Former WWE and AEW wrestler to make Power Slap debut
Former WWE and AEW wrestler Jake Hager is getting back into the combat sports game.
On TMZ’s Inside the Ring podcast, Hager revealed that he will be debuting for Dana White’s Power Slap promotion next month. He’s signed a six-appearance contract with the slap fighting company and will be making his debut during a show that’s taking place during WrestleMania week. The event will be broadcast on YouTube.
“I’m so excited to announce that I’ve signed with UFC Power Slap, and they are doing a show April 17 in Vegas live. That’s the Friday before Mania. I’ll be competing in that show in the heavyweight division,” the former Jack Swagger announced. “I’ve been told that I have a very slappable face, so I’m sure the line will be around the corner.”
Recruiting indie wrestlers into Power Slap has been a goal for the organization. Hager told Inside the Ring that Sinn Bodhi (former WWE wrestler Kizarny) works for Power Slap and was the person who reached out to him about joining the group.
Though slap fighting has drawn a lot of controversy for its risk of head injuries, Hager isn’t worried about that possibility.
“I mean, you know what you signed up for. You’re signing up to get slapped and trying to slap someone back as hard as you can,” he said. “So I expect injuries to happen. I know UFC does a great job of covering all expenses related to the injuries. I’m not worried about it, to be honest.”
Hager had a few fights for Bellator MMA from 2019-2020 but told Inside the Ring that he doesn’t think an MMA comeback is in store given that he’s about to turn 44 years old. A pro wrestling return could happen, though, despite Hager previously calling himself retired. Hager said he would like to get back into the ring now that his body is feeling better after some time off.
If a pro wrestling return does happen for Hager, it likely will not be in AEW. Hager has been very critical of AEW’s Tony Khan in other interviews, though Hager did have fun while with the promotion and appreciates that he got to be part of Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle faction.
Hager said he does not keep up with the WWE or AEW product at the moment, telling Inside the Ring that he’s busy being a father and managing the trucking company he owns.
“I definitely don’t watch AEW,” he responded when asked if he still watches WWE or AEW programming. “Like you said, I was a founding member of that company. I don’t watch a lot of pro wrestling or MMA right now. I’m pretty busy with the company and keeping the wheels turning. When I do have some downtime, I’m playing video games with my kids or playing soccer with my daughter.”
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.