Is Jack Swagger In AEW? Unpacking Jake Hager's Status

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For many wrestling enthusiasts, the name Jack Swagger brings back memories of his impactful career within WWE. Yet, fans of All Elite Wrestling, or AEW, have come to know this powerful athlete under a different name: Jake Hager. It's a common question, you know, whether the former WWE world heavyweight champion is still making waves in the newer promotion. Well, the landscape of professional wrestling is always shifting, and so too are the rosters.

There's a good bit of chatter lately about where exactly Jake Hager, the man once known as Jack Swagger, stands with AEW. He certainly made a big impression when he first arrived, joining up with some very prominent figures in the wrestling world. People are curious, it seems, about his journey, his time with the company, and what his current situation might be.

We're going to take a look at the path Jake Hager has traveled, from his early days as Jack Swagger in WWE, to his significant presence in AEW, and, in a way, what his status is as of now. It's a story that involves professional wrestling, mixed martial arts, and, you know, a bit of a surprise or two for fans who keep up with the sport.

Table of Contents

• Jacob Hager: A Look at the Man Behind the Names
• Personal Details and Career Highlights
• The Journey to All Elite Wrestling
• From WWE's Jack Swagger to AEW's Jake Hager
• Making a Big Splash on Dynamite's Debut
• Jake Hager's Time in AEW: Roles and Relationships
• A Key Member of The Inner Circle
• Contributions to the Jericho Appreciation Society
• Balancing Wrestling and MMA Endeavors
• The Recent Developments: Is Jack Swagger Still in AEW?
• Contract Expiration and Departure
• The Bodyslam.net Report
• What's Next for the Former AEW Star?
• Frequently Asked Questions About Jake Hager

Jacob Hager: A Look at the Man Behind the Names

Jacob "Jake" Hager, Jr., born on March 24, 1982, is a person who has certainly made his mark in the world of combat sports. He's an American professional wrestler, and before that, he was an amateur wrestler. He's also been a mixed martial artist, which is pretty interesting, if you ask me. People know him best for his time with WWE, where he went by the ring name Jack Swagger, and then later on, in All Elite Wrestling, where he was known as Jake Hager. So, he's got quite a history, you know, with those two big names.

His journey in professional wrestling began quite a while ago, actually, back in 2006 when he first started working with WWE. He spent a significant portion of his career there, staying with the company until 2017. During those years, he was known for his distinct style and, in a way, his ability to capture the attention of fans. He was even a world heavyweight champion, which is a big deal in professional wrestling, you know.

Beyond the wrestling ring, Jake Hager also ventured into the world of mixed martial arts. He was signed to Bellator MMA, a well-known organization, and competed in their heavyweight division. This dual career path, blending the theatrics of professional wrestling with the very real competition of MMA, is something that, you know, really makes him stand out. He's a multifaceted athlete, to say the least.

Personal Details and Career Highlights

Full Name	Jacob "Jake" Hager, Jr. (also known as Donald Jacob Hager Jr.)
Born	March 24, 1982
Age	42 years old (as of current context)
Known As (WWE)	Jack Swagger
Known As (AEW)	Jake Hager
WWE Tenure	2006 - 2017
AEW Tenure	2019 - Recently Expired
Other Endeavors	Mixed Martial Artist (Bellator MMA), Independent Circuit Wrestler

The Journey to All Elite Wrestling

After his time with WWE came to an end in 2017, Jake Hager, then still very much associated with the Jack Swagger persona, explored other avenues in the wrestling business. He had stints with promotions like MLW and Lucha Underground, broadening his experience, you know, outside of the major league. This period allowed him to, in a way, redefine himself and consider his next big move in a wrestling career that had already spanned more than a decade.

The wrestling world, as you might know, is always looking for big surprises, and AEW certainly delivered one when it launched. Many former WWE stars have made the switch to AEW, seeking new challenges and opportunities. Jake Hager was, you know, among those who decided to take that leap, and his reasons for stepping away from WWE and choosing AEW were something he's talked about a bit.

His arrival in AEW was, arguably, one of the most talked-about moments during the company's early days. It signaled a clear intention from AEW to bring in established talent, and it gave fans a familiar face in a brand new setting. It was a pretty big deal, you know, when he showed up.

From WWE's Jack Swagger to AEW's Jake Hager

The transition from Jack Swagger in WWE to Jake Hager in AEW was more than just a name change; it represented a fresh start. In WWE, he was part of memorable groups, like the Real Americans, alongside Claudio Castagnoli, who was known as Cesaro back then. That partnership lasted from June 2013 to April 2014, and it was, you know, a pretty significant period for him.

When he made the move to AEW, he decided to use his real name, Jake Hager, which is something many wrestlers do when they want to, you know, present a more authentic version of themselves. This choice helped to separate his new chapter from his past, even though everyone knew he was the same person who had achieved so much as Jack Swagger. It was a clear signal of, in a way, a new beginning.

His past accomplishments, like being a former WWE world heavyweight champion, certainly added to his presence when he arrived in AEW. Fans recognized him immediately, and there was a lot of excitement surrounding his potential contributions to the new company. He was, quite frankly, a well-known figure making a significant move.

Making a Big Splash on Dynamite's Debut

One of the biggest shocks during AEW Dynamite's debut show on TNT was, without a doubt, the appearance of Jake Hager. This happened in October 2019, and it was a moment that really got people talking. He debuted at the very end of the main event, making a dramatic entrance, and then joined up with Chris Jericho's stable, which was a pretty big deal, you know.

His arrival was a surprise return to wrestling for many, as he had been focusing a lot on his mixed martial arts career. The fact that AEW managed to bring in such a recognizable former WWE star for their first big television show was, in a way, a statement of intent. It showed that AEW was serious about competing at the highest level and bringing in top talent.

The crowd's reaction was quite loud, you know, letting their voices be heard when he appeared. It was a night of returning wrestlers, with AEW debuting Jake Hager while, interestingly enough, Finn Balor and Ciampa were returning to NXT on another show. This really highlighted the competitive nature of the wrestling world at that time, and Jake Hager was right in the middle of it all.

Jake Hager's Time in AEW: Roles and Relationships

Once Jake Hager joined AEW, he quickly became a very visible part of the show. His association with Chris Jericho was immediate and, frankly, quite strong. This partnership gave him a prominent spot right from the start, which is something many new arrivals hope for. He was, in a way, instantly placed into a significant storyline, which really helped establish his presence in the company.

He was known for being booked quite strong in AEW after his arrival, which meant he was often portrayed as a powerful and formidable competitor. This helped maintain the image he had built during his WWE days as Jack Swagger, a serious and legitimate athlete. His undefeated status in Bellator MMA also added a layer of realism to his character, making him seem even more, you know, like a genuine threat in the ring.

His time in AEW saw him involved in some of the company's most important storylines and factions. He was not just a lone wolf; he was a key player in some very popular groups, which gave him a lot of screen time and involvement in major events. This kind of consistent exposure is, you know, pretty important for a wrestler in a new promotion.

A Key Member of The Inner Circle

One of the first and most memorable roles Jake Hager had in AEW was as a founding member of The Inner Circle. This group, led by the charismatic Chris Jericho, was incredibly popular and played a central part in AEW's early programming. Jake Hager's role within the Inner Circle was often that of the quiet, powerful enforcer, providing muscle and, in a way, a serious presence to the group's antics.

Being part of The Inner Circle meant he was regularly featured on AEW Dynamite and other shows, participating in high-profile matches and segments. This allowed him to showcase his wrestling abilities and his unique personality to a broad audience. He was, quite literally, right in the thick of things, you know, with some of the biggest stars in the company.

The Inner Circle was a very cohesive unit, and Jake Hager's contributions were, arguably, quite important to its success. He provided a physical threat that complemented the diverse skills of the other members. It was a period where he was, in a way, consistently used and given a clear purpose within the company's storytelling.

Contributions to the Jericho Appreciation Society

After The Inner Circle eventually, you know, ran its course, Jake Hager continued his association with Chris Jericho by becoming a member of the Jericho Appreciation Society, or JAS. This new faction had a different vibe and purpose, but Jake Hager's role as a loyal and imposing ally remained consistent. He was featured as a member of this group, continuing to be a presence on AEW programming.

His involvement with the JAS meant he was still wrestling regularly and appearing in prominent storylines, even if his individual spotlight might have been a little less bright than in the Inner Circle's prime. He continued to lend his physical presence and, in a way, his unique style to the group's efforts. It's almost like he was a reliable part of Jericho's plans, regardless of the faction's name.

However, as time went on, there was a sense that Jake Hager just hadn't been used as well lately. While he was still part of a major group, his individual wrestling appearances and storylines seemed to, you know, become less frequent or less impactful. This kind of usage can sometimes lead to questions about a wrestler's future with a company.

Balancing Wrestling and MMA Endeavors

Throughout his tenure in AEW, Jake Hager also maintained an active career in mixed martial arts. He competes for Bellator MMA under his real name, Jake Hager, and has been planning to balance his life as an MMA fighter with his professional wrestling commitments. This dual career path is, in a way, quite demanding, requiring dedication to two very different disciplines.

His MMA background often added a layer of legitimacy to his wrestling persona, especially when he was portrayed as a dominant, undefeated fighter in AEW. This unique combination of skills set him apart from many other wrestlers. It's pretty rare, you know, to see someone actively competing at a high level in both sports simultaneously.

While he has hit the odd appearance in MMA, the balance between the two careers is something that, you know, needs careful management. It's a testament to his athletic ability that he was able to pursue both for so long. His commitment to both Bellator MMA and AEW showed a dedication to his craft, whether it was in the wrestling ring or the MMA cage.

The Recent Developments: Is Jack Swagger Still in AEW?

The question of "Is Jack Swagger in AEW?" or rather, "Is Jake Hager still with AEW?" has a very clear answer as of recent reports. Fans let their voices be heard after a former WWE superstar was removed from AEW's official roster page, and the star being discussed was Jake Hager. This kind of roster change always sparks a lot of conversation among the wrestling community, you know.

The news came out that Jake Hager, who was known as Jack Swagger in WWE, is no longer a member of the AEW roster. This development was, in a way, a significant update for those following his career and AEW's talent pool. It confirms that his time with the company has, you know, come to an end for now.

This situation highlights how dynamic the wrestling business can be, with contracts expiring and talent moving on to new opportunities. It's a constant cycle of arrivals and departures, and Jake Hager's situation is, you know, just another example of that ever-changing landscape.

Contract Expiration and Departure

The reason for Jake Hager's departure from AEW was not a release, as some might have initially thought. Instead, his deal with the promotion recently expired, and he didn't want to sign a new contract. This is a common occurrence in professional sports and entertainment, where agreements come to an end, and both parties decide on their next steps. It's a mutual decision, you know, between the talent and the company.

Cassidy Haynes of Bodyslam.net reported that Hager’s contract with AEW recently expired. This news quickly spread among wrestling fans, providing clarity on his status. Haynes also reported that the decision was mutual between Hager and AEW, and the former Jack Swagger is now a free agent. This means he is free to pursue other opportunities in the wrestling world or focus entirely on his MMA career, or learn more about on our site.

Hager had been with AEW since 2019, so his tenure spanned several years, seeing him through some of the company's most important growth phases. His last match with the company was not explicitly detailed, but it appears his contract simply ran its course, and, you know, both sides were ready to move on. It's a pretty straightforward ending, in a way.

The Bodyslam.net Report

The information regarding Jake Hager's departure from AEW largely came to light through Cassidy Haynes of Bodyslam.net. This wrestling news outlet was among the first to report that Jake Hager, formerly known as Jack Swagger in WWE, is no longer a member of the AEW roster. Such reports are, you know, quite important for fans who want to stay updated on the comings and goings of their favorite stars.

Bodyslam.net has a reputation for breaking news in the wrestling industry, and their report on Hager's status was, in a way, a definitive confirmation for many. They specified that Hager had parted ways with AEW due to his contract expiring and a mutual decision not to renew it. This kind of detailed reporting helps to clear up any speculation or rumors that might be circulating.

The report from Bodyslam.net provided the crucial details, explaining that Hager wasn't released but rather chose not to sign a new deal. This distinction is, you know, pretty important for understanding the circumstances of his departure. It paints a clear picture of how things unfolded between Jake Hager and All Elite Wrestling, and you can also link to this page .

What's Next for the Former AEW Star?

With his contract with AEW having expired, Jake Hager, the man formerly known as Jack Swagger, is now a free agent in the professional wrestling world. This means he has the freedom to choose his next steps, whether that involves signing with another major promotion, working on the independent circuit, or focusing more intensely on his mixed martial arts career. He currently performs on the independent circuit, which gives him a lot of flexibility, you know, in choosing his appearances.

His long career, spanning almost two decades in the wrestling industry, means he has a wealth of experience and a recognizable name. This will, arguably, make him an attractive prospect for various wrestling organizations or independent shows looking for established talent. He's certainly achieved a personal milestone, you know, by being in the business for so long.

Given his history as a former WWE world heavyweight champion and his strong booking in AEW during his time there, many will be curious to see where Jake Hager lands next. His mixed martial arts commitments with Bellator MMA will likely continue to be a part of his professional life, too. It's a pretty exciting time for him, you know, with all these possibilities ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jake Hager

People often have questions about Jake Hager's career, especially given his different names and ventures. Here are some common inquiries:

Was Jake Hager Jack Swagger in WWE?

Yes, he was. Jake Hager is best known for his time in WWE, where he competed under the ring name Jack Swagger from 2006 until 2017. He was, in a way, a very prominent figure during that period, even becoming a world heavyweight champion. So, when people talk about Jack Swagger, they are indeed talking about Jake Hager.

Why did Jake Hager leave AEW?

Jake Hager's departure from AEW was a result of his contract with the promotion recently expiring. According to reports from Cassidy Haynes of Bodyslam.net, it was a mutual decision between Hager and AEW not to sign a new contract. He wasn't released, but rather his deal simply ran its course, and, you know, he chose to move on.

Is Jake Hager still fighting in Bellator MMA?

Yes, Jake Hager continues to pursue his mixed martial arts career. He is signed to Bellator MMA and has competed in their heavyweight division under his real name. He has been balancing his professional wrestling commitments with his MMA endeavors, and he is, you know, known for being an undefeated Bellator fighter, which is pretty impressive.