Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter
As previously reported here on eWrestlingNews.com, The Hardy Boys’ contracts with TNA Wrestling expired at midnight on Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. Although there were many issues that led to Matt and Jeff choosing not to re-sign with the company, losing creative control of their characters was a major factor in their departures. Although they had verbally agreed to terms with the company, the contract was held up over the fact that when Anthem Sports and Jeff Jarrett came in, The Hardys were being denied the creative control clause in their new contracts.
Once it was revealed that they would not get creative control if they chose to sign new contracts, Jeff Hardy immediately backed out while Matt continued to negotiate. One source says he was “spooked” when talks started stalling. When they eventually broke down, he decided to negotiate elsewhere. There were numerous other issues that led to their departures as well. As reported, the two felt disrespected by the fact that Anthem waited so long to finalize their contracts.
Also, Matt Hardy tweeted the following on Wednesday, promoting tonight’s TNA iMPACT! Wrestling broadcast. Thursday’s broadcast was the final edition of the Broken Hardys’ Expedition of Gold tour. TNA is taping iMPACT! Wrestling broadcasts tonight through Sunday and those will air in the coming weeks … beginning next Thursday. They will be the first shows booked under Anthem, Jeff Jarrett, Dutch Mantell, etc.
Another #EXPEDITIONofGOLD will air on @IMPACTWRESTLING TV tomorrow.
Cherish it. @JeremyBorash & @paredysexoxo are both INVALUABLE Soldiers. pic.twitter.com/M017suOJw1
— #BROKEN Matt Hardy (@MATTHARDYBRAND) March 2, 2017
