Pro wrestling standout Dontae Smiley is bringing his athleticism, charisma, and controlled violence to the Power Slap stage.
The Dallas, Texas-based wrestler, who has performed on AEW, NWA, and in Europe and Australia, is one of several wrestlers making the leap to Power Slap through the league’s recent talent camp. Smiley spoke exclusively with Slap News about his journey, what excites him about slap fighting, and how he plans to bring the same high-energy presence to this new arena.
“I’ve slapped people for way less,” Smiley laughed. “Now I get paid to do it and not get in trouble for it.”
From Pro Wrestling to Power Slap: A Natural Fit
Smiley has been in the ring for over a decade.
“I’ve been wrestling for 11 years. I started in 2014,” he said. “At first, it was a pipe dream. Finding a school wasn’t easy back then — not like today. But once I found one, I hit the ground running.”
Since then, Dontae has worked with some of the biggest promotions in the world, including AEW and NWA, and holds an international contract with OIWA, performing across the U.S., UK, Germany, Portugal, and soon Australia.
“Yourself x10” — The Power Slap Mentality
For Smiley, his wrestling persona and real-life attitude are closely connected.
“They say wrestlers are themselves 10x,” he explained. “That’s what I bring to the table. Whether I’m a face or a heel, it’s still me — athletic, strong, having fun, talking some trash. That’s what I plan to do in Power Slap, too.”
He added: “There ain’t no gimmicks here — this is real fighting. But they still want us to bring ourselves to the table, and I’m excited to do that.”
Why Slap Fighting?
Smiley has always been drawn to high-impact physicality.
“I’ve always had a beacon for violence,” he said. “That’s why I love hardcore wrestling — tables, ladders, chairs, kendo sticks — none of that feels good, but I love it. Power Slap gives me a way to be violent and not get in trouble for it. And they’re paying me to do it!”
“I slap people for less — so why not here, where it’s welcome?”
Hardest Hit of His Career? Not a Slap — Yet.
While he hasn’t taken a Power Slap hit yet, Smiley knows hard impacts.
“Hardest bump I’ve taken? Speared off the apron through a table to the floor. Hardest weapon? Kendo stick. That thing welts, cuts, and leaves marks worse than your mama’s switch off a tree.”
He laughed, adding: “Ask me again after my first slap — I’ll let you know where it ranks.”
Bringing Pro Wrestling Smarts to Power Slap
Smiley sees parallels between the two worlds — and room to innovate.
“Guys like Wolverine, Austin Turpin — I’ve seen them work a crowd. That’s what excites me about this. We’ll figure out how to find the happy medium between being ourselves and understanding that this is real. You either have it or you don’t. It’s a fight.”
He’s no stranger to Power Slap either.
“Branden Bordeaux was one of the first guys I followed. Then Anthony, Robert, Wolverine — I’ve been watching for a while.”
And Smiley sees big potential for Power Slap in his home state of Texas.
“Texas welcomes violence! Power Slap is legal here, UFC’s been here. We haven’t had a Power Slap event yet, but I’d love to see it. I’m here for it!”
Where To Follow Dontae Smiley
If you haven’t followed Dontae yet, now’s the time:
👉 Instagram/Twitter: @dsmileybuiltdifferent
👉 Or just Google: Dontae Smiley