Jack Swagger (via Getty)
The ex-WWE star, also known as Jack Swagger faced Johnny Magna at Power Slap 23 in Texas on September 17, but the bout ended after a brutal second-round strike. The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion finished his MMA career with a 3-0-1 record. Earlier in 2026, Hager made another surprising move. Hager defeated Devin Jenkins by third-round knockout at Power Slap 19 in April. Hager was knocked out by Amanpreet Singh at Power Slap 21 in July. He received a 45-day medical suspension following that defeat. Despite the recent loss, Hager returned to competition at Power Slap 23. He spent more than a decade with WWE after signing with the company in 2006. His biggest WWE achievement came after he won the Money in the Bank ladder match at WrestleMania 26. Hager also became United States Champion in 2012 after defeating Zack Ryder. He eventually left WWE in 2017.
He signed a six-appearance deal with Power Slap and entered the slap-fighting promotion.
His debut went according to plan. “He hit me right in the eye,” Hager said dejectedly. One fan wrote, “Jake u don’t need this, MLW and TNA would hire you for sure”, another said, “There’s gotta be a better way to make some money. A user wrote, “No punches or kicks but just slaps and Jack can’t put on some swagger, eyes popping”, while another commented, “He’s still doing this shit He needs to retire WTF ??!??
Former WWE champion Jake Hager suffered a frightening eye injury during his latest Power Slap appearance. Hager remained conscious after taking Magna’s slap but immediately showed signs of severe pain. He held his left eye and complained about the damage. Moments later, blood appeared to be leaking from his eye. Jake Hager has taken an unusual route since leaving WWE . After establishing himself as Jack Swagger, he moved into MMA and competed for Bellator. However, his second appearance ended very differently. This time, he faced Johnny Magna. The match quickly turned into another difficult night. After Magna’s second-round slap landed, Hager immediately reacted. He winced and grabbed his left eye. The former WWE star appeared to be struggling with the pain as officials assessed the situation. The situation became even more disturbing as red fluid began to come from his tear duct. The bout was stopped by doctors, and Magna was declared the winner via TKO. Fans were shocked by the injury and questioned why Hager continues to compete in Power Slap. One wrote, “This shit is the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen. If you’re into this you should be in a mental institution. The injury has also raised questions about Hager’s future in Power Slap. His latest injury could require another significant period away from competition. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines Hager’s wrestling background makes his current career path even more surprising. Five days later, he defeated Chris Jericho to capture the World Heavyweight Championship. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
He had already suffered a knockout loss only two months earlier.