- According to sources, both Matt and Jeff Hardy were initially leaning towards staying with TNA and they had verbally agreed to contracts with the company back in December. The major hold-up at that time was said to be an exclusivity issue. One of the main reasons they were originally going to remain with TNA is that they were to be granted full creative control of their characters.
- However, with the ownership changes and ultimately when Jeff Jarrett was brought in, things changed considerably and TNA would not commit to giving them that full creative control. The Hardys wanted it written into their new contracts, but were reportedly refused.
- The rumor is that once they were told that they would not have creative control, Jeff immediately wanted to leave whereas Matt was still in discussions. However, all the delays in actually getting a contract apparently "spooked" them both and the duo began negotiating with WWE.
Source: Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Subscription information available at f4wonline.com
