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What’s the story?
Jeff Jarrett’s ties to TNA Impact Wrestling, in addition to other issues, caused many to doubt if 'Double J' would ever be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Among those doubters was former TNA superstar Bobby Roode who said Jarrett getting into the Hall of Fame was special and that he owed the current status of his career to the opportunity Jarrett provided him years ago.
In case you didn’t know...
Jarrett wrestled in WWE and WCW back in the 90s and early 2000s, but one of his biggest contributions to the wrestling business was his part in the creation of Impact Wrestling.
Before he earned the moniker of 'The Glorious One', Roode competed in Impact Wrestling for 12 years and captured 11 championships before leaving the company in 2016.
The heart of the matter
Roode was interviewed backstage about his ties to Jarrett and how he feels about the former WCW World Heavyweight Champion getting inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. The promo McMahon cut on Jarrett back in 2001 and his personal struggles made it seem like a Hall of Fame Induction would never take place, Roode said.
“He’s had his ups and downs for sure from a professional and a personal standpoint and as his friend, I’ve been close to him for a number of years. This is pretty special.”
The promo Roode was referencing originally aired on the 26th March 2001 edition of Raw where McMahon told fans that Jarrett was gone from the company now that he owned WCW.
McMahon and Jarrett were said to have had heat with each other over the years, but one of the biggest issues stemmed from Jarrett demanding $300,000 to wrestle without a contract and drop the Intercontinental Championship to Chyna at No Mercy 1999.
Roode was also asked about the influence Jarrett had on his career and said that men like himself, Samoa Joe and AJ Styles were “basically unknowns” before Jarrett gave them the opportunity to showcase their talents, though he did not mention Impact Wrestling by name.
The current United States Champion also said that the opportunity Jarrett gave him had a direct impact on the success he’s achieved in WWE thus far.
“If it wasn’t for Jeff Jarrett back in 2004 who gave this kid at the time an opportunity to at least go out there and show what he can do, then I don’t know that I would be here today.”
What’s next?
The Hall of Fame Ceremony will take place Friday, April 6 during WrestleMania week in New Orleans.
Even more interesting than Jarrett being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame will be who’s decided to give the induction speech.
Author’s Take
Despite how some fans feel about Impact Wrestling, the company did serve as a platform for many wrestlers currently signed to WWE’s roster and part of their success is owed to Jarrett for his contributions to the company.
