Dana White Signs Former WWE Heavyweight Champion to Power Slap

Dana White has pulled off another unexpected crossover, and this one brings real wrestling credibility into Power Slap.

Former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Jake Hager has officially signed with the promotion and is set to compete during WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas. The move instantly connects two very different audiences and gives Power Slap a recognizable name at a crucial moment.

Hager confirmed that he agreed to a multi appearance deal and will make his Jake Hager Power Slap debut on April 17. The timing is strategic. WrestleMania week already draws thousands of wrestling and combat sports fans to the city, creating built in attention. Adding Hager to the card ensures that curiosity from WWE viewers spills directly into Power Slap’s spotlight.

A Familiar Name in an Unfamiliar Arena

Hager’s background makes this transition fascinating. Before his time in WWE as Jack Swagger, he was an NCAA Division I All American wrestler at Oklahoma. He later moved into mixed martial arts with Bellator, where he remained undefeated. Physical competition is nothing new to him. What is new is the format.

Power Slap strips fighting down to its most basic form. Two competitors stand face to face and take turns delivering open hand strikes. There is no movement, no defense, and no grappling exchanges. You brace yourself, absorb the impact, and respond. It is raw and direct, which is exactly why it divides opinion.

Hager has been open about understanding the risks. He knows the criticism surrounding slap fighting and recognizes how different it is from professional wrestling or MMA. Still, he believes his experience in high pressure environments prepares him for this challenge. For him, this is not a publicity stunt. It is another test.

For Dana White, signing Hager is about credibility and visibility. Power Slap has steadily grown, but mainstream recognition remains a hurdle. Bringing in a former world champion bridges that gap. Fans who might never have watched a slap fighting event now have a reason to tune in.

Whether the Jake Hager Power Slap debut becomes a breakout moment or simply a bold experiment, it adds fresh intrigue to WrestleMania weekend. One thing is certain. All eyes will be on Las Vegas when Hager steps forward and takes that first strike..