Power Slap: Road to the Title is a new combat reality show airing on TBS, backed by the UFC, and created by controversial UFC president Dana White. The show follows contestants as they "compete for a coveted spot in the Power Slap house and future opportunities for glory." The show is not only irresponsibly dangerous but a disgrace to athletes in other combat and contact sports who put their bodies on the line for our entertainment.
After the show's first airing on Wednesday, January 18th, clips began facing serious backlash online from both sports fans and health experts alike. Former WWE wrestler and neuroscientist Chris Nowinski called the show, "so sad," and "pure exploitation."
This is so sad. Note the fencing posture with the first brain injury. He may never be the same. @danawhite & @TBSNetwork should be ashamed. Pure exploitation. What's next, "Who can survive a stabbing"? pic.twitter.com/jTENpUmJDd
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) January 19, 2023
Athlete safety, especially regarding concussions and head trauma, has been a major topic of discussion is recent years. Dolphin's quarterback Tua Tagovailoa made national headlines last September when he was carted off the field after suffering a concussion and displaying the same "fencing" pose Nowinski references in his tweet.
He would go on to experience a second official, and likely third concussion of the season just a few months later. The long-term health implications of his injuries have many calling for the 24-year-old's early retirement.
A show like Power Slap is specifically designed to inflict injuries of this kind, and its glorification is not only dangerous but immoral. It comes as no surprise then, that show creator Dana White was caught on camera hitting his wife on New Year's Eve.
I believe adults can choose to do dangerous jobs if they understand the risks & reasonable efforts are made to protect them.
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) January 17, 2023
But head hits with no defense is just sad. It reminds us that people who don't take the risks often exploit those who do. pic.twitter.com/nC8xNWKimF
In a year where injuries to Tagovailoa and Damar Hamlin have reinvigorated the discussion of safety in sports, a show that completely disregards that is insensitive and out of touch with the role athletes play in our entertainment. Dana White should not have a platform, and TBS should not be airing this disgusting show.
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