Sources say WWE is now considering a Jeff Hardy hiatus to be inevitable. In the wake of the wrestler’s recent media comments that he still has not signed a contract renewal with WWE, the belief is that Hardy will temporarily step away from the ring later this summer.
Booked through at least Night of Champions, WWE is hoping to secure Hardy through Summerslam, although that is not confirmed–Hardy is presently contracted through the end of the month, say sources.
Hardy has been talking about a number of projects, including a reality show, that he hopes to pursue while away from the ring. Assuming he does go on the expected hiatus, he will likely be out of action until 2010.
With Hardy’s main-event feud with CM Punk nearing its conclusion, interest is centered on Punk’s next feud partner on the SmackDown! brand. John Morrison was reportedly a frontrunner, as he would be able to play up his recent win over the champion, although WWE’s present booking offers no indication that the character is set for a title feud. Edge’s injury frees Chris Jericho up for a singles run on top, but with CM Punk in the midst of a heel turn, such a feud does not seem intuitive.
(Source: F4WOnline.com)
