The WWE Money in the Bank event is known for its high stakes and intense competition, as the briefcase allows the winner to cash in any champion of their choosing. However, some wrestlers were meant to taste victory but never did, with Jeff Hardy being a prime example of this. Planned to win the prestigious Money in the Bank match back in 2008, Hardy’s dreams were dashed after he failed a drug test and received a 60-day suspension from the WWE.
Failed Drug Test Leads to Suspension
WWE officials had planned for Jeff Hardy to win the 2008 Money in the Bank match but changed their minds after his drug test failure. The Charismatic Enigma was suspended for 60 days due to violating WWE’s drug testing policy, which was more strictly enforced following the Chris Benoit double murder-suicide. This was not Hardy’s first suspension, as he also missed the 2007 Summerslam pay-per-view event due to another violation of the company’s policy.
Last Match Before Suspension
Before his suspension, Jeff Hardy had one last match against Chris Jericho for the Intercontinental Championship. PWInsider reported that Jeff’s suspension so close to the Money in the Bank match created a sense of discomfort in the locker room. In addition, Hardy’s suspension meant he would not be able to participate in his planned push at WrestleMania 24.
2008 Money in the Bank Winner
With Jeff Hardy missing, the 2008 Money in the Bank ladder match featured seven superstars from RAW, SmackDown, and ECW competing for their chance to become the next WWE champion. The competitors included CM Punk, Shelton Benjamin, Chris Jericho, Carlito, Montel Vontavious Porter, Mr. Kennedy, and John Morrison. CM Punk emerged victorious after grabbing the briefcase and later cashed in his contract on then-World Heavyweight Champion Edge, marking the beginning of his meteoric rise in WWE.
