Jake Hager Wins Power Slap Debut and Revives Feud With Tony Khan
Jake Hager has had a long career in various types of professional combat entertainment. He has been associated with big names such as WWE, AEW, and Lucha Underground. He grew to be known among numerous WWE fans as Jack Swagger during his tenure with the WWE. Hager won the World Heavyweight Championship and later transitioned to All Elite Wrestling as a visible figure under his real name.
The experienced wrestler has entered a new field. Over the weekend, Hager officially debuted in Power Slap and won, marking a new career outside of professional wrestling.
Strong Debut At Power Slap 19
Hager competed at Power Slap 19, which took place in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 17. He faced Devin “Big Jinxx” Jenkins in a heavyweight matchup that drew attention due to Hager’s name recognition and background in combat sports.
The contest lasted three rounds before Hager secured the win with a knockout finish. His performance gave him an immediate statement victory and showed that his transition into Power Slap may be more than a one-time appearance. With one win now on his record, he is expected to pursue a climb through the rankings as he looks to establish himself among the top names in the promotion.
Championship Goals Already Emerging
Following the victory, attention quickly turned toward what could come next for the former wrestling star. Reports surrounding the event suggested Hager hopes to move toward title contention in the heavyweight division.
That would eventually place him on a path toward current Power Slap Heavyweight Champion Damien Dibbell, who also earned a victory on the same card. Dibbell remains one of the leading names in the division, and any future matchup with Hager would likely attract strong interest because of Hager’s mainstream recognition. For now, however, Hager’s immediate focus will likely be on building momentum and proving he can compete consistently in his new environment.
Post-Fight Comments Revive AEW Tension
While Hager’s victory was notable on its own, much of the post-event conversation centered on comments directed toward one of his former employers, AEW President Tony Khan. After the match, Jake publicly called out Khan, continuing a rivalry that has remained active since he departed from All Elite Wrestling in 2024.
Their strained relationship reportedly began during contract discussions in 2022, when Hager believed the company undervalued his contributions. At the time, he had been one of AEW’s recognizable early roster members and played a regular role during the promotion’s first several years.
Criticism Has Continued Since Exit
Hager has criticized Tony Khan in a series of interviews and in public appearances since his departure from AEW. He accused him of handling criticism poorly and continued referencing their issues long after his exit from the company.
The latter statements suggest that the conflict has not died. Although he is starting a new career in Power Slap, Jake seems to be eager to keep that feud alive whenever he gets a chance.
New Sport, Recognized Location
The addition of Power Slap by Hager forms another twist to a career that has already seen him run in championships, compete in, and appear in various wrestling promotions. His initial victory is a good omen that he may emerge as a big name in the heavyweight category should he be in good health.
Meanwhile, the fact that he has continued to publicly attack Tony Khan indicates that old issues continue to follow him into new areas. Whether Hager will be in the title business or controversy outside the competition fence in the future, he has still managed to get himself back in the limelight.
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