The heavyweight contest, held on July 10, attracted global attention as Hager entered the event with an unbeaten record in combat sports outside professional wrestling. However, the bout ended dramatically when Amanpreet landed a powerful third-round slap that knocked the American out cold, forcing the referee to stop the contest immediately.

The victory marks a significant moment for the Indian athlete, who is also known to wrestling fans as Mahabali Shera from his time in Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA). Competing on one of Power Slap's biggest stages, Amanpreet remained composed after surviving the opening exchanges before delivering the decisive strike that secured a knockout victory.

Hager had started the contest confidently and even scored an early knockdown. The former WWE champion appeared in control during the initial rounds and was looking to build on his successful Power Slap debut earlier this year, where he had earned a knockout victory. The momentum, however, shifted as the contest progressed.

In the third round, Amanpreet connected with a thunderous slap that sent Hager crashing to the canvas. The American lay motionless for several moments before receiving medical attention, prompting the referee to wave off the fight. He was eventually helped to his feet, while Amanpreet celebrated one of the biggest victories of his combat sports career.

The result has generated widespread discussion across combat sports and professional wrestling circles because Hager had entered Power Slap after an accomplished career in multiple disciplines.

Known globally as Jack Swagger during his WWE tenure, Hager captured the World Heavyweight Championship in 2010 before later competing in Bellator MMA, where he remained unbeaten. Earlier this year, he signed a multi-fight agreement with Dana White's Power Slap promotion and made an impressive debut with a knockout victory. His defeat against Amanpreet represents the first knockout loss of his combat sports career.

For Amanpreet Singh, the win is another milestone in a sporting journey that has taken him from professional wrestling to slap fighting. The Punjab-born athlete has represented India in international wrestling promotions and has now earned global recognition in Power Slap with a victory over one of the sport's highest-profile competitors.

Videos of the knockout quickly went viral across social media, with fans and combat sports followers praising Amanpreet's finishing strike. The clip has been widely shared since the event, making it one of the standout moments from Power Slap 21.

The victory could significantly boost Amanpreet's standing in the promotion as Power Slap continues to expand its international roster. While officials are yet to announce his next opponent, defeating a former WWE world champion has undoubtedly strengthened his credentials and increased his profile among global combat sports audiences.

Kristian Gkolomeev falls just 0.07 seconds short of 50m freestyle world record in Las Vegas

The much-hyped debut of the Enhanced Games in Las Vegas ended without a single officially recognised world record, leaving organisers scrambling for a positive spin despite allowing athletes to openly use performance-enhancing drugs.

Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev came closest to making history when he touched the wall in 20.81 seconds during the 50-metre freestyle final. That timing was actually 0.07 seconds faster than the existing world record. But officials refused to ratify it because Gkolomeev wore a banned "skinsuit" and competed under the influence of prohibited substances.

For a competition that promised to shatter sporting boundaries, the five-hour event felt strangely ordinary to many inside the venue.

Loud music, bright lights, empty records

The atmosphere resembled a music festival more than a serious athletic meet. Social media influencers lined the pool deck. Prize money worth crores of rupees brought in some familiar faces. But when it came down to actual performance, the numbers told a different story.

Large screens throughout the stadium displayed exactly which drugs athletes were using during their events. Testosterone, EPO, anabolic steroids – nothing was hidden. Yet the expected flood of world records never arrived.

Swimmer's near-miss sparks debate

Gkolomeev's swim became the talking point of the night, though for complicated reasons. His 20.81-second clocking would have rewritten the books if not for the equipment and chemical assistance.

"The organisers celebrated it like a victory anyway," said a spectator who attended the late evening session. "But everyone knew it didn't count in the real record books."

Athletes divided on doping question

Perhaps the most revealing moments came during the post-race comments. American sprinter Fred Kerley, who won the men's 100 metres, took a swipe at his rivals immediately after crossing the line.

"The rest should work harder, maybe take a little more drugs," Kerley said, drawing mixed reactions from the crowd.

In complete contrast, women's 100-metre winner Tristan Evelyn pushed back against the idea that doping was responsible for her victory. "This proves that winning doesn't come just from chemistry," Evelyn said.

Weightlifting chaos raises eyebrows

The weightlifting portion of the event descended into confusion at several points. Icelandic strongman Hafthor Bjornsson, known worldwide for his Game of Thrones role, failed to improve upon his own 510 kg deadlift record despite multiple attempts.

Canadian lifter Boady Santavy received an extra attempt after failing – a decision that drew comparisons to school sports day rather than elite competition.

Prize money proves the real draw

British swimmer Ben Proud didn't hide his primary motivation for participating. After winning the 50-metre butterfly and finishing second in another event, Proud reportedly earned around ₹3.5 crore.

"When I heard about these games, it felt like winning the lottery," Proud said.

That kind of money explains why athletes showed up. Whether the Enhanced Games can build credibility beyond the cash incentives remains an open question after this lacklustre debut.