Jeff Hardy Reportedly Set For NXT Run Prior To WWE Release

Jeff Hardy was reportedly set for a run in NXT prior to his departure from WWE. 

Hardy was released by WWE in December amid concern for his wellbeing, with his departure coming just days before his reported first appearance on NXT was supposed to happen. 

According to Fightful Select, Hardy was originally planned to be the 'Shaman' that MSK would seek out. The reveal happened just days after Hardy's release by the company, with Riddle being rushed in to film content with MSK to cover for Hardy's departure.

The report indicates that 'numerous' segments had already been taped featuring Hardy as The Shaman, but those were never used following the former WWE Champion's release from the company. 

Riddle has since become an associate of MSK and teamed with them at NXT New Year's Evil on Tuesday, securing the win over Imperium. It is not known if the initial plans called for Hardy to be in that role in the match originally.

It is also noted that Hardy had been factored into some big plans on the WWE main roster until January 2022 at the very least, with those also requiring a rewrite after he was let go.

Hardy's departure from WWE came following some erratic behaviour at a Live Event. The 44-year-old was released after reportedly refusing to enter rehab, something he and other members of his immediate family have since claimed he didn't require.