WWE offered Jeff Hardy a big money deal just before his last night with the company that would have seen him just work TV tapings and PPVs but no house shows whatsoever. That was the first time WWE has ever made such an offer as even Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker still make occasional house show appearances. WWE was also looking at signing him to an exclusive merchandise contract, which would have allowed them to continue to create new Jeff Hardy merchandise while he was away and also prevent him from signing to any other wrestling promotion. Of course, given his recent arrest, the chances of WWE pursuing that deal are slim to none right now. The new Jeff Hardy DVD that was planned for release in the run-up to Christmas has been taken off of the schedule, although it may well still come out depending on how the charges against Hardy play out.
Elsewhere on the WWE drug front, as we’ve previously reported, the company has increased the fine for testing positive for marijuana to $2,500. It had been $1,000 when this policy was first implemented. Rather than being tested four times per annum, those who have tested positive and being repeatedly tested on a regular basis.
The Undertaker worked his first matches since his hip surgery during the recent Puerto Rico tour. Reports indicate that he was noticeably slower than he was before the operation and that he is hurting even worse than before.
Credit: Wrestling Observer Newsletter, 14 September 2009 (subscribe here)
