The new series “Power Slap” is widely criticized – main sponsor Monster Energy is silent Drama, baby, drama – the best season in history

A well-aimed slap in the face, the receiver stands unsteadily on his feet for a moment and finally collapses. He’s been knocked out. The new American slap fighting show “Power Slap” is not for the faint hearted. Since January 18, it can be seen on the American channel TBS and on the video platform Rumble.

It is a sport like no other: two so-called “slap fighters” take turns to beat each other and get points for it. Points are awarded by the judges based on the following criteria: how much damage the punches cause and how the receiver reacts to the punch. Like how long it takes to recover from the blow and move on. But: unlike other martial arts, the receiver is not allowed to defend himself. The goal: a knockout

Punch fighting has long been popular in Eastern Europe, and now Dana White, president of the martial arts organization UFC, has ensured the sport is given a platform in the US. According to various news portals, the television show has averaged 275,000 viewers to date.

Although the novelty met with interest, there was already a lot of criticism. One man wrote on Twitter: “What has become of our world that we celebrate knocking down a defenseless person on camera?” Another user writes, “Bring it on with brain injury.”

Medical specialists who work in martial arts also show little understanding of the sport. According to neuroscientist and former WWE fighter Chris Nowinski. He shares a video on Twitter of a slap fighter being knocked unconscious in the first episode. The neuroscientist points to his rigidly curved hand and speaks of a first brain injury. He writes, “He will never be the same again.” Also because the blow fighter had suffered temporary amnesia.

While critics applauded Dana White, another concerned giant remained silent: beverage maker Monster Energy. The typical green “M” – the logo of the drink – can be seen in the series on the clothing of the participants and on the table in between. The drink also features prominently in interviews. Because Monster Energy is the first official partner and main sponsor of Power-Slap.

Monster Energy’s involvement in sports is not new. That it all happens quietly, yes. From motocross to BMX to martial arts to full contact MMA, a range of sports can be found on the brand’s website. Only slap fights are missing – still?

There is also no trace of the sport on Monster Energy’s social media channels. Not a single blow can be seen between the videos of surfers and BMX riders. There was also no subscription to Monster Energy’s official power slap profile on Instagram.

Monster Energy denies request

When asked about the reluctance, Monster Energy’s response was curt: “At this time, we must respectfully decline the request.” It also says that the main focus of the brand is on surfing, skating, BMX and other sports. So Monster Energy should be associated with surfing rather than power slap? The question of why and whether Monster Energy is aware of the health risks of the sport also remains unanswered.

Power-Slap also gave no information. But unlike Monster Energy, a message speaks of a pleasant collaboration. What exactly this collaboration will look like is not disclosed.

Energy drink brands are known for supporting adrenaline fueled stunts and high-risk sports. Competitor Red Bull has also been criticized for fatalities related to their stunts. But is Monster Energy going too far with the power slap partnership?

Dead after a blow fight

Only time will tell how dangerous the sport really is or not. The sport was given the green light by the Nevada Sports Commission in October. But the fact that there is a lot of uncertainty is also apparent from the questions that the sports committee asked White’s team, according to The Insider: “Are you going to make sure that no one dies? And that no one suffers a serious brain injury?” The team has assured that this is their top priority.

However, there is no guarantee, as shown by the example of Polish strength athlete Artur Walczak, who fell into a coma and died at the end of 2021 as a result of another blow fight. According to Polish News, the cause of death was multi-organ failure, which was due to irreversible damage to the central nervous system.

The fact that the sport is regulated brings with it rules that make it safer; At least that’s what the people behind Power-Slap say. There are four weight classes. In addition, all participants must wear a face mask and cotton earplugs. (aargauerzeitung.ch)