10 Wrestlers Who Saw WWE As A Vacation
8. Jeff Hardy
"Vacation" perhaps only summons thoughts of relaxation, fun and family, but Hardy was desperately short on all three as he managed to hold down a job on little more than legitimate star aura alone by 2003. The Attitude Era was over, but in WWE, the stars from that period were just about the only wrestlers that were too.
Skidding off the rails shortly before being separated from brother Matt in 2002, 'The Charismatic Enigma' was winning on television but tasting defeat at the hands of his other demons on a nightly basis. Gaunt, drawn in and very visibly disinterested in professional wrestling, Hardy plugged away through the rest of the year regardless until the company attempted to scare then write him straight.
Briefly turned heel as a listless loose cannon in January, his switch was reversed within a month but the real drama was occuring off-screen. Hardy refused company rehab, missed shows and was considered too erratic for his own good behind the scenes. The company weren't shy about suggesting as such during his April 2003 release either, but the shaming attempt failed - he was far from cured but happily taking TNA's offer within months of his depressing departure.