10 Wrestlers Who Killed Their Own Push
2. Jack Swagger
Though Jack Swagger’s untimely push as World Heavyweight Champion essentially killed his prospects of making it as a long-term WWE main eventer - work that one out - he underwent a significant rebuild after connecting with manager Zeb Colter in 2013. Drawing influence from the Tea Party political movement, the controversial duo gained mainstream media coverage with their new gimmicks, and Swagger’s career was finally on the up again.
He earned the right to challenge for Alberto Del Rio’s World Heavyweight Title after winning the 2013 Elimination Chamber, but made a huge error of judgement just two days later. Swagger was arrested for DUI and possession of marijuana in Gulfport, Mississippi. He was defeated in just 10 minutes at ‘Mania and his push evaporated. The “Real American” persona was greatly toned down as he slid towards the lower-card, and eventually became a non-factor on the WWE roster.
Swagger remained under contract until 2017, when he was finally released. He had become utterly listless by the time of his departure, and while his previous title run didn’t bode well for his main event prospects the second time around, his long, slow demise kicked-off with his arrest.