Former WWE, AEW, and MMA star Jake Hager has retired from pro wrestling.
Jake Hager wrestled under the ring name Jack Swagger in World Wrestling Entertainment, beginning in 2008. While signed to WWE, he was plunged into the main event picture relatively early on, as he held the ECW Championship first, which was followed by a Money in the Bank victory at WrestleMania 26, and a subsequent successful cash-in.
Hager defeated Chris Jericho in 2010 to become World Heavyweight Champion, and that is where his WWE career peaked. A few years later, he joined Jericho’s “Inner Circle” faction in AEW.
Outside of pro wrestling, Hager was also signed to Bellator MMA at one point, where he fought in the heavyweight division.
Jake Hager (FKA Jack Swagger In WWE) Retires From Pro Wrestling, And Is Not Looking Back
On Rulebreakers With Saraya, Jake Hager opened up about his life after pro wrestling. The former World Heavyweight Champion revealed he has started a truck company, having named it “Hauling Oats.”
He clarified that he will not be driving, but will have to deal with customers. Hager feels this is something he can work hard at as he attempts to make an honest living. He was last seen on AEW TV in February 2024, while his MMA career ended one year prior.
I’m getting out of wrestling. I’m pretty much – I could say I’m retiring from it,” he said. “I started a trucking company, running routes through Tampa, Florida. I’m not driving, not me! Yeah, I got people driving [the trucks].
I’m excited, [because it is] something to sink my teeth into. You know, hard work always pays off […] The name of it is Hauling Oats,” Hager revealed.
Despite a noteworthy career in terms of achievements, Hager was not very over among fans. Even his Heavyweight title reign in WWE was criticized by many for being premature. Be that as it may, it did put him on the map as he wrestled some of the greats in the business, like Rey Mysterio, CM Punk, and The Big Show.
As for Chris Jericho, whom he cashed in on to become world champion, Hager would reveal a decade later that he was grateful for the selfless act, as John Cena refused to do the job. Hager also confessed that he has always looked up to Y2J ever since.