Jeff Hardy has opened up about the dark place he found himself in following his 2022 DUI arrest, an incident that left the popular wrestler feeling hopeless. Speaking on The Wrestle Spot podcast, Hardy reflected on his struggles and the toll they took on his mental health.
I came close to ending it all in the summer of 2022, which is in public, and people are aware of my issues throughout the years with drugs and alcohol.
Hardy was arrested in June 2022, in Volusia County, Florida, facing charges of driving with a suspended license and felony DUI. Following the arrest, it was revealed that Hardy had a blood alcohol level of 0.291—significantly above Florida's legal limit of 0.08. AEW President Tony Khan issued a press release announcing Hardy's suspension without pay, stating that his return to AEW would be contingent on completing rehab and demonstrating his commitment to sobriety.
The arrest sparked significant backlash from fans, as it was the latest in a string of DUIs for the former WWE World Champion. Coming just months into his AEW tenure, many believed Hardy had exhausted the numerous second chances he had been afforded. In February 2023, Hardy received a 38-day jail sentence (which he had already served), was required to complete court-mandated DUI education and community service, and faced a 10-year suspension of his driver’s license.
Hardy thankfully got the help he needed and has been able to maintain his sobriety since. Today, fans can find the Charismatic Enigma in TNA Wrestling, where he and Matt hold the World Tag Team Championships.