The former Impact Wrestling co-owner is headed into the WWE Hall Of Fame.
"Double J" Jeff Jarrett, will be headed to New Orleans on April 6th to formally accept his invitation into the WWE Hall Of Fame. As announced yesterday afternoon by the WWE, Jarrett will be inducted into their Hall. The news of Jarrett's induction came as a bit of a surprise due to the issues that have existed between the two parties. But nonetheless, the former six-time WWE Intercontinental Champion will be able to speak his peace, while giving his speech.
Jarrett spoke with TMZ Sports following the breaking news. He could not believe that the announcement had happened, even though he stated he was aware of it since last month.
"Wow, really, is that what you called me about? All kidding aside, its still surreal. Back in January when they asked me, you know, its like, they asked me: 'We?d like for you to go in' and there?s a long pause?. Are you waiting on a yes? Or a maybe, or something like that? Of course, its still surreal to me. "
Jeff Jarrett comes from a wrestling family, as he and his father founded TNA and built the company until it reached its peak. Jarrett is elated that he was the one selected out his family to be inducted.
"Out of all the guys who've laced up their boots, its less than 200 of us who are in the Hall Of Fame, so I?m very grateful. I?m very, very humble and as I said before in my first interview: This is for my family. My family goes back three generations, so?. I?m the lucky one that got picked from my family to be in the Hall Of Fame."
The soon-to-be WWE Hall Of Famer reflected on being fired from the company on live television after Vince McMahon purchased WCW in 2001.
"You know, its life, it really is life." Jarrett would add. "I?m getting goosebumps just sitting here talking to you when you say that, because I hadn?t quite put it in that perspective you know, what a journey its been. With the ups and the downs that I wouldn?t trade for anything in the world. But that night, in Panama City, who would be thought this many years later, 17 years later or whatever it may be, that I'm standing here Monday, February the 19th and the announcement is made."
Despite the differences between the two parties, Jarrett is thankful for the recognition and appreciation from the WWE. Throughout the greater part of 2016 and 2017, Jarrett would have his opinions on the company and how they ran things, but that is all in the past as Jarrett will be able to close out his WWE career in a surreal fashion. Jarrett was asked by TMZ Sports if he could say one thing to WWE management right now, what would it be?
"Simple, thank you. A very heartfelt thank you. It goes with saying; the ups and downs of my life, but there?s no denying the fact that Ive given my professional life and sometimes by personal life to this business. So, I wanna thank them and have already thanked them for giving me this opportunity."
If you are going to use any of the quotes above, please credit TMZ Sports, with an H/T to Fightful.com for the transcriptions.