Jake Hager Admits He Wants To Wrestle Again But Says One Company Is Off The Table

Jake Hager may have called it a career — but don’t lock that in just yet.

The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion and AEW original appeared on TMZ Inside The Ring and made it clear that while he once considered himself retired, the door to a wrestling return is now wide open.

Hager previously told Chris Van Vliet that he was done with pro wrestling. This time around, however, he explained that the retirement was driven by serious physical damage, particularly to his shoulders.

“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.”

At 44 years old, Hager says time off made a noticeable difference. After years of pro wrestling and MMA competition, his body needed the break. Now, with improved health, he sounds far less definitive about staying retired. But while he’s open to stepping back into the ring, he also drew a clear line when asked whether it would matter which promotion he wrestled for.

“Yeah, there’s one company that I wouldn’t be asking for.”

When pressed about tension with that unnamed company, Hager pushed back slightly, questioning the assumption but not denying it. He declined to expand further, leaving fans to read between the lines.

What’s clear is this: Jake Hager wants back in. The question now is where — and with whom. With WrestleMania season heating up and multiple promotions working together across the industry, Hager’s timing could open unexpected doors. The only certainty is that retirement may no longer be permanent.

Do you think Jake Hager should return to wrestling? And which promotion would be the best fit for him at this stage of his career? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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