In 2014, Jeff Hardy reverted back to the Willow the Whisp character that he created while working for the OMEGA promotion he and brother Matt owned and operated during their formative years. With black and silver face paint, an elaborate mask and even crazier persona than ever, Hardy embraced the madness, much to the dismay of Ethan Carter III and Rockstar Spud, who set off into the wilderness to chase after the enigmatic star. Looking like something straight out of a D-level direct-to-video horror flick, the hesitant heels approached an abandoned barn in the middle of nowhere, expecting to find their prey there. As it turned out, Willow was one step ahead of the wacky duo, who more closely resembled an 80s movie odd couple than two competent hunters. He kidnapped Spud before attacking EC3, all part of a lengthy storyline that served...a purpose of some sort. See, Willow never did end EC3's undefeated streak. In fact, Hardy would drop the gimmick after only a few months and Willow would never be seen again. And that may not be a bad thing. Willow was strange. Almost too strange. Unlike other bizarre characters such as Goldust and Mankind, the Willow character descended too far into madness, to the point that it was difficult to decipher exactly what his endgame was. That Hardy was never nearly as over under the mask as he was as himself only helped expedite the disappearance of Willow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WyLg5OW5jU
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
