Retired Ex-WWE World Champion Teases Wrestling Comeback At 43
A 43-year-old retired former WWE Champion wants to return to pro wrestling.
Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Jake Hager, known as Jack Swagger in WWE, retired from pro wrestling in August 2025. Now, he wants back into the wrestling business.
Speaking to TMZ Inside the Ring, Hager stated that his decision to retire was based on physical damage he had incurred inside the ring.
Ex-WWE Star Jake Hager Open To Returning To The Ring
However, after taking some time off, he now feels that he is back to 100% health and ready to return to the ring.
“Oh, definitely. Definitely. When I retired, my body was banged up pretty badly like I told you guys, my shoulders were hanging on by a thread. The everything’s a lot better now and healthier, you know, it’s like difference a little time off creates. And so, I wouldn’t rule out me wrestling again. I think I’d like to get back in there actually.”
When asked if there is any promotion he would specifically like to make his return to, Hager said there is one company he would not join, although he did not name the promotion.
“Yeah, there’s one company that I wouldn’t be asking for.”
Jake Hager spent around a decade in WWE. After his release in 2017, he spent a couple of years on the independent circuit before joining All Elite Wrestling in 2019. He left AEW in 2024 to return to the independent circuit and ultimately hung up his wrestling boots in August 2025.
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