Jeff Hardy returns to WWE RAW

I have written extensively about Jeff Hardy’s problems outside of the ring and they are well documented in the new WWE DVD “Twist of Fate – The Matt and Jeff Hardy Story.” A little over 60 days ago Jeff Hardy received what most feel was his final strike after breaching the WWE’s Wellness Policy. Another mistake by Hardy could cost him his job and his career as a wrestling headliner.

If there was ever a more inopportune time for Jeff Hardy to get suspended, it was 60 days ago. Hardy was in the middle of his biggest push ever in the WWE as a headliner. Coming off wins over Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho, and Triple H and a main-event spot at the Royal Rumble, Hardy was arguably the company’s most popular babyface. Plans for a win at WrestleMania and a probable title reign in the near future evaporated after Hardy slipped up and broke the Wellness Policy.

There wasn’t much doubt whether Hardy would come back or not following his suspension. The biggest doubts surrounded the WWE’s confidence in pushing Jeff as a headliner. The WWE dodged a big bullet by not putting Hardy over for the title at the Rumble. Knowing this, most questioned whether Hardy would be trusted by the company again in the short term. The expected punishment period for Hardy looks like it may not happen at all as a result of last night’s return.

Hardy returned to RAW unannounced and admitted he made a mistake and paid for it on live television. A brief dispute with William Regal ended with the beginning of a match between Hardy and Umaga. In an unexpected move, Hardy wound up pinning the monster and picking up where he left off as a top star on WWE RAW.

This could also have been the sign of the end of Umaga on the RAW brand. There has been an internal struggle between the writers of RAW and SmackDown for Umaga. Most feel that Umaga would give SmackDown a jolt and make for a fresh series of matches against the Undertaker. However, the RAW writers have put up a fight and are hoping to keep Umaga on their brand. Umaga doing a job for a returning Hardy could be an indication that he is doing the favor on the way out to SmackDown.

Regardless of how Hardy is viewed by the “smarter” fans on the Internet and his critics, he is still incredibly popular. There is a huge contingent of Hardy fans out there that will pay big money to see Jeff wrestle. Trust issues or not, the WWE are likely fully aware that they have a proven draw in Hardy that they can’t afford to bury right now.

Who knows? Maybe the suspension worked in Hardy’s favor. Now with heels needed to challenge Triple H, Hardy may have been used as a steppingstone. As for that planned Money in the Bank win, Hardy may be better off without it.

The last time I looked it hasn’t done a thing for C.M. Punk.

Watch Jeff Hardy’s return exclusively on WWE.com by clicking here.

In other RAW results…
Cody Rhodes and Bob Holly beat Santino Marella and Carlito
Mr. Kennedy beat Snitsky
Maria and Mickie James beat Beth Phoenix and Melina
Lance Cade and Trevor Murdoch beat Cryme Tyme
Randy Orton beat John Cena

Order the WWE Twist of Fate: The Matt and Jeff Hardy Story by clicking here.

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There is nothing new to report on the Ashley Massaro story.

Mick Foley will appear on ECW tonight on the Sci-Fi channel.

Triple H is under consideration to play the lead in the upcoming Thor movie.

Bret Hart recently dropped by unannounced and gave a speech to the WWE developmental crew in Florida.

Abyss returns to TNA this Thursday on Impact.

Jonathon Coachman has reportedly not signed his ESPN contract yet.

Matt Morgan and the American Gladiators have come to terms on a deal that would allow him to continue working in TNA.

TNA is considering bringing in Tammy Sytch as well as the “Dark Angel” Sara Stock.

A.J. Styles is scheduled to wrestle his first pay-per-view singles match against Kurt Angle at Slammiversary. Angle squashed Styles in a televised match last year.

WWE star Rey Misterio was in China doing press during the earthquake.

One of my favorite shows, WWE M.S.G. Classics returns to the M.S.G. Network this Wednesday with a show from 1984 and 1991.

Eric Gargiulo writes about pro wrestling, MMA and more in his blog, The Camel Clutch. He can be reached by e-mail at egargiulo@phillyburbs.com.  Eric's "Pro Wrestling Radio" airs on WBCB 1490 AM every Saturday from 12:05-1PM/EST and can be heard live online at http://www.wbcb1490.com/