Donald Jacob Hager Jr., born on March 24, 1982, is a multifaceted American athlete renowned for his accomplishments in professional wrestling and mixed martial arts. He first gained prominence in the wrestling world under the ring name Jack Swagger during his tenure with WWE, where he showcased his exceptional skills and charisma.
Hager's athletic journey began at the University of Oklahoma, where he excelled as a two-sport athlete in football and wrestling. He dedicated himself to wrestling full-time in his sophomore year, achieving remarkable success by setting a record for the most pins in a season with thirty, earning him All-American honors in 2006.
In mid-2006, Hager signed a contract with WWE, where he quickly made a name for himself. Over the years, he captured multiple championships, including the prestigious WWE World Heavyweight Championship and the ECW Championship, along with a reign as the United States Champion. After leaving WWE in 2017, he shifted his focus to a career in mixed martial arts.
Hager joined Bellator MMA in 2017, making his professional debut on January 26, 2019, where he secured a victory against J.W. Kiser via arm-triangle choke in the first round. He continued his winning streak with another first-round victory against T.J. Jones at Bellator 221. Hager announced his retirement from MMA in September 2023, finishing his career undefeated with a record of three wins and no losses.
In addition to his MMA career, Hager continued to make waves in the wrestling industry, signing with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019. He also made a significant impact in Lucha Underground as Jake Strong, where he became the final Lucha Underground Champion, further solidifying his legacy in the world of professional wrestling.