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What’s the story?
Speaking to CBS Sports, former WWE Superstar Jack Swagger opened up on a myriad of topics.
Swagger addressed talk of him possibly harboring ill feelings towards WWE for his time in the promotion.
Besides, Swagger expounded upon his upcoming Bellator MMA debut, while also speaking about wrestling on the independent professional wrestling circuit.
In case you didn’t know…
Swagger, whose real name is Donald Jacob Hager Jr., performed for the WWE from 2006 until he announced his departure from the organization in early-2017.
He won several titles in the WWE, including the World Heavyweight Championship.
It was last year that the former, highly accomplished collegiate wrestler, announced that he has indeed signed a deal with Bellator MMA and will be making his MMA debut very soon.
The heart of the matter
Swagger asserted that there’s a sort of stigma associated with the term ‘indie wrestling’, and that most indie promotions nowadays are self-run businesses.
Swagger added that he’s excited to perform for MLW; alluding that he’s chuffed at the opportunities coming his way on the indie circuit.
Additionally, Swagger revealed that his body was pretty worn out when he stepped away from his WWE obligations last year, however, he’s now in great shape and feels as though he were 24 again.
Swagger added that he could possibly make his Bellator MMA debut in the latter part of this year, and plans on making a statement in his first MMA fight.
Furthermore, upon being probed as to whether he holds any ill feelings towards WWE, Swagger stated—
“No. I look back at my career and I'm very thankful. Successful people don't look back and waste energy on what could have been and all the stuff that didn't happen. … If my fans want to see me back in the WWE, you know, never say never, but we got a big agenda ahead of us for 2018 that we're pretty excited about.”
What’s next?
Swagger is presently expected to make his Mixed Martial Arts debut for Bellator MMA very soon and continues to perform as a pro-wrestler on the indie circuit as well.
Author’s take
Swagger possesses an excellent amateur wrestling base—with his folkstyle wrestling background likely to serve as a great base for the sport of MMA.
Add to that the fact Swagger is a towering heavyweight, with a good reach, and you have a winning recipe at Heavyweight MMA.
The only thing Swagger probably needs to work on a lot is his striking offense and defense—something that will surely be tested by his opponent in the ensuing months.
