Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion and AEW alum Jake Hager is officially returning to the world of combat sports, but not in the way many fans were expecting.
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 – in 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.
Sin Bodhi, known to WWE fans as Kizarni, currently serves as the head of talent relations and recruiter for Power Slap. Bodhi, who has been vocal about his goal of bringing “monsters and villains” from the wrestling world into the promotion, targeted Hager as his top recruit for the 2026 season.
“I’m very excited to announce that I have signed with UFC Power Slap, and they are doing a show at Vegas Live on April 17th. It’s the Friday before Mania. I will be competing on that show in the heavyweight division,” Hager announced. “I’ve been told my face is pretty slappable, so I’m sure the line will be around the corner.”
Despite the ongoing medical investigation and high risk of injury surrounding slap fighting, Hager shared a lack of concern about potential injuries. The former “All-American” said he understands the inherent risks and trusts the organization to provide the necessary medical coverage. Hager also took the opportunity to officially rule out an MMA comeback, citing his age and desire to step away from the grueling training camps required by the cage.
“I mean, you know what you signed up for. You’re signing up to get slapped and try to slap somebody as hard as possible. So I expect injuries. I know the UFC does a pretty good job of covering all the expenses related to injuries. Honestly, I’m not worried about it.”
While his MMA career – in which he suffered a 3-0 no-contest loss in Bellator – is likely over, Hager hinted that a return to professional wrestling is a possibility. Since his AEW contract expires in June 2024, Hager has spent time away from the ring managing his Florida-based trucking company, “Howlin’ Oats”. However, he said that his body is feeling much better after the hiatus and he is ready to take bookings again.
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