Sports Illustrated has published a new article looking at the ongoing battle between Matt and Jeff Hardy and Anthem Sports and Entertainment, over the rights to the ‘Broken Universe’ gimmick.
The story goes back to The Hardys renegotiating new deals with Impact Wrestling before they left the company, and the report notes Anthem offered Jeff Hardy a very lucrative multi-year deal, however they lowballed Matt Hardy with their offer. The report adds Matt was also offered a spot on the Impact Wrestling creative team, however Jeff Jarrett later rescinded the offer.
The Sports Illustrated article revealed The Hardys and Anthem were very close to reaching a deal for the ‘Broken’ gimmick, which would have seen The Hardys pay between $10,000 and $15,000 to acquire the rights. The report added there was indeed a non-disparagement agreement involved in the deal, which would see Reby Hardy pay a $1,000 fine for the first offense and $5,000 for each subsequent offense. The Hardys also agreed to signing off on a press release stating that both sides settled on good terms.
It seems negotiations broke down when Anthem/GFW also wanted 50% of The Hardys’ revenue, including revenue made by Jeff Hardy from his band and artwork. The Hardys deemed the request as “a monumental heist and money-grab.” The SI article included the following statement from GFW:
“WWE has clearly stated via email that they do not want the ‘Broken Brilliance’ IP [intellectual property]. GFW has been and always will be open to a licensing agreement for the IP to all parties, which is customary in the music and entertainment business, but revolutionary in the professional wrestling business.”
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
