5 WWE storylines based on real-life events

CM Punk and Jeff Hardy waged a war in 2009, which focussed on the latter's real-life substance problems.
CM Punk and Jeff Hardy waged a war in 2009, which focussed on the latter's real-life substance problems.

#3: A sober end for the Charismatic Enigma

Hardy and Punk's 2009 feud brought up a lot of Jeff's problems.
Hardy and Punk's 2009 feud brought up a lot of Jeff's problems.

When Jeff Hardy finally toppled Edge to win the World Heavyweight title at Extreme Rules 2009, his reign was short lived.

After losing the title to CM Punk's MITB cash-in, the two engaged in an entertaining feud which saw Punk turn heel for the first time in WWE.

As a heel, Punk held nothing back, saying he was disgusted by the WWE Universe for cheering Jeff, bringing up the Charismatic Enigma's real-life substance abuse problems, whilst the Second City Savior led a drug-free, straight edge lifestyle.

What followed was a new edge to the feud, as fans learned more about Hardy as a person, who admitted he wasn't perfect.

Unfortunately, it would be Jeff's substance problems that would end the feud, as, after more brushes with the law for drugs, Hardy was fired from the company in September, and later posted a video where he admitted he found Punk to be preachy.

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