Former WWE and AEW standout Jake Hager is transitioning into a new area of combat sports. During a recent appearance on the Inside the Ring podcast by TMZ, Hager announced that he has signed a multi-appearance deal with Dana White’s Power Slap promotion. The former World Heavyweight Champion has committed to six appearances with the organization, with his debut scheduled for next month during the festivities of WrestleMania week in Las Vegas.

The event, which will be streamed live on YouTube, is set to take place on April 17, 2026. “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 revealed. Embracing the nature of the sport, he added with a touch of humor: “I’ve been told that I have a very slappable face, so I’m sure the line will be around the corner.”

Hager’s recruitment into the slap fighting world was facilitated by a familiar face from the wrestling industry. He noted that Sinn Bodhi, known to WWE fans as Kizarny, currently works for the promotion and was the person who initiated the contact. Despite the ongoing public debate regarding the safety of the sport and the potential for head trauma, Hager remains unbothered. “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 remarked. “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.”

While Hager previously competed in Bellator MMA, he does not foresee a return to that cage as he nears his 44th birthday. However, a return to the wrestling ring appears more likely. Although he once considered himself retired, Hager noted that his body is feeling rejuvenated after a hiatus. If he does return to pro wrestling, it likely will not be with AEW, as he has expressed criticism of Tony Khan in the past.

Currently, Hager’s focus remains on his family and his business ventures outside of the spotlight. “I definitely don’t watch AEW,” he said regarding his current viewing habits. “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.”

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