10 Biggest Breakout Stars Of WWE's Original Brand Extension

5. Jeff Hardy

Jeff Hardy is a future WWE Hall of Famer but for years he was more recognisable as the Hardy Boy whose main event potential was hampered by bad habits away from the squared circle. In fact, it led to his dismissal from WWE in 2003 and earned him notoriety (for all the wrong reasons) during his first run with TNA Wrestling (2004-06).

In August 2006 he returned to WWE and took up residence on the Raw brand. It was at that time that Hardy's unwavering popularity became more evident to management. Despite a positive test against the company's Wellness Policy, Hardy's momentum could not be stopped.

At Armageddon in December 2008, The Charismatic Enigma defeated Triple H and Edge in a Triple Threat match to capture the WWE Championship that had eluded him for so long.

He would win the World Heavyweight Championship months later, becoming the face of the SmackDown brand. Hardy's run during WWE's brand extension solidified his status as a WWE legend, a three-time world champion and one of the most beloved stars of his generation.

Not too shabby for BROTHER NERO!