10 Times WWE Dropped The Ball On Jack Swagger

By Graham Matthews /

6. Pairing With Michael Cole

Following his Money in the Bank Ladder match victory at WrestleMania 26, Jack Swagger wasn't at all configured into the plans for WrestleMania 27. But to WWE's credit, they were wise to pair him with Michael Cole, one of the most hated heels on Raw in the early months of 2011, as his trainer. Similar to the bald eagle mascot, his alliance with Cole brought out the best in him. When he wrestled, it was in a winning effort, and afterward, he celebrated with Cole in hilarious fashion. Essentially, it was a match made in heaven that saw Swagger involved in the heated rivalry between Cole and Jerry Lawler, one of the more prominently featured feuds on the WrestleMania card. While he wasn't in action on the show, he did take a Stunner from Stone Cold Steve Austin, which is a 'Mania moment in of itself. Shortly after The Show of Shows, Cole broke off his partnership with the Oklahoma native when he wasn't bringing him the results he wanted. That would have been the time to turn Swagger, but he remained heel and was returned to "WWE Superstars" purgatory.