Dana White has announced that Jake Hager, a former WWE champion, will be making his Power Slap debut next month.
Hager brings a varied combat sports background with him. Before he was known in professional wrestling, he was an All-American wrestler in the NCAA and later picked up three wins during a short stint with Bellator.
The former WWE star is one of several athletes from other disciplines to try their hand at Power Slap. Former UFC fighter Paige VanZant also made the switch recently and remained unbeaten until an injury forced her out of a title fight.
Jake Hager signs with Power Slap ahead of April 17 debut
Jake Hager has signed with Dana White’s Power Slap League, stepping out of retirement to join a sport he once called “absurd”.
Hager spent time in Bellator before making the switch to AEW in 2019. He retired from wrestling in August 2023 and this will be his first return to action since then.
“I’m so excited to announce that I’ve signed with UFC Power Slap,” Hager told TMZ Sports. He said that his debut is set for April 17 and he has committed to a six-appearance deal.
The former pro wrestler, who was an All-American Division 1 NCAA wrestler before getting into professional wrestling, joins Paige VanZant as the latest high-profile athlete to cross over into slap fighting.
The event will take place during WrestleMania weekend, which falls under the broader TKO umbrella alongside WWE and UFC. Hager joked that he’s been told he has “a very slappable face” and expects no shortage of challengers lining up for a shot at him.
Since stepping away from wrestling, Hager has been focused on running a trucking business and enjoying more time at home, away from the demands of life on tour.
Read more:
