From the WWE Rumor Mill: "Broken" gimmick being teased because WWE is close to settlement with Anthem Sports

What’s the story?

As per CageSideSeats, the reason the “Broken” gimmick of the Hardy Boyz has been teased in recent weeks with increasing frequency is because WWE is close to reaching a settlement with Anthem Sports for the rights to the gimmick.

In case you didn’t know...

Anthem Sports and Entertainment is the company that owns Impact Wrestling. The promotion, formerly known as Total Nonstop Action (TNA) was where Matt and Jeff Hardy came up with their “Broken” gimmick and had extensively employed it during their tenure with the company.

The gimmick is popularly credited with not only reviving the careers of Matt and Jeff Hardy but also for helping TNA stay afloat during its’ most dire times.

After contract negotiations fell through, and Matt and Jeff Hardy left Impact Wrestling for Ring of Honor, Impact Wrestling decided to lay claim to the gimmick and refused to allow the Hardys to use it. The Hardys then signed up with the WWE but Anthem Sports didn’t budge on their stance.

The heart of the matter

Matt Hardy had previously filed for a trademark on the “Broken Matt Hardy” name, with the description stating that the trademark was for “Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer.” The trademark was filed on 1^st March, 2017.

It was previously reported that WWE wanted to avoid getting into a legal conflict with Anthem over the Broken gimmick, however, Matt Hardy has been teasing the return of the gimmick on Twitter for the past few weeks, following recent developments.

Also read: WWE has reached an agreement with Impact Wrestling over “Broken” gimmick

The WWE have also recently gone one step ahead and filed for two trademarks on the “Hardy Boyz” name. One trademark is for wrestling related “entertainment services” and the other one is for “Clothing”. Both trademarks were filed on April 17^th, 2017.

As per the latest rumours, it is being said that the reason Matt Hardy has been increasingly hinting towards the return of the “Broken” gimmick on Twitter is that Impact Wrestling/Anthem Sports and Entertainment have reached an agreement with the WWE for the sale of rights for the gimmick.

Here’s a recent Tweet from Matt Hardy, referring to the “Broken” gimmick:

Inside the most ICONIC Coliseum in the world.

And we're both somewhat #BROKEN. pic.twitter.com/RmBPhaB27M
— The VESSEL of MMH (@MATTHARDYBRAND) May 3, 2017

It was also recently rumoured that WWE wanted the rights to the gimmick for merchandising purposes. The new development could very well be hinting towards the same.

What’s next?

While nothing has been stated officially regarding the return of the “Broken” gimmick yet, all signs point towards these rumours actually holding water. Matt Hardy’s references towards the gimmick have been gaining increasing frequency as of the past couple of weeks and it might just be time for the gimmick to debut in the company.

Author’s take

It would be absolutely DELIGHTFUL to see Matt Hardy’s “Broken Brilliance” in the WWE. Everyone who watched the gimmick in Impact Wrestling has been clamouring for the Hardy Boyz to bring it to the WWE and once the legal battles are done and dusted, that’s exactly what might just end up happening.

I, for one, cannot wait to see this materialise! Let’s hope this actually happens and we can see the gimmick come to life once again.

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