[WWE] Matt Hardy Update

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– PWTorch.com is reporting that there will likely be a lot of heat on Edge and Lita in some circles for the release of Matt Hardy, but that WWE management felt Matt was more expendable. They are very high on Edge, with mixed feelings on Matt’s marketability, interviews and ring style. Plus, Matt going public on his Web site about the Edge/Lita situation — causing babyface Lita to get audible booes in North Carolina — was not looked upon favorably. By keeping their side private, Edge and Lita in fact scored points with management.

– Also according to the Torch, within TNA, executives are also mixed on Matt, although with his brother Jeff there, one would think he’ll end up at the promotion, depending on pay.

– According to PWInsider.com, there had been vignettes planned for Matt Hardy’s return, and he was in fact offered a spot in the Mania 21 ladder match but turned it down, thinking his return would be overshadowed by being mixed with five other workers.

– While Matt is cleared to wrestle medically, both PWInsider.com and WrestlingObserver.com is reporting that he has a 90 day no compete clause in his contract, meaning he cannot start working for TNA or in any indies until early July. Rhyno has a similar clause.

– Rumors have been running WILD on Matt’s Web site message board, here, but Matt’s own messages posted since the end of January have been taken down for a few weeks, and he’s yet to comment publicly on this.

Matthew Michaels is editor emeritus of Pulse Wrestling, and has been since the site launched.