AEW’s locker room was getting crowded, but there have been a few departures in recent memory. Now we can add Jake Hager’s name to the list. Cassidy Haynes of Bodyslam.net reports that Hager’s contract has recently expired, and he did not re-sign with All Elite Wrestling, making him a free agent. The decision is believed to have been mutual.
The former Jack Swagger in WWE debuted with AEW on October 2, 2019, during the premiere episode of Dynamite, where he joined The Inner Circle. He made his in-ring debut for AEW on February 29, 2020, at AEW’s Revolution pay-per-view, where he defeated Dustin Rhodes. Following the disbanding of The Inner Circle, Hager became part of the Jericho Appreciation Society. However, he had not been used much since the stable’s breakup in late 2023.
WWE Hall of Famers Mark Henry and Arn Anderson have also announced their departures from AEW. While Jake Hager’s exit is notable, it is worth mentioning that the company had not used him frequently in recent times.
Hager’s last match in AEW took place on February 21, 2024, when he was defeated by Roderick Strong on AEW Rampage in Tulsa, Oklahoma.