Konnan discusses former WWE World Heavyweight Champion possibly returning to NXT after 11 years
A former WWE World Champion might be returning to the company after being away for over seven years, according to Konnan. The star in question is none other than Jake Hager.
The 42-year-old recently left All Elite Wrestling after he chose not to re-sign a new deal with the promotion. Hager's AEW run was underwhelming as he was mostly presented as the muscle for Chris Jericho. Before coming to the Tony Khan-led company, Jake Hager was signed to WWE.
The veteran was known as Jack Swagger in the Stamford-based promotion and had some success in the company. He is a former World Heavyweight and United States Champion. Swagger also won the Money in the Bank Ladder match at WrestleMania 26.
Speaking on his Keepin' It 100 podcast, Konnan commented on Jake Hager's AEW exit. The veteran wondered if WWE would offer him a deal to sign to their NXT brand as seen recently with former AEW talent, Shawn Spears and Lexis King.
"He's gotta be in his early 40s, right? I don't know if he has any big [commit], if he has a big enough name to get a big payday in MMA. Japan, he's the type of athlete they salivate over. Who knows if WWE has a role for him. You see a lot of people being brought into NXT like Pillman's son and Shawn Spears and all these people that are there. If he doesn't have an offer, just take their money." [1:38-2:54]
Disco Inferno doesn't care about former WWE star Jake Hager's AEW exit
WCW veteran Disco Inferno also addressed Jake Hager's departure and had some interesting comments about the former World Champion. On the Keepin' It 100 podcast, Inferno pointed out that AEW did nothing with Hager and stated that he does not care about his exit from the Jacksonville-based promotion.
"No offense to Jake Hager, but they did nothing with the guy and now he's leaving. Who cares? Like, this is such a disinteresting question." [1:30-1:38]
Interestingly, Jake Hager has a 3-0-1 record in MMA, during his time with Bellator MMA. But, he announced his retirement from the sport in 2023. Now, it remains to be seen where the former WWE star continues his career after his AEW exit.