Former World Heavyweight Champion and AEW star Jake Hager has officially announced his retirement from the world of professional wrestling. In a new interview, Hager stated that he is “getting out of wrestling” and is now focused on a new business venture, a trucking company.
Jake Hager Announces His Retirement from Professional Wrestling
Appearing on the latest episode of the Rulebreakers podcast with his former AEW colleague, Saraya, Jake Hager made it clear that his time in the squared circle is over. The former All-American has not been a regular presence in wrestling for some time, but this is the first time he has officially confirmed his retirement.
“I’m getting out of wrestling. I’m pretty much — I could say I’m retired from it,” Hager said. “I started a trucking company, running routes through Tampa and Florida. I’m not driving, not me, I got people driving. I’m excited, something to sink my teeth into.”
His announcement brings an end to a nearly two-decade-long career in professional wrestling that saw him reach the highest levels of the business.
An Accomplished Career in Two Worlds
Jake Hager first rose to prominence in WWE, where he performed under the name Jack Swagger. An accomplished amateur wrestler from the University of Oklahoma, he quickly found success in WWE’s developmental system before being called up to the main roster. His career in WWE was highlighted by several major accomplishments, including winning the ECW Championship, the United States Championship, and the 2010 Money in the Bank Ladder Match. He would go on to successfully cash in that contract on Chris Jericho to become the World Heavyweight Champion.
After leaving WWE, Hager transitioned to the world of combat sports, embarking on a successful undefeated run as a heavyweight in Bellator MMA. He confirmed his retirement from mixed martial arts back in September 2023. In 2019, he made his surprise debut for the newly formed All Elite Wrestling, where he was a foundational member of Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle faction. He last wrestled for AEW in late 2023, and his contract officially expired in May 2024. After his AEW contract expired, he worked a handful of independent dates, with his final match taking place in November 2024.
A New Chapter
With his retirement from both professional wrestling and mixed martial arts now confirmed, Jake Hager is fully focused on his new life as a businessman. His new trucking company is a completely different world from the one he has known for most of his adult life, but it is a challenge he is excited to take on. Throughout his career, from his All-American days in college to his world championship reigns in WWE and his undefeated run in Bellator, Jake Hager has always found a way to succeed. Fans will undoubtedly wish him all the best as he begins this new chapter of his life outside of the ring.
