A former WWE World Champion is heading into a very different kind of ring.
Jake Hager, previously known to WWE fans as Jack Swagger, has confirmed that he has signed a multi-match contract with Power Slap. Speaking on TMZ’s Inside the Ring, Hager revealed he will compete in the heavyweight division at the promotion’s April 17 event in Las Vegas, the Friday before WrestleMania weekend.
“I’m so excited to announce that I’ve signed with UFC Power Slap,” Hager said. “They are doing a show April 17 in Vegas, live. I’ll be competing in that show in the heavyweight division.”
Hager added that he has agreed to six appearances and was recruited by Sin Bodhi, who serves as head of talent relations for the organisation. Despite ongoing debate around the safety of slap fighting, Hager made it clear he understands the risks.
“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’m not worried about it, to be honest.”
Former WWE World Champion Jake Hager Addresses Wrestling Future
The 43-year-old former WWE World Heavyweight and United States Champion also addressed his future in wrestling. Jake Hager previously stepped away from the ring due to serious shoulder issues, describing his body as “banged up pretty badly” at the time. However, he indicated that his health has improved significantly and did not rule out a potential return to professional wrestling.
That said, he suggested one particular company is unlikely to be part of that future. When asked about a return, Hager responded that there is “one company” he would not be wrestling for, widely interpreted as AEW, where he last competed. He also took a light-hearted jab at his former on-screen persona, joking that the purple hat he wore in AEW was “more over” than he was.
Outside of combat sports, Hager has been focusing on business ventures. He currently operates a trucking company called “Hauling Oates,” which he manages while looking to expand his fleet. Fans can meet Hager during WrestleMania week in Las Vegas, where he is scheduled to appear at WrestleCon alongside Mike Chioda, Al Snow, and Chris Hero.
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