Jake Hager, formerly known as Jack Swagger in World Wrestling Entertainment, has firmly dismissed speculation about a possible one-time appearance at the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble event scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia.The proclamation comes after the wrestler officially announced his retirement from professional wrestling earlier this year.
In a recent interview, Hager was direct when questioned about a potential comeback: “I Sincerely Doubt It.” He continued, attributing his reluctance to a perceived lack of favor with those in charge of booking decisions. “I don’t think they like me very much,” he stated, specifying that his comments were directed toward “Whoever books the Royal Rumble.”
A Decade In The Ring
Table of Contents
- 1. A Decade In The Ring
- 2. From WWE To MMA And Beyond
- 3. A New Chapter: trucking Industry
- 4. The Evolving Landscape of Wrestler Retirement
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions About jake Hager’s Retirement
- 6. What factors might influence a wrestler’s decision to remain with their current promotion despite potential opportunities with a competitor like WWE?
- 7. WWE Update: Jake hager Debunks Royal Rumble Return Rumors in Recent WWE News Interview
- 8. Hager Addresses Speculation Surrounding Potential WWE Return
- 9. Key Takeaways from the interview
- 10. Impact on the Royal Rumble Card
- 11. Hager’s Career Trajectory: From WWE to AEW and Beyond
- 12. Fan Reaction and Social Media Buzz
- 13. Looking Ahead: Hager’s Future in Wrestling
Hager’s last WWE match took place in 2017, concluding a nearly decade-long tenure marked by championship victories. As Jack Swagger, he secured titles including the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, the ECW Championship, and the United States championship. He was once celebrated for his amateur wrestling background and the iconic “We The People” catchphrase, resonating with a dedicated fanbase.
From WWE To MMA And Beyond
Following his departure from WWE, Hager ventured into Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) with Bellator, achieving an undefeated record in his initial fights.He later transitioned to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019, joining Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle and participating in high-profile matches such as Stadium Stampede. his involvement in AEW gradually decreased by 2023, leading to his quiet exit the following year. According to Statista, the global professional wrestling market size was valued at approximately 1.79 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, illustrating the sustained popularity of the sport. Statista
A New Chapter: trucking Industry
Hager officially revealed his retirement during an appearance on the Rule Breakers with Sayara podcast. He shared his transition into the business world, launching a trucking company based in Tampa, Florida. “I’m getting out of wrestling. I pretty much, I could say I’m retired from it,” Hager explained. “I started a trucking company and so… running routes through Tampa and Florida.I’m not driving, got people driving. But yeah, I’m excited. Something to stick my teeth into. Hard work always pays off.”
Did You Know? The trucking industry in the United States is a massive economic force, contributing over $800 billion annually to the nation’s economy.
| Wrestling Persona | Promotion | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Swagger | WWE | WWE World Heavyweight Champion, ECW Champion, United States Champion |
| jake Hager | AEW | Member of Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle |
The Evolving Landscape of Wrestler Retirement
Retirement for professional wrestlers increasingly involves diversifying into other business ventures. This trend reflects the physical demands of the sport and the desire for long-term financial security. Many former wrestlers are now involved in ventures like real estate, acting, podcasting, and, as in Hager’s case, entrepreneurship in unrelated industries. The ability to leverage a recognizable name and strong work ethic often proves invaluable in these post-wrestling careers.
pro Tip: For aspiring entrepreneurs, understanding industry trends and seeking mentorship can significantly increase the chances of success, regardless of your background.
Frequently Asked Questions About jake Hager’s Retirement
- Is Jake Hager entirely finished with wrestling? Jake Hager has stated he is retired from professional wrestling and is currently focused on his trucking business.
- What championships did Jack Swagger win in WWE? Jack Swagger won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, the ECW Championship and the United States Championship.
- What is Jake Hager doing now? Jake Hager is now running a trucking company in Tampa, Florida.
- Did Jake Hager have a successful run in AEW? While he was a member of Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle, his in-ring appearances diminished before his departure in 2024.
- Why doesn’t Jake Hager want to return for the Royal Rumble? Hager suggests those in charge of booking the Royal Rumble do not favor him.
What are your thoughts on Jake Hager’s career transition? Do you think we’ll see more wrestlers pursue entrepreneurial ventures post-retirement?
What factors might influence a wrestler’s decision to remain with their current promotion despite potential opportunities with a competitor like WWE?
WWE Update: Jake hager Debunks Royal Rumble Return Rumors in Recent WWE News Interview
Hager Addresses Speculation Surrounding Potential WWE Return
Recent weeks have seen a surge in online speculation regarding a possible return to WWE for Jake Hager,formerly known as Jack Swagger. Fuelled by fan wishlists and social media buzz surrounding the upcoming Royal Rumble, rumors intensified. Though, in a recent interview – details of which emerged on September 14th, 2025 – Hager definitively addressed these claims, stating he is not currently planning a return to the company. This news impacts the WWE Royal Rumble predictions and overall WWE news landscape.
Key Takeaways from the interview
The interview, conducted by Wrestling Weekly insights, covered a range of topics, but the focus quickly turned to the persistent rumors. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
* No Current Negotiations: Hager explicitly stated there have been no ongoing negotiations with WWE regarding a potential contract or appearance. He emphasized his commitment to his current wrestling endeavors outside of WWE.
* Focus on AEW & Beyond: Hager reaffirmed his dedication to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and his involvement in various independant promotions. he highlighted his enjoyment of the creative freedom offered in these environments.
* Royal rumble Speculation: Directly addressing the Royal Rumble buzz, Hager acknowledged being flattered by the fan support but reiterated his lack of involvement in plans for the event. He stated he was focused on his scheduled commitments.
* Past WWE Experience: while dismissing current return rumors, Hager spoke positively about his time in WWE, acknowledging the platform it provided him and the opportunities he received. He mentioned learning valuable skills during his tenure.
Impact on the Royal Rumble Card
The debunking of these rumors significantly alters the potential landscape of the Royal Rumble 2026 match. Hager’s size and wrestling pedigree made him a popular choice for surprise entrants in fan predictions.
* Reduced Surprise Factor: With Hager’s non-participation confirmed,the element of surprise is diminished. Fans will now be looking towards other potential returning stars or NXT call-ups.
* Shifting Focus to Other Potential Entrants: The focus now shifts to other names circulating in the rumor mill, including potential returns from injured superstars or long-absent veterans. WWE rumors are constantly evolving.
* Impact on Betting Odds: Online betting platforms offering odds on Royal Rumble entrants will likely adjust their figures, removing Hager from the list of potential contenders.
Hager’s Career Trajectory: From WWE to AEW and Beyond
Jake Hager’s wrestling career has been marked by versatility and adaptability. Understanding his journey provides context to his current situation.
- WWE Stardom (2006-2017): Hager initially gained prominence in WWE as Jack Swagger, a two-time World Heavyweight Champion. He was known for his amateur wrestling background and aggressive in-ring style.
- Post-WWE Independent circuit (2017-2019): Following his departure from WWE, Hager wrestled extensively on the independent circuit, honing his skills and building a strong following.
- AEW Arrival (2019-Present): Hager signed with All Elite Wrestling in 2019, joining Chris Jericho’s inner Circle faction. He has since become a consistent performer in AEW,participating in various storylines and matches.
- Expanding brand: Beyond AEW, Hager actively participates in professional boxing matches, showcasing his athletic versatility and expanding his brand recognition.This demonstrates his commitment to diversifying his career.
The news of Hager’s denial quickly spread across social media platforms, generating a mixed reaction from fans.
* Disappointment from Some Fans: Many fans expressed disappointment, having hoped to see Hager return to WWE and potentially challenge for championship titles.
* Respect for his Decision: Others respected Hager’s decision to remain with AEW and pursue his current career path.
* Continued Support: A notable portion of fans pledged their continued support for Hager, regardless of which promotion he wrestles for.
* #JakeHager #RoyalRumble #WWEnews trended on X (formerly Twitter) for several hours following the news.
Looking Ahead: Hager’s Future in Wrestling
Despite dismissing Royal Rumble return rumors, Jake Hager remains a prominent figure in the professional wrestling world. His future appears secure with AEW, and his continued involvement in independent promotions suggests a long and successful career ahead. He is a valuable asset to any wrestling promotion, bringing a unique blend of athleticism, charisma, and experience. The pro wrestling schedule for Hager remains busy, with upcoming appearances confirmed through early 2026.
