be one on one. HHH vs. Ortaon has no heat to main even the biggest card of the year, and would not get my viewership.
Posted by: Mike | January 17, 2008 2:11 PM
I was just wondering where you see Matt's career, is he ever going to be able to get to the point that Jeff is at right now or do you see Matt as a mid-card wrestler forever?
Posted by: Stephen | January 17, 2008 4:11 PM
hey jeff i agree with you its time that jeff takes the brass ring and make it a jeff vs hhh main event in wrestlemania24 in orlando i have been talking bout this in my show on blogtalkradio.com how bout you make a apperance and call in well talk bout it more in my mine Jeff hardy should be WWE champion and rey should be world champ in smackdown
Posted by: walter | January 17, 2008 6:16 PM
He would be such a better champ then Orton, who just sucks the entertainment out of everything.
Posted by: John | January 17, 2008 6:26 PM
It would be cool to think that WWE would utilize Jeff as a top talent, considering the crowd reactions he elicits have been stellar for years, but I won't hold my breath....
Posted by: Sean | January 18, 2008 1:03 PM
maaaaaaaan
WWE just wants us to think that JEFF has a chance at the WWE title!!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Posted by: Cam of GBYWN | January 20, 2008 1:16 PM
Jeff is the next champion!
Posted by: Sierra Melling | January 22, 2008 10:12 AM
I luv Jeff
Posted by: Sierra Melling | January 23, 2008 9:38 AM
jeff hardy you are the gratest superstar in wwe i hope you win i have the wwechampion belt i only got it because when you win i will put your name on it. and on monday night raw tell randy ortan that you stink your fan jordan demby
Posted by: jordan | January 27, 2008 3:07 PM
Hi, Can anyone tell me when Jeff Hardy comes to Manchester UK will he be in the Raw or Smackdown show. Thanks
Posted by: Linda | July 1, 2008 7:28 AM
Congrats on winning the big one babes! You deserve it more than ANYBODY! Much love from your #1 girl, Shana. XOXO;
Posted by: Shana | December 16, 2008 9:41 AM
JEFF HARDY !!
what a performer.!
He is the best wrestler to watch on TV by far !
The way he looks is epic.
chicks dig him.
He does stunts that no one else in the entire wwe
even thinks about doing..
You feel the pain he goes through when does them
outrageous falls.
he puts his body on the line for his die harted fans every
time he walks down the ramp which no other wrestler of
today does.
He does crazy hardcore extreame stuff for his fans and not for the money
and thats why
he has the most loyal fans ever..
without the unpredictable legend of Jeff hardy the wwe is going down hill
espicially with crowed booing HHH vs Kaslov matches and being unempressed with
cena's return.
wwe are needing more hardcore personels like mik folley and old school shawn micheals.
to keep public intrested and not just kids.
Posted by: roche pienaar | December 21, 2008 7:46 PM