Former World Heavyweight Champion Jack Swagger has asked for his release from WWE.
It looks as though the “All-American American” Jack Swagger has hit the end of the road with WWE. This week on MMA star Chael Sonnen’s podcast, Swagger announced that he has officially asked for his release from the sports-entertainment giant.
It’s been a bumpy road for the Oklahoma native, who is one of the youngest superstars to have captured the World Heavyweight Championship. During this week’s visit with Sonnen, he explained the reasoning behind his decision.
WWE Superstar @realjackswagger granted release from WWE and I got the scoop before any dirt sheet. https://t.co/XIGp3U5mbu #BeyondtheFight
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) March 1, 2017
"It’s an ongoing process right now. It came down to contract negotiations, we were way off. They didn’t value me at what I thought I was valued at. This is a business decision. They weren’t giving the opportunity to make the full amount of income for my family. It’s time to go."
Swagger had been featured on WWE programming over the last couple of years, with a patriotic stance and even teaming up with popular WWE star Cesaro. He was partnered up with longtime wrestling personality “Dirty” Dutch Mantell, who was known in WWE as Zeb Coulter. They had a lengthy run together, with Mantell as his manager. They antagonized fans throughout the world with their “We, The People” chant, and their partnership was a great tool for Swagger’s success. But in recent weeks and over the last few months, his on-screen role had been diminished.
A former World Heavyweight Champion and ECW World Heavyweight Champion, Swagger had been with the company since 2006. He made his official TV debut in 2008, on the ECW brand. From there, the rest was history.
When Sonnen asked what was next for the 6’4″ superstar, Swagger wasted no time in teasing plans to head to Mexico and overseas to Japan. He noted that professional wrestling is thriving right now, and there seems to be a multitude of places he could showcase his talents. He turns 35 later this month, and can still contribute greatly to the wrestling industry.
A lot of people would probably jump on the “Go to TNA Impact Wrestling” train, but a little time spent internationally will only help him evolve into a greater athlete. He can basically go anywhere at this point. Whether it be TNA, Ring of Honor, or even the revitalized National Wrestling Alliance, Swagger could spin the wheel and win wherever he lands.
Swagger doesn’t seem bitter about his pending departure from the company. When you have a family to support, you have to know your worth and sometimes that means exploring your options and finding a place that will appreciate what that is. He has a world of talent, and shouldn’t be out of the spotlight long.