Multiple sites are reporting that Jack Swagger has NOT yet been released by the WWE, and even if he were, he would be under a 90 day non-compete clause, which will make the fans in Norwich, England very unhappy.
Fightful was sent a press release stating that Swagger was still under contract.
“Jack Swagger has not been granted a release from his WWE contract. When he is granted his release, Jack Swagger will remain under exclusive contract to WWE for 90 days and will be compensated accordingly during that period.”
News broke yesterday of Swagger going on Chael Sonnen's podcast and saying that he had asked the WWE for his release. He said he would like to continue wrestling, and mention the UK as a possible territory he'd like to branch out into.
Then, earlier this morning, this image was posted to the Facebook page of WAW (the World Association of Wrestling):
WAW is the promotion run by the family of WWE Superstar Paige, who is currently engaged to Alberto El Patron.
Now, when you go to WAWUK.com, you can see on their homepage that they're promoting a Swagger appearance, though they are careful never to mention him by name:
Clicking on the Swagger image brings you to another page, where Swagger is referred to only by his given name, Jake Hager:
FORMER WORLD CHAMPION SUPERSTAR COMING TO NORWICH!
Another major signing has been secured by the WAW office which sees the addition of American superstar and former World Heavyweight Champion Jake Hager, who will be appearing at WAWTV6 next weekend at Epic Studios, Norwich. Hager became a free agent less than 24 hours before the signing was announced but was quickly snapped up to appear in Norwich on March 11th.
Though his opponent is yet to be announced, the current seven man #1 contender’s match for Brad Slayer’s Undisputed World Heavyweight Championship would certainly have room for an eighth participant. Equally, Hager could serve as a replacement for Slayer in the eight-man tag team Isolation match following the news that Mr Anderson is no longer able to invoke his rematch clause for the title this month and will instead be returning to Norwich for the May tapings.
Hager joins a growing list of international superstar names who have signed with WAW including Commissioner Scott Hall and his son Cody, former Undisputed World Heavyweight Champions Luke Hawx and Mr Anderson, women’s wrestling legend Lisa Marie, and, of course, the Mexican trio of Alberto El Patron, Memo Montenegro, and Jesus Rodriguez. Despite the influx of global talent which WAW has seen in recent months the established, mostly British and European roster has more than proven itself capable of stepping up to the challenge of these well known names.
Again, Swagger says he's asked for his release, has already booked an independent show for 8 days from now in England, which the company is promoting heavily, even though the WWE says Swagger has not yet been released, and even if he had been, he'd be barred from competing elsewhere for 90 days.
We'll keep you updated on this situation as it develops.
