D’Angelo Dinero Knocks Out Jake Hager in Power Slap 21
A former TNA wrestler ended the night with a shocking victory at Power Slap 21, knocking out former WWE Champion Jake Hager in a high-stakes match. According to official Power Slap results, D’Angelo Dinero secured the win via knockout in the first round, marking a pivotal moment in his transition to combat sports.
The Knockout That Shook the Combat Sports World
Dinero, a longtime figure in professional wrestling, faced Hager, a former WWE Intercontinental Champion, in a matchup that drew significant attention from fans of both wrestling and mixed martial arts. The fight, held at the iMPACT Zone in Orlando, Florida, saw Dinero dominate Hager with a series of powerful strikes before finishing him with a decisive blow. Power Slap officials confirmed the result, noting the knockout occurred at 2:14 in the first round.
Hager, who competed in WWE from 2006 to 2016 and later joined AEW, has frequently transitioned between wrestling and combat sports. However, this loss marked one of his most dramatic defeats. “This is a tough spot to be in,” Hager said after the fight, per ESPN coverage. “Dinero came in ready, and I didn’t land the shots I needed.”
Context and Implications of the Match
Dinero, known for his tenure in TNA (now Impact Wrestling) during the late 2000s, has gradually shifted his focus to combat sports in recent years. His win at Power Slap 21 highlights the growing overlap between traditional wrestling and MMA-style events. “This is a testament to his adaptability,” said wrestling analyst Chris Van Vliet, citing MMA Fighting. “He’s proving that veteran wrestlers can thrive in this new arena.”
The match also underscored the increasing popularity of Power Slap, a organization that blends wrestling, boxing, and MMA. With events broadcast on platforms like YouTube and FITE TV, the promotion has attracted both veteran athletes and emerging talents. Dinero’s victory could position him as a rising star in the organization, while Hager’s loss adds to his mixed record in combat sports.
What’s Next for the Fighters?
For Dinero, the win opens opportunities to face higher-profile opponents within Power Slap. The organization has yet to announce his next bout, but fans speculate he may challenge reigning champion Chris Bungard. Meanwhile, Hager is expected to return to AEW, where he has been involved in storyline-driven matches. AEW insiders suggest his combat sports setback could influence his in-ring character moving forward.
As the wrestling and combat sports landscapes continue to intersect, events like Power Slap 21 highlight the evolving careers of athletes who once dominated the ring. Dinero’s knockout of Hager is a flashpoint in this transition, cementing his status as a versatile competitor in a rapidly changing industry.