Power Slap Competitor Jake Hager Undergoes Emergency Eye Surgery After Horrific Injury

Former WWE star Jake Hager required emergency surgery after sustaining a severe eye injury during a Power Slap competition in Las Vegas. Hager, who transitioned to the Power Slap promotion after retiring from wrestling in 2025, was competing against Johnny Magna when the incident occurred.

Reports indicate that Magna's hand or finger struck Hager directly in the left eye during the second round. Hager immediately reacted to the blow, telling the referee, "He hit me right in the eye." Broadcast footage showed tears and blood flowing from his eye, prompting ringside doctors to stop the match. Towels were used to manage the leakage, and Hager was promptly transported to the hospital.

Power Slap executive Dana White addressed the injury in a post-fight livestream, calling it "probably the worst injury in Power Slap or UFC ever." White added that medical professionals suspect Hager's tear duct ruptured due to the impact, noting that such an injury was unprecedented in their experience. White, who indicated a strong preference for reviewing such incidents, instructed the production team not to replay the impact during the broadcast.

Hager, known in his WWE career as Jack Swagger and a former holder of the World Heavyweight and United States Championship belts, had signed a six-fight deal with Power Slap earlier in the year. This incident occurred during his third bout with the promotion.

Hager's partner, Patricia Blackburn, who also competes in Power Slap, released a statement confirming his recovery from emergency eye surgery. "We're taking things one day at a time and keeping the details private," Blackburn stated.

The injury drew significant reactions on social media, with some critics labeling the competition as "the stupidest 'sport' in existence," while others drew parallels to concerns over head injuries in other sports like football.