Jack Swagger Then and Now

Jack Swagger Then

Donald Jacob Hager Jr., known professionally as Jack Swagger, was born on March 24, 1982, in Fargo, North Dakota. 

Hager’s journey into professional wrestling began at a young age, starting when he was just five years old. 

His early years in wrestling were shaped by his proximity to Danny Hodge’s grandson in Perry, Oklahoma. 

The two became close friends, and Hager’s relationship with Hodge and his family significantly influenced his career trajectory.

At the University of Oklahoma, Hager was recruited as a two-sport athlete, excelling in both football and wrestling. 

Initially, he played as a defensive tackle, serving as the second-string behind notable future NFL players Tommie Harris and Dusty Dvoracek. 

However, by his sophomore year, Hager decided to focus exclusively on wrestling, a decision that would define his future career. 

His talent was evident, and during his junior year, he was introduced to Jim Ross, WWE’s Head of Talent Relations, through his college roommate Dusty Dvoracek. 

This introduction was pivotal, as Ross encouraged Hager to consider a career in professional wrestling.

Hager’s wrestling career at the University of Oklahoma was marked by significant achievements. 

At the 2005 NCAA Division I Championships, he faced Matt Feast of the University of Pennsylvania and did not place. 

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However, his senior year saw him achieve a seventh-place finish at the NCAA Championships and secure a notable victory over future national champion Dustin Fox from Northwestern University. 

Hager’s impressive performance earned him All-American honors and a record for the most pins in a single season at Oklahoma, with 30.

Upon graduating in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in finance, Hager was poised to start a career with a firm in Dallas, Texas. 

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However, his wrestling aspirations took a decisive turn when WWE offered him a contract on the very day he was set to begin his new job. 

This offer marked the beginning of Hager’s professional wrestling career, and he subsequently adopted the ring name Jack Swagger, setting the stage for his future successes in the world of professional wrestling.

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Jack Swagger Wrestling Career

In 2006, Jack Swagger, born Donald Jacob Hager Jr., began his professional wrestling career with a tryout in Deep South Wrestling (DSW), where he made his in-ring debut in September of the same year, defeating Antonio Mestre in a dark match. 

Initially competing in dark matches, Hager was soon transferred to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) in January 2007, where he continued to hone his skills and establish his presence in the wrestling world. 

During his time in OVW, he began a notable feud with K.C. James and his tag team partner Cassidy James, showcasing his ability to engage in compelling storylines and rivalries.

By August 2007, Hager was reassigned to Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), WWE’s developmental territory. 

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Here, he quickly made a mark by winning the FCW Florida Heavyweight Championship on February 15, 2008, after a hard-fought battle royal. 

Hager solidified his position in FCW by defeating Heath Miller in a match that unified the FCW Florida and Southern Heavyweight Championships, earning him the title of undisputed heavyweight champion. 

He maintained an undefeated streak in FCW until his first loss occurred during a dark match on August 18, 2008, against William Regal.

Hager’s WWE career took a significant turn when he made his debut on the ECW brand on September 9, 2008, under the ring name Jack Swagger. 

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As a heel character, Swagger quickly became embroiled in a feud with Tommy Dreamer, culminating in Swagger winning the ECW Championship on January 13, 2009. 

His reign as ECW Champion was marked by successful defenses against notable wrestlers like Matt Hardy and Finlay, though it ended at Backlash when he lost the title to Christian.

In June 2009, Swagger was traded to the Raw brand, where he began a rivalry with Montel Vontavious Porter (MVP) and later pursued the United States Championship. 

Despite his efforts, Swagger’s quest for the title was met with limited success, including a notable loss in a triple-threat match at Hell in a Cell. 

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Swagger’s fortunes took a positive turn when he won the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania XXVI on March 1, 2010, earning him a contract for a WWE world championship match.

Swagger’s character experienced a notable transformation in February 2013 when he was paired with manager Zeb Colter and adopted a new persona as a self-proclaimed American patriot with strong anti-immigration beliefs. 

This character change drew significant attention and controversy, with critics claiming it was a mockery of the Tea Party movement. 

Swagger’s storyline continued to evolve, including a challenging feud with Alberto Del Rio for the World Heavyweight Championship. 

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Swagger’s reign as champion was cut short by his loss to Christian and subsequent injuries.

After a stint as a tag team wrestler with Antonio Cesaro as The Real Americans, Swagger’s WWE career saw a series of feuds, including a notable rivalry with Rusev. 

Following his time with WWE, Hager transitioned to the independent circuit in 2017, where he wrestled under the Jack Swagger name and achieved success in promotions like House of Hardcore, 5 Star Wrestling, and PPW.

In April 2018, Hager made his debut in Major League Wrestling (MLW) and subsequently joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in October 2019. 

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As part of AEW, Hager aligned himself with Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle faction and participated in high-profile matches, including a notable bout at Revolution in February 2020. 

However, his tenure with AEW ended in early 2024 when he chose not to re-sign following his final appearance on February 21, 2024.

Parallel to his wrestling career, Hager ventured into mixed martial arts (MMA) in 2017 by signing with Bellator MMA. 

He made a successful debut in January 2019 and remained undefeated with a record of 3–0 before announcing his retirement from MMA in September 2023. 

Throughout his career, Hager also performed under the ring name Jake Strong in Lucha Underground, where he became the final Lucha Underground Champion.

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Jack Swagger Wrestling Competition

• Deep South Wrestling (DSW)
• Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW)
• Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW)
• WWE ECW
• WWE Raw
• WWE SmackDown
• Major League Wrestling (MLW)
• All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
• Lucha Underground (as Jake Strong)
• House of Hardcore
• 5 Star Wrestling
• PPW (Pryme Time Wrestling)
• Imperial Wrestling Revolution (IWR)

Jack Swagger’s Wife and Children

Jack Swagger, whose real name is Donald Jacob Hager Jr., resides in Tampa, Florida. He married Catalina White in December 2010. 

The couple first crossed paths in Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), where White, known in the wrestling world as Saylor James, was also active. 

Their relationship blossomed from their shared experiences in the wrestling industry, leading to their marriage.

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Hager and White have two children together, balancing their professional and personal lives while living in Tampa. 

The couple’s connection through wrestling and their family life continues to be an integral part of Hager’s journey beyond the ring.

Jack Swagger Now

As of now, Jack Swagger, whose real name is Donald Jacob Hager Jr., is 42 years old. 

He has established himself as a multifaceted athlete with notable careers in professional wrestling and mixed martial arts.

Hager initially gained prominence in professional wrestling under the ring name Jack Swagger during his tenure with WWE. 

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Known for his impressive wrestling skills and charismatic persona, Swagger achieved significant success in WWE, capturing titles such as the World Heavyweight Championship and the ECW Championship. 

His wrestling career continued to evolve as he joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he performs under the ring name Jake Hager. 

In AEW, Hager has been part of the influential faction known as the Inner Circle and has continued to build on his wrestling legacy.

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In addition to his wrestling career, Hager ventured into mixed martial arts. He signed with Bellator MMA and competed in the heavyweight division, showcasing his versatility as an athlete. 

His MMA career was marked by a notable undefeated record before he announced his retirement from the sport in September 2023.

Currently residing in Tampa, Florida, Hager balances his professional and personal life, maintaining a presence in the wrestling world while reflecting on his diverse career achievements.

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