A rare athlete who has found success at the highest levels of both amateur wrestling and professional combat sports, Jake Hager exemplifies the blend of skill, strength, and versatility celebrated by the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame. With a decorated collegiate wrestling background and championship runs in major wrestling promotions, Hager has forged a unique path that honors the sport's traditions while embracing its modern evolution.

A standout amateur wrestler at the University of Oklahoma, Hager was a two-sport athlete, lettering in both wrestling and football. On the mat, he was an NCAA Division I All-American and set the school’s single-season record for most pins at heavyweight—a testament to his dominance, athleticism, and grit.

Transitioning to professional wrestling, Hager signed with WWE, where he competed under the name Jack Swagger. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming ECW Champion, United States Champion, and ultimately winning the World Heavyweight Championship, showcasing technical precision rooted in his amateur background. Known for his signature ankle lock and "All-American American" persona, he carried the banner for amateur wrestlers in the professional realm.

Later, Hager expanded his athletic resume by entering the world of mixed martial arts, competing as an undefeated heavyweight in Bellator MMA, all while continuing his professional wrestling career with All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

Jake Hager’s induction into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame honors a career defined by legitimate athletic achievement, crossover success, and a deep respect for the amateur roots of the sport. His legacy serves as a bridge between wrestling’s past and its future—where physicality, discipline, and showmanship come together on the world stage.