10 Shocking AEW Plans You Won't Believe Almost Happened

7. Jeff Hardy Going Bray Wyatt’s ‘Fiend’

Bray Wyatt WWE AEW
TNA

Jeff Hardy loved the thought of exploring his own personal demons too.

The daredevil has revealed on Talk Is Jericho that he fancied bringing his Marmite-style Willow gimmick to AEW TV. This is something Jeff dabbled with in TNA, but WWE were never especially up for letting him get creative with Willow. Few fans were gutted about that though!

Hardy's scheme? Willow was a manifestation of the inner demons that have caused him so many issues throughout his career. He'd have to fend them off to redeem himself - as though he was physically battling something that's inside his own head. By his own admission, this would've been fairly similar to what Bray Wyatt did during his dual run alongside alter ego the 'Fiend'.

WWE heightened the inner turmoil aspect of Bray's personality following his return in 2022. Jeff nearly beat him to the punch by introducing Willow as his very own Uncle Howdy, but AEW didn't go for his idea in the end. Hardy wishes they had.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.