10 Best WWE Redemption Stories

Jeff Hardy wasn't just written off as a potential main event star: he was actually released from his WWE contract in 2003 amid accusations that he lacked professionalism - that's how confident they were he didn't have a future in the business.

And yet within five-and-a-half years, the man they call the Charismatic Enigma was so over with a generation of new fans that the company rewarded him with the first world title of his career.

An incredible turnaround, and one that owed largely to the fact that Jeff had managed to (almost) completely clean up his act in the meantime. He became a reliable employee outside the ring and in it an altogether more polished performer, capable of putting on matches worthy of the biggest stage.

For any jobbing wrestler struggling to get their feet under the WWE table, Jeff ought to serve as an inspiration - but, as he will be the first to admit, he didn't get there by himself. If the audience hadn't kept their faith, this redemption story would have been confined to fan fiction.