Matt Hardy Says Jeff Hardy’s AEW Run Was Hurt by Trust Issues, Calls DUI Arrest a Turning Point

Matt Hardy has opened up about his brother Jeff Hardy’s turbulent run in AEW, admitting that repeated mistakes created trust issues with Tony Khan — but also saying one major incident ultimately changed Jeff’s life for the better.

During an episode of The Extreme Life of Matt Hardy, Matt reflected on Jeff’s time in AEW from 2022 to 2024, explaining that while Jeff initially showed promise, lingering personal struggles played a major role in how his run unfolded. Jeff Hardy arrived in AEW with massive attention and fan support, but controversy soon followed, including his June 2022 DUI arrest that brought intense scrutiny. Matt explained that Jeff had moments where he looked to be back on track, but ongoing struggles continued to affect his momentum and how he was viewed internally.

“He seemed good for a while. He just still had his demon – the big demon he has tattooed on him now. He still had that demon that was kind of holding him back. I don't have any complaints about that at all. I understand why he [Tony Khan] was going to be having second thoughts about doing whatever with him. The sad thing is: Jeff's had a few f**k-ups and then maybe at that point, Tony Khan was like 'I don't know if I can trust him.”

Matt made it clear that he does not hold any resentment toward Tony Khan over how Jeff’s AEW run played out. Instead, he acknowledged that trust becomes difficult to maintain after repeated incidents, especially when a performer is placed in high-profile positions.

Jeff Hardy’s 2022 DUI arrest in Volusia County, Florida became one of the most serious moments of his AEW tenure. According to Matt, while the situation was devastating at the time, it ultimately became a turning point that forced Jeff to make major life changes. Matt admitted the arrest deeply affected their family in the moment, but believes it led to lasting personal growth that continues to shape Jeff today.

“The only positive I could say out of [the arrest] was that this was the straw that broke the camel's back and made him change everything about his entire life. He's been the best version of himself ever since then.”

Following the end of Jeff Hardy’s AEW run in 2024, he reunited with Matt Hardy in TNA, where the brothers have rebuilt momentum and currently hold the TNA World Tag Team Championships. Matt’s comments suggest that despite the struggles that defined Jeff’s AEW tenure, the lessons learned during that period may have helped reshape the later stages of his career.

Do you think Jeff Hardy’s AEW run could have turned out differently without those setbacks, or did the challenges ultimately help him become the version of himself he is today? Share your thoughts and join the discussion.