Jake Hager opens up about his tumultuous journey in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), revealing a surprising divide between AEW President Tony Khan and wrestling legend Chris Jericho.

Since joining AEW in 2019, Hager quickly found himself in the spotlight as a prominent member of Jericho’s faction, The Inner Circle. Known for its competitiveness and charisma, this group became a fan favorite and played a crucial role in AEW's rise. Hager later extended his partnership with Jericho by joining the Jericho Appreciation Society, further solidifying his status in the wrestling world.

However, in a candid interview on the podcast Going Ringside (via News4JAX), Hager dropped a bombshell: “It was awesome,” he said about his experience in AEW. “Chris Jericho is the greatest of all time, one of my favorites. For him to bring me in and say I’m his guy, what a compliment. Tony [Khan] didn’t want me there, but Chris did, he wanted me there, and it was awesome.”

Reflecting on his time in the ring, Hager shared that working with The Inner Circle and the Jericho Appreciation Society stands out as some of his favorite memories, especially the iconic Stadium Stampede matches, which showcased his skills and added a thrilling layer to the AEW experience.

With Hager’s AEW contract expiring last June, wrestling fans are eager to see what’s next for the formidable athlete. Previously, Hager announced his retirement from mixed martial arts (MMA), indicating a full commitment to professional wrestling.

As the wrestling world shifts and evolves, many are excited to see if Hager will continue to collaborate with Jericho or chart a new path for his career. What does the future hold for this wrestling powerhouse? Stay tuned for further updates as Hager navigates his next steps in the dynamic universe of professional wrestling!