5 Wrestlers Who Will Get Over In AEW (And 5 Who Won't)
4. Jake Hager WILL...
On the debut episode of Dynamite, Jake Hager made an immediate impression that extended beyond the initial shock pop any talent receives in a new setting. Wade Keller reported recently that Hager is "super motivated" and that he has "regained his confidence that he lost in WWE".
No sh*t: Hager looked like a total beast in the wild closing angle, showing an intensity matched by a shredded physique that always seemed beyond him. He didn't hesitate for a second on his convoluted big Vader Bomb spot. He arced through the air looking like a super-athlete, and generally timed his role perfectly.
A TNA moment that never felt like it, a closer replay gave pause.
Even with the camera trained directly on him, Hager didn't know where to look. His eyes darted from side to side as he couldn't rest on even a static, mean mug facial. Whether he was unable to cope with an adrenaline he hasn't felt in years - or simply never had nor will have the skill to work a TV camera - is unclear.
Hager was always gormless, in a way that undermined him, but he will be presented less like a TV performer and more as a legitimate MMA import; Bellator was mentioned, as was his impressive collegiate background, where WWE absolutely was not. It's a hopelessly lofty comparison, but Brock Lesnar doesn't stand there looking blankly beside Paul Heyman for nothing.
Armed with another genius orator, Hager's negatives, on scant evidence, can be hidden.