The opening of last night’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown episode began with a storyline with Jeff Hardy, apparently intoxicated, having crashed his car in the parking lot outside of the WWE Performance Center parking lot injuring Elias.
WWE noted in their update (see below) that Hardy was arrested and released after passing the required sobriety tests.
In 2019, Hardy was arrested for public intoxication and DUI charges in real-life while he was out due to injury.
Both Jeff Hardy and Elias were pulled from the WWE Intercontinental Title Tournament, which then led to a 10-Man Battle Royal that Sheamus won. During the match, Hardy caused a distraction resulting in Sheamus losing to Daniel Bryan in the semifinal.
AJ Styles and Daniel Bryan will square off in the finals for the Intercontinental Championship in two weeks on Friday Night SmackDown.
Update on Elias’ status following hit-and-run attack
WWE Digital has learned that Elias is in the hospital and has suffered broken ribs and a torn pectoral muscle after last night’s hit-and-run attack.
After initially being apprehended, WWE Digital reported last night that Jeff Hardy was released from custody by the Orlando police after successfully passing the required sobriety tests. Hardy was absolved of the charges of public intoxication, driving under the influence, and the hit-and-run on Elias earlier tonight.
Stay tuned to WWE social and digital platforms as the situation continues to develop.