Andrew Ravens
Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion and AEW alum Jake Hager is officially returning to the combat sports world, but not in the way many fans expected.
During an appearance on TMZ’s Inside the Ring podcast, the 43-year-old revealed that he has signed a six-appearance contract with Dana White’s Power Slap promotion. Hager is scheduled to make his heavyweight division debut on April 17, 2026, in Las Vegas—the Friday night of WrestleMania 42 weekend—at an event that will be broadcast live on YouTube. Hager’s transition into the controversial world of slap fighting was facilitated by a familiar face from his professional wrestling past.
Sinn Bodhi, known to WWE fans as Kizarny, currently serves as the head of talent relations and a recruiter for Power Slap. Bodhi, who has been vocal about his goal to bring “monsters and villains” from the wrestling world into the promotion, targeted Hager as his top recruit for the 2026 season.
“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,” Hager announced. “I’ve been told that I have a very slappable face, so I’m sure the line will be around the corner.”
Despite the ongoing medical scrutiny surrounding slap fighting and the high risk of concussions, Hager shared a lack of concern regarding potential injuries. The former “All-American” noted that he understands the inherent risks and trusts the organization to provide necessary medical coverage. Hager also took the opportunity to officially rule out an MMA comeback, citing his age and a desire to move away from the grueling training camps required for the cage.
“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. 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 said.
While his MMA career—which saw him go 3-0 with one no-contest in Bellator—is likely over, Hager hinted that a professional wrestling return is a possibility. Since his AEW contract expired in June 2024, Hager has spent time away from the ring to manage his Florida-based trucking company, “Haulin’ Oats.” However, he noted that his body is feeling significantly better after the hiatus and he would be open to taking bookings again.
