Jake Hager Alleges AEW’s Downfall After Cody Rhodes’ Departure While Lambasting Tony Khan

Former AEW star Jake Hager shoots on Tony Khan's ability as a booker and weighs in on the company's state after Cody Rhodes' departure.

Jake Hager Alleges AEW’s Downfall After Cody Rhodes’ Departure While Lambasting Tony Khan

Jake Hager and Tony Khan (via AEW)

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In 2019, Cody Rhodes, alongside Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, laid the foundation of All Elite Wrestling and created the first true competition to WWE since WCW died in 2001. But just four years later, everything changed when Rhodes left the promotion, citing disrespect. Now, former AEW star Jake Hager, also known to longtime fans as Jack Swagger, is making headlines with explosive claims about the company and its president, Tony Khan. 

Although the reigning WWE Champion recently opened up about the situation, his analysis was a lot more contained. And judging by the intensity of his comments, it’s safe to say Hager didn’t sign the same non-disclosure agreement as Rhodes when he left the company. In an interview with Sportskeeda’s WrestleBinge with Chris Featherstone, Dutch Mitchell, and Bill Apter, the former World Champion didn’t hold back in criticizing his time in AEW.

I think everything changed after (Cody Rhodes) left because he was involved with it, and after that, it just kind of became a free-for-all. Young Bucks and Kenny still had a big say in what they were doing. Chris obviously still had a big say in what he was doing, but even Chris [Jericho], he would tell me that Tony would not respond to his messages for like two weeks.

Jake Hager via Sportskeeda’s WrestleBinge

Hager went on to blast Khan’s lack of experience and decision-making ability in the wrestling business. While acknowledging Khan’s ability to create big moments with star debuts and flashy production, Hager said the AEW boss doesn’t understand how to build storylines that stand the test of time.

To get to the end of that career and have someone like Tony Khan, who has been in this business for a cup of coffee, and doesn’t really know — he can’t make himself a sandwich, let alone write a storyline that will last. He can spend a lot of money and make a big debut and make a lot of fireworks, but in the end…

Jake Hager via Sportskeeda’s WrestleBinge

Hager also revealed that he initially joined AEW solely because of Chris Jericho. Over time, however, he and others began questioning whether Khan was even serious about the business. He claimed the AEW president stopped holding production meetings, leaving wrestlers waiting until late in the afternoon, sometimes as late as 5 in the evening, to find out what they’d be doing on the show that night. 

He also pointed out that, unlike WWE, AEW doesn’t have a writers’ room, making creative direction even more chaotic. After leaving AEW in mid-2024, Hager faded from the spotlight. He worked a few indie shows, even calling Khan a “communist” by the end of that year, but has not wrestled a single match in 2025. 

And at 43, Hager is ready to move on. Appearing recently on Rulebreakers With Saraya, he confirmed that he considers himself retired from pro wrestling. These days, he’s focused on his new venture, a trucking company whose name (Haulin’ Oats) pays homage to pop icons Hall & Oates of the 1970s and ’80s. 

As for a potential return to the ring, Hager downplayed the idea. He admitted that a WWE comeback isn’t on the table after what he describes as disrespectful contract negotiations during his exit. While he’s open to working indie shows down the line, Hager made it clear that wrestling won’t be a priority for at least the next six months.

Jake Hager trolls Bill Goldberg and in his in-ring ability

Tony Khan wasn’t the only one who faced Jake Hager’s wrath during his recent media appearances. On the latest episode of Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Hager opened up about his involvement in the Michael Cole vs. Jerry Lawler storyline leading into WrestleMania 27, where he served as Cole’s coach for the bout. 

Hager said the experience was worth it because it gave him the chance to perform on wrestling’s biggest stage and work with legends like Jim Ross and Stone Cold Steve Austin. He explained that it also helped him evolve his character, a lesson he credits to Chris Jericho.

Jake Hager and Bill Goldberg
Jake Hager and Bill Goldberg (via AEW and WWE)

I had Jim Ross put me in an ankle lock. But it’s all worth it if you get to take a Stunner from Stone Cold at WrestleMania; that’s the payoff. It was worth it for me. Got a WrestleMania match out of it, and it’s all part of the career. Like I said earlier, you got to be vulnerable. So if you’re this big, tough guy, you can only do that for so long. Nobody wants to watch Goldberg now. He can’t run a spot. He sucks. Yeah, I said that b***h!

Jake Hager via Insight with Chris Van Vliet

When pressed to explain his comments about Goldberg, the former WWE United States Champion didn’t hold back, criticizing the Hall of Famer’s limited move set and high payouts. Van Vliet even noted that Goldberg is now 58 years old, but Hager wasn’t about to slow down. 

He can’t run a spot. The only thing he could do is a f*cking spear and get paid $600,000 for it. Then stop pro wrestling! Stop coming in and taking our money. Sorry. I’m not sorry.

Jake Hager via Insight with Chris Van Vliet

For those unaware, Goldberg had his retirement match in July at Saturday Night’s Main Event, facing Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship. While the WWE Hall of Famer delivered a respectable performance, the moment turned sour when his post-match speech was cut short. The abrupt ending reportedly left him frustrated and questioning whether that bout would truly be his swan song.

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