Throughout the years there have been a number of professional wrestlers who have made the jump to MMA. One of them happens to be former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Jake Hager, and now it seems that Jake Hager is adding another form of combat sports to his resume.
While speaking with TMZ’s Inside The Ring, Jake Hager announced that he has signed with Power Slap and he will be competing in his first event for the company on April 17th.
“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. You know, I’ve been told I have a very slappable face.”
When asked how he prepares for Powerslap, Hager said, “There’s certain exercises, 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. It just does shoulders to head, so hopefully that’s an advantage for me.”
Hager confirmed that he has signed a six appearance contract with Power Slap when he added, “I’ve signed a six appearance contract with them, so hopefully it’s more than one. Absolutely, long term.”
The former AEW star was also asked if he’s been keeping up with professional wrestling and he said, “Oh I definitely don’t watch AEW. 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.”
Jake Hager first signed with WWE back in 2006 and he went on to use the name Jack Swagger. During his run with the company he became a Money in the Bank winner, United States Champion, ECW World Champion and WWE World Heavyweight Champion.
Hager parted ways with WWE in 2017 and went on to join AEW in 2019. He also competed for Bellator MMA and has a record of 3-0 with 1 no contest. Hager confirmed while speaking with TMZ that he is retired from MMA and will not be returning to the world of mixed martial arts due to his age.