Jake Hager helped launch All Elite Wrestling in 2019 — but these days, he’s not tuning in.
During his TMZ Inside The Ring appearance, Hager was asked whether he still follows WWE or AEW programming. His response was direct.
“Oh, I definitely don’t watch AEW, even though, like you said, I was a founding member of that company. I don’t watch a lot of pro wrestling or MMA right now.”
For someone who played a major role in AEW’s early years as part of The Inner Circle alongside Chris Jericho, the comment stands out. Hager was involved in some of the company’s most memorable early storylines, including Stadium Stampede and the Jericho Appreciation Society run. But according to him, wrestling simply isn’t part of his daily routine anymore.
“Pretty busy with the company and keeping the wheels turning. And then when I do have some downtime, I’m playing video games with my kids or playing soccer with my daughter.”
That doesn’t mean he’s bitter about his time there. In fact, when discussing his AEW run, Hager spoke positively about what he accomplished.
“Yeah. Yeah. What a cool thing to be a part of. It’s hard to look at my time at AEW and be mad at it because I got to work with Chris. We got to do Inner Circle. We got to do the JAS, which was even more fun. And then I got to, you know, got to wear a purple hat, which if I can tell you a secret, I hate that hat. It’s more over than I am.”
While he may not be watching the product, Hager isn’t dismissing the memories. He just appears focused on business ventures, family life, and now his Power Slap deal.
Do you think it’s surprising that Jake Hager doesn’t follow AEW anymore? Or is it normal for former talent to move on once their chapter closes? Sound off below and share your thoughts.
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