From WWE Release to Face-Slapping Revenge: Lance Anoa’i Turns Heartbreak Into Power Slap Redemption
Lance Anoa’i isn’t letting his WWE disappointment define him — instead, he’s using it as fuel for an unexpected and brutal new chapter.
The 15-year wrestling veteran, who signed with WWE in the summer of 2024, never got the chance to step into the ring for the company. A string of injuries and multiple surgeries stalled his momentum, and earlier this year, WWE ultimately cut ties before fans ever saw him compete. For most, that would be the end of the road.
For Anoa’i, it was just the beginning.
Speaking candidly at the Power Slap Combine, Anoa’i revealed that his WWE release lit a fire under him rather than breaking his spirit. With a family to support and something to prove, he’s now stepping into the controversial but high-profile world of Power Slap.
“Man, honestly, it was a tough decision whether or not to come,” Anoa’i admitted. “I used to get smacked as a kid and didn’t get paid for it. Now I get to do it, get paid, and try to knock somebody out.”
The comments were half-humor, half-hard truth — a glimpse into the mindset of a competitor who refuses to slow down. After 15 years in professional wrestling, Anoa’i says his setbacks haven’t discouraged him; they’ve motivated him.
“I recently got released from WWE,” he said. “I’ve had a few surgeries that held me back, but man, it’s fueling me to be better. I’ve got my wife and my kids. I just want to go out there, try something different, and provide for my family.”
While Power Slap may seem like an unusual pivot from pro wrestling, Anoa’i sees it as another opportunity to showcase toughness, resilience, and hunger — traits he’s built his entire career around.
His WWE chapter may have ended before it ever truly began, but Lance Anoa’i is proving that heartbreak doesn’t have to mean defeat. Sometimes, it’s just the spark that pushes you to hit back harder than ever.
