Former WWE World Champion Joins UFC’s Power Slap – “I Have A Slappable Face”
A championship WWE wrestler has signed a deal to compete for UFC’s Power Slap promotion.
Jake Hager used the name Jack Swagger in WWE. That WWE run started in 2006, when he was a former standout collegiate wrestler, and he debuted on the main roster in 2008.
During his WWE career that lasted until 2017, Jack Swagger was a former World Heavyweight Champion (thanks to a Money in the Bank cash-in) and won multiple other titles. After a decade in WWE, Swagger went to AEW and used his real name, Jake Hager.
After debuting on AEW’s first episode of Dynamite in October 2019, Hager had a five-year run in the company, during which he didn’t wrestle much at all and didn’t have good things to say about AEW after he left. By August 2025, Hager claimed that he had retired as a pro wrestler.
WWE’s Jack Swagger Is Headed For Power Slap
Up next for Hager is a different kind of competition – UFC Power Slap. Hager announced on TMZ’s Inside The Ring that he’s signed a six-appearance deal.
“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 [WrestleMania]. I’ll be competing in that show in the heavyweight division. I’ve been told I have a very slappable face.”
When it comes to being slapped in the face, the former Swagger doesn’t seem too worried about it.
“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’m not worried about it, to be honest.”
As for a potential future in wrestling, Hager seems willing to do it again.
“When I retired, my body was banged up pretty badly… my shoulders were hanging on by a thread. Everything’s a lot better now and healthier. I wouldn’t rule out me wrestling again.”
Away from the ring and the slap world, Hager has opened a trucking business called Hauling Oates.
“Hauling Oates, making your dreams come true. I manage the company from the office here and hire drivers. I only own two trucks, so I’m like a ‘flee,’ but we’re getting there. I’m trying to become a fleet owner right now.”
In addition to pro wrestling, Jake Hager has also competed in MMA, though he never fought in the UFC.