Massive blow for AEW as another former WWE World Heavyweight Champion is done with the company: Reports

Jake Hager has been a former world champion in WWE.

Massive blow for AEW as another former WWE World Heavyweight Champion is done with the company: Reports

AEW Wrestler (via Ringside News)

AEW wrestler, Jake Hager left WWE in 2017, and after working with multiple other promotions, he finally joined AEW in 2019. He was part of the Inner Circle before later joining the Jericho Appreciation Society. However, he wasn’t much used by the Jacksonville-based company since the group split up. Unfortunately, on May 28, Hager’s AEW contract expired, and he no longer wished to stay with the company.

According to previous reports, the wrestling world learned that Mark Henry‘s contract was expiring on May 28. However, he is not the only one who chose to leave AEW. Sources at Bodyslam.net revealed that WWE Hall of Famer, Arn Anderson and Jake Hager also joined the departure list. The former Jack Swagger chose not to renew his contract with the company, with the decision being mutual on both sides.

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After debuting for WWE’s rival company in 2019, he made his in-ring debut by defeating Dustin Rhodes at AEW Revolution PLE in 2020. The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion wrestled in his last match against Rodrick Strong in February last year, which resulted in a loss. After the breakup of the Jericho Appreciation Society, Hager didn’t appear much on TV. 

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Finally, after his contract expired, he decided not to re-sign with the Jacksonville-based company. Given his free-agent status, fans are speculating that he might make his way back to WWE. It will be interesting to see what the next step in Jake Hager’s career will be.

A glimpse at Jake Hager fka Jake Swagger’s WWE career

After working for two years in the developmental territories from 2006 to 2008, Jake Hager finally debuted on ECW on September 9, 2008. He quickly established himself as a credible heel and won his first title in the company by defeating Matt Hardy the following year. After feuding over the ECW title with stars like Christian and Tommy Dreamer, Hager was drafted to Raw five months later.

Jake Hager
Jake Hager (via Wrestling News)

At WrestleMania 26, he won his first major match on the main roster by capturing the Money in the Bank contract. He made the most of his title opportunity by cashing in his contract against Chris Jericho just a week later, becoming the new World Heavyweight Champion. The 42-year-old star held the title for 80 days before losing it to Rey Mysterio.

He then went on to win the United States Championship as well, defeating Zack Ryder in 2012. However, after failing to win any gold during his tenure after that, he was released from WWE on March 13, 2017. While speaking on Jericho’s podcast, Hager expressed his belief that John Cena was the reason he didn’t become a champion.

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