Recently-Cleared WWE Performer Backstage At SmackDown

A long-absent WWE performer was recently cleared from the injury list is backstage at tonight's WWE SmackDown tapings in Buffalo, though it's unknown if he'll be involved on the show in any way.

Mike Johnson of PWInsider is reporting that Jeff Hardy is present at the tapings, marking the third week in a row that the star has been backstage at the blue branded show.

Hardy has been sidelined since the spring with a leg injury. He last wrestled on April 20 of last year, successfully defending SmackDown's Tag Team titles against The Usos at a live event in Madison, WI.

The 42-year-old appeared on Tuesday's edition of WWE Backstage, and noted that he is now cleared to wrestle again. It's all now a matter of when he's written into some sort of storyline, and with WrestleMania 36 looming, his return could come soon.

Both Hardy Boyz have been in the news as of late. Jeff's older brother Matt departed from WWE at the expiration of his contract at midnight on Sunday night, March 1. Though he's been seen with AEW's Young Bucks over the past few days, Matt has yet to sign anywhere as of press time.