Ex-WWE Star Jake Hager Signs with UFC’s Power Slap

Jake Hager is stepping back into the fight game — just not inside a wrestling ring. The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion and AEW standout appeared on TMZ Inside The Ring and dropped a major announcement about his next move.

During the interview, Hager revealed he has officially signed with Power Slap and will compete during WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas. After being asked if he had any news to share, Hager didn’t hesitate before breaking it himself.

“Yeah, I’m so excited to announce that I’ve signed with UFC Power Slap and they are doing a show April 17th in Vegas live. That’s the Friday [before] Mania. I’ll be competing in that show in the heavyweight division and, you know, I’ve been told I have a very slappable face, so right around the corner.”

When asked who told him that, Hager fired back with a quick punchline, “My ex.” The April 17 event takes place in Las Vegas during WrestleMania weekend, putting Hager right in the middle of one of wrestling’s biggest weeks of the year. But this isn’t a one-off appearance. Hager confirmed he’s committed beyond just a single event.

“I signed a six appearance contract with them. So hopefully it’s more than one. Absolutely long term.”

The deal came together after former developmental colleague Sin Bodhi — now involved in talent relations for Power Slap — reached out to him. Hager explained that timing previously prevented him from accepting the offer, but that’s no longer the case.

“He reached out to me last year, but I wasn’t able to do it until now — and now that I’m healthy, I’m coming running.”

At 44 years old, Hager admitted his body had taken a beating during his wrestling career, but says time away has made a difference. Now feeling physically stronger, he’s leaning on his background in amateur wrestling and MMA as he prepares for this new challenge. When the hosts asked how someone even trains to absorb open-hand strikes to the face, Hager detailed the preparation involved.

“Yeah, there’s certain exercises. You know, a lot of shoulder techniques and you definitely want to have your neck strengthened to absorb the blow. Luckily, I don’t have a neck, so it just goes shoulder to head. And hopefully that’s an advantage for me.”

Power Slap has faced criticism regarding fighter safety, something the hosts addressed directly. Hager made it clear he understands what comes with the territory.

“I mean, you know what you sign 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 and I’m not worried about it, to be honest.”

“No. No. I mean, I went into pro MMA without ever having an amateur fight. This is just where you rely on your background. I’ve been fighting all my life — wrestling, pro wrestling, MMA. I’m just going to lean on that. Definitely train hard and step up.”

Hager will compete in the heavyweight division, with the event airing live. He’ll also be signing at WrestleCon during the same weekend, meaning fans in Las Vegas will have multiple chances to see him up close.

Whether you love pro wrestling or just want to see someone get smacked across the face under bright lights, Hager is betting this move keeps him firmly in the combat sports conversation.

Now that Jake Hager has committed to six Power Slap appearances, could this become the next long-term chapter of his career — or is a wrestling return still the bigger story waiting to happen?

What do you think about Hager stepping into Power Slap during WrestleMania weekend? Is this a smart move or a risky one? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know.

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