In a recent interview, former WWE World Champion Jake Hager accused John Cena of refusing to lose to him during a planned Money in the Bank cash-in, shedding light on a backstage conflict in WWE. This claim adds a new dimension to John Cena refuses to lose claims that have circulated among wrestling fans for years.
Details Behind the Failed WWE Championship Cash-In
Jake Hager, known to WWE audiences as Jack Swagger, discussed a critical moment after winning the Money in the Bank briefcase at WrestleMania 26. The original plan was for Hager to cash in the contract immediately on then-WWE Champion John Cena during a Monday Night RAW episode. However, according to Hager, Cena outright refused to lose to him, preventing the cash-in from happening against the WWE leader at the time.
Instead, Hager ended up cashing in the contract successfully on Chris Jericho, winning the World Heavyweight Title without facing Cena. Reflecting on the situation during a conversation with interviewer Chris Van Vliet, Hager revealed that Cena’s reluctance was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern with younger wrestlers.
“Oh yeah, he [Cena] absolutely refused to do it. I was told that was what happened. Because the original plan was [that] I was gonna beat him Monday night on RAW and not do the tease. But I’m a young guy. I’ve been there for a cup of coffee, so what are you gonna do? But I’m not the only guy he’s done that to; he did that throughout his career. I was surprised to see what happened with him and Truth [R-Truth] lately, because usually, he tried to take that glory. But I feel like this time, he’s the one who said we better go with Truth and get him back here,” Jake Hager said.
Hager’s comments highlight the tension between established stars and emerging talent, with Cena being portrayed as a figure protective of his status during his WWE career. The revelation connects with ongoing discussions about backstage dynamics and how key wrestlers have influenced career trajectories.
Jake Hager‘s Current Life Outside Wrestling
Since stepping away from the wrestling spotlight, Jake Hager has transitioned to a new career in the trucking business. During the interview, he explained that he now owns trucks responsible for transporting various shipments between warehouses, showing a significant shift from his days as a top WWE champion.
“A bunch of bullsh*t. It’s like warehouse to warehouse. Crates, palettes, it could be anything. I hauled the forklift the other day. Paper cups are in the truck right now. They’re gonna be dropped off tomorrow. I own the trucks.”
Hager’s last wrestling appearance was at an independent event in November 2024, leaving open the possibility of a future return to professional wrestling. Meanwhile, he has fully embraced his role as a business owner in the logistics sector.
The Broader Implications of Cena’s In-Ring Decisions
The allegation that John Cena refused to lose to Jake Hager adds to a complicated legacy regarding the WWE star’s role in shaping younger wrestlers‘ careers. Cena’s protection of his image and victories appears to have affected multiple talents over time, influencing storylines and title changes in ways that remain a topic of debate among wrestling insiders and fans alike.
This development also adds context to recent incidents involving Cena and R-Truth, suggesting that Cena may have altered his approach in later years. As WWE continues to evolve, these behind-the-scenes revelations provide insight into the power struggles and respect dynamics that define wrestling careers.
