JAKE HAGER NEEDS EMERGENCY SURGERY AFTER POWER SLAP EYE INJURY

Jake Hager, better known by his WWE ring name Jack Swagger, needed emergency surgery after suffering an eye injury during a Power Slap contest, according to reports. Blood was seen coming from his eye during the bout, which was stopped before it was completed. Broadcasters did not show a replay of the slap that caused the injury. One report described it as "the worst injury in sport's history", though it did not provide supporting evidence for the comparison.

Power Slap is a slap-fighting competition that has only recently gained wider attention as a sport, according to one report. Hager took part in addition to his established background in combat sports. He had confirmed his retirement from professional wrestling in 2025, though he continued to make occasional appearances, losing bouts against John Hawking and Alberto El Patron. One report said medical staff moved quickly to treat him once the extent of the injury became apparent. The same report described the injury as a type not previously seen during a Power Slap competition.

No recovery timeline has been given for Hager following the surgery, based on the available reports. The injury has drawn attention to the physical risks associated with Power Slap as the competition continues to attract competitors from combat sports backgrounds. Hager moved into Power Slap after ending his active career in professional wrestling in 2025, having built a reputation across multiple combat disciplines. Neither report confirmed when, or whether, he plans to compete in Power Slap again.