10 WWE Superstars Who Recovered From Disgrace
6. Matt Hardy
It's been a long road back to WWE for Matt Hardy following his departure from the organisation in 2010. After being sent home from a European Tour for undisclosed reasons in September that year, he was ousted from the company the following month after a series of unsettling YouTube interviews in which he appeared completely unravel in a drug and alcohol-fuelled haze.
Moving to TNA at the conclusion of his WWE non-compete clause, he appeared tired and disinterested in his run as 'Cold Blood' Matt Hardy, with his brief run ending in further turmoil after crashing his car into a tree whilst driving under the influence.
After a dreadful TNA run ended with him crashing his car into a tree whilst driving under the influence, he entered WWE-sponsored rehabilitation but still appeared dominated by his demons. Arrested repeatedly for drug-related charges, Hardy was kicked out of the programme for failing to remain clean, then later forced future wife Reby Sky to call police due to being "strung out on pills and needing help".
Miraculously, this appeared to represent rock bottom for the older brother. A 2013 run with the S.C.U.M stable in Ring of Honour triggered something of a creative renaissance, particularly in the face of widespread internet criticism during his descent. It opened the door for him in TNA yet again, affording him space to make his #BROKEN persona that would become one of 2016's biggest success stories.
Now a father, polished WWE veteran and saviour of Bray Wyatt, his return to relevance has been truly remarkable.