The wrestling world has seen some big surprises lately, and Wednesday’s announcement is no different. Jake Hager, better known to WWE fans as the original Jack Swagger, has officially retired. He made this revelation during an episode of Saraya’s podcast, “Rule Breakers with Saraya.”
In his conversation with Saraya, a former WWE Superstar known as Page, Hager shared that he’s moving on from wrestling to start a trucking business. If his retirement is genuine, his last recorded match took place at the Alcatraz event by Banger Zone Wrestling in France on November 2, 2024, where he lost to 26-year-old indie wrestler Connor Mills. Hager stated, “I’m out of wrestling. I can say I’m almost – I’ve retired from that. I started a trucking company and ran the route through Tampa and Florida. I’m not driving.” (Credit: fightful)
Hager wrapped up his wrestling career with stints in various indie promotions and All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Since 2019, he was part of Tony Khan’s AEW until his contract ended in May 2024. During his time in AEW, he was well-known for his roles in The Inner Circle, one of Chris Jericho’s stables, and the Jericho Viewing Society. His last match with AEW was a defeat to Roderick Strong on AEW Rampage in February 2024.
Looking back at Hager’s WWE days as Jack Swagger, he debuted on the September 9, 2008 episode of WWE’s ECW, defeating enhancement talent Josh Daniels. He quickly made his mark by winning the ECW Heavyweight Championship in January 2009, holding it until April of the same year. In 2010, he made a significant impact by defeating Chris Jericho on WWE Friday Night Smackdown to capture the World Heavyweight Championship, which he held until June 2010 before losing it to Rey Mysterio in a match involving several competitors including CM Punk and Big Show. Hager also won the 2012 US Championship and became notable for his association with Zeb Colter and the “We The People” persona, engaging in a high-profile feud with Rusev. Hager’s WWE career concluded in March 2017 before he transitioned to an MMA career with Bellator, retiring from professional sports in 2023.
Fan Take: Jake Hager’s retirement marks the end of an era for wrestlers who successfully transitioned between WWE, AEW, and MMA, showing the evolving landscape of professional wrestling careers. For WWE fans, his departure is significant as it closes a chapter on a versatile performer whose influence spanned multiple wrestling promotions and styles, potentially paving the way for a new generation of stars.
