On Friday night in Las Vegas, former WWE and AEW star Jake Hager made his successful debut in the strange world of professional slap fighting.
The man once known as Jack Swagger in World Wrestling Entertainment has proven over the past decade that he is much more than just a pro wrestler. Before joining WWE, he was an accomplished two-sport athlete in Oklahoma. Playing football and wrestling for powerhouse universities.
He had an 11-year run in the top promotion in pro wrestling, winning numerous titles, including a two-month reign as WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Following his release in 2017, he did not take his talents to any other wrestling company. Instead, he began cage fighting and amassed a 3-0 record in MMA's No. 2 promotion, Bellator.
Jake Hager Power Slap Record: 1-0
Two years later, he returned to the industry under his real name, Jake Hager, which made him a celebrity by signing with All Elite Wrestling. Served as a key member of The Inner Circle and Jericho Appreciation Society during his five-year tenure. However, as of 2017, he eventually left wrestling to try a new sport: slap fighting.
On Friday at Power Slap 19, Hager made his sporting and promotional debut when he faced fellow heavyweight Devin Jenkins. Recognizing that Hager could attract the brand's attention due to his wrestling history, Power Slap gave him a winnable fight after Jenkins had lost his previous two bouts in the promotion.
Although it took three rounds, Hager showed that he is a slap fish out of water and was able to score a TKO victory in his power slap debut (highlights from the victory can be found above). Now, Hager is a successful athlete in not one, not two, not three, but four combat sports.
