Jake Hager’s latest setback has raised fresh concerns about what happened during his most recent appearance in combat sports.
The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion had a difficult night at Power Slap 23 in Lubbock, Texas, where he suffered a serious injury during his fight with Johnny Magna. Hager was left bleeding from his left eye and ear after taking a brutal slap, leading the cageside doctor to stop the contest before medical personnel quickly attended to him.
Now, an update from within the Power Slap community has revealed the extent of Hager’s injury.
Fellow Power Slap fighter Patricia Blackburn told Slap News that Hager has already undergone emergency eye surgery. She also thanked the UFC and Power Slap community for supporting him while his recovery continues.
“Thank you to the UFC and Power Slap family for the incredible love and support you’ve shown Jake during this difficult time. Jake is currently recovering from an emergency eye surgery. We’re taking things one day at a time and keeping the details private, but your kindness, support, and genuine concern have meant more than you know. Thank you for being there for Jake. We’re so grateful to be part of a community that shows up when it matters most.”
The statement does not reveal the specific damage to Hager’s eye or provide a recovery timeline. However, the fact that emergency surgery was required shows that the injury was more serious than initially understood.
That becomes even more concerning given Hager’s previous comments about the punishment involved in Power Slap. After suffering an earlier knockout, he had admitted that he was beginning to question how much more punishment he could continue taking in the sport.
For now, there are still plenty of unanswered questions surrounding Hager’s recovery, including how much time he could spend away from competition and whether this injury will change his plans moving forward.
After everything that happened at Power Slap 23, the next update will likely be an important one for Hager and his future in combat sports.
What do you think should be the next step for Jake Hager after suffering this serious eye injury?
