Indie News: Former WWE Champion signs for UK promotion, causes mass brawl at press conference

What's the story?

For those who don't know, former WWE Superstar Jack Swagger recently signed to Bellator to pursue a career in MMA, but if anyone thought he was done with wrestling, we can confirm that he has now joined UK promotion 5 Star Wrestling.

But he didn't do so quietly, as you can see from the video below.

Swagger insulted his fellow wrestlers and caused a mass brawl, wrecking the set in the process.

In case you didn't know...

Swagger, now going by his real name Jake Hager, has recently been training with Batista, even giving him a black eye while sparring. The date of Swagger's MMA debut is not yet confirmed but we can only assume it will be sometime in 2018, but he looks to be keeping himself busy by making waves in the independent scene too.

Hager was interviewed yesterday about joining 5 Star - the promotion has featured stars such as Rey Mysterio and John Morrison (Also known as Johnny Impact and Johnny Mundo).

The heart of the matter

Swagger had previously said he pitched a shoot fight while in WWE as he felt he was the toughest guy in the locker room, but this was obviously rejected. Hopefully, he'll get booked as a tough guy heel the way he came across in the press conference.

The former champion had been addressing the audience about signing with 5 Star at a press conference when Eddie Ryan took exception to the American's attitude.

Hager tackled The English Lion to the ground after the two squared up, wrecking the room as they went.

Jack Swagger did a great job of getting himself over with the WWE Universe, even when his booking was questionable, so it'll be interesting to see how he does outside of the WWE bubble.

What's next?

The 35-year-old from Oklahoma will make his in-ring debut for 5 Star Wrestling on February 1st against Eddie Ryan at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

It's a stacked card with John Morrison vs Rob Van Dam on the show, as well as WWE legend Rey Mysterio against hometown hero Zack Gibson.

Author's take

Hager's in-ring talent was never in question. A very accomplished amateur wrestler, the Real American always looked very credible in the ring - so, at 35, it's good to see he hasn't hung up his pro wrestling boots for good.

We look forward to seeing what he does in the future, both for 5 Star and Bellator!