10 Next Big Things In Wrestling That Totally Flopped
4. Jack Swagger
Jim Ross would still say a lot of the same things about Jack Swagger/Jake Hager if asked. He'd talk about his University Of Oklahoma roots, then point to the man's amateur wrestling credentials as proof fans should take him seriously. This has been the way of it since Swagger first burst onto WWE's main roster in 2008.
Feel old yet?!
You've got to give management some credit here. They really, really tried to make Swagger a household name and symbol of excellence. He won Money In The Bank at WrestleMania XXVI, then cashed in on Chris Jericho to become World Champ. Things went south from there, largely 'cause big Jack lacked natural charisma and struggled to forge a connection with fans.
That wouldn't come until his, "We The People" stuff years later. Even that had a shelf life. Cutting lengthy heel promos as champion and introducing dire gimmicks like "Swagger's Soaring Eagle" didn't work for Jack. His matches as a main eventer were always so-so too.