Former AEW star Jake Hager recently shared high praise for his former Jericho Appreciation Society stablemate, “Daddy Magic” Matt Menard. Hager, who departed AEW in 2024 and has since retired from wrestling, believes that Menard has a special talent for commentary and is an underutilized asset for the company in that role. Menard has become a utility player for All Elite Wrestling, serving as a commentator on shows like Collision and Rampage, while also appearing in a managerial and in-ring capacity. His energetic and charismatic personality has made him a fan favorite, and Hager clearly sees even greater potential for him behind the announce desk.
Speaking in an interview with the legendary Rip Rogers, the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion complimented Menard’s on-screen name and compared his potential as a broadcaster to one of the all-time greats.
“Daddy Magic. The greatest pro wrestling name ever. He’s good on commentary. I wish they would use him more. I think he could be like a Jesse ‘The Body’ type on commentary.”
The comparison to Jesse “The Body” Ventura is significant, as Ventura is widely regarded as one of the most influential and entertaining color commentators in the history of professional wrestling. Hager’s praise indicates a strong belief in Menard’s ability to connect with the audience and provide a unique voice for the AEW product. Menard is currently aligned with Daniel Garcia on AEW television, though their partnership has been strained since Garcia’s recent shocking decision to join the Death Riders faction.
