Jeff Hardy’s WWE Return + What Is AEW’s Drug Testing Policy?

Jeff Hardy’s WWE Return

While we have seen Matt Hardy’s most recent WWE contract expire and the Superstar appears to be moving on, there is still a Hardy in WWE. Last night on WWE Backstage, Jeff Hardy made it clear that he is ready to return to action. The Superstar has been out of action and off WWE television for most of the last year.

Much of Jeff’s time away stems from his substance abuse issues which led to a 2019 arrest. That was just part of a rocky and not too pleasant year for the former tag champion. Things even got ugly between his family and that of his brother Matt, unfortunately.

However, all of those issues are behind him. Hardy declared he was ready to get back in the ring in 2020, even suggesting he could have a big moment with Roman Reigns ahead. In addition to declaring his return, the Superstar also took time to discuss his battles with substance abuse and his rehab efforts.

It will be interesting to see what Jeff Hardy’s WWE future looks like, and how long he sticks around. Considering the brothers returned at the same time, we can assume Jeff’s contract would have also expired March 1st. Because he was not able to perform due to his issues from last year, it is entirely possible that WWE has tacked on those months to the end of the original contract end date. This is a tactic the company has used in the past for other Superstars, so it only makes sense here as well.

What Is AEW’s Drug Testing Policy?

In what is becoming a more important question, people have wondered what is AEW’s drug testing policy?

Fans are well aware that WWE has a Wellness Policy, and plenty of Superstars have earned suspensions throughout its existence. The most recent Superstar was Samoa Joe. With the launch of AEW, it has been rumored that the previous WWE policy of “3 strikes and out” had been relaxed, as it was feared Superstars wanting out would intentionally fail tests. It was also reported that Vince McMahon has final say on suspensions, and the Joe suspension lends credence to that. The Superstar was rumored to be hit with a suspension several weeks prior to the news actually becoming official.

So, with all of that selective enforcement out there, what is the AEW policy on drug testing? Apparently, the newer promotion’s policy isn’t much clearer-but that may not be a bad thing.

Per the Wrestling Observer, AEW contracts indicate that the company can drug test a performer at any time. There is no indication as for what would trigger a test being called for. It is also unclear what AEW would test for, or what drugs it would not see as an issue.

Given that many states are allowing the use of marijuana both recreationally and medically, it is entirely possible AEW would not be concerned with that drug. WWE still appears to test for it, but a positive result only incurs a fine at this point.

Having a less public policy allows the company some degree of flexibility. That means they don’t appear to pick and choose what to enforce. One hopes the company doesn’t decide to look the other way when a performer badly needs an intervention.