A controversial ending leaves more questions than answers in the heavyweight division
Wolverine has been the face of Power Slap since day one, and at Power Slap 13, he retained his title — but not under the circumstances he hoped for. After a gritty, back-and-forth exchange with Russell Rivera, the bout was stopped due to a club violation on Rivera’s third strike. While the win remains on Wolverine’s record, the mood was far from celebratory.
“It’s not the win I wanted,” Wolverine said post-fight. “It’s not the way I wanted it.”
Taking Damage and Staying Honest
The champion was unfiltered in his assessment of the fight. Despite absorbing two clean strikes early on, it was Rivera’s third slap — flagged as illegal — that left him visibly rocked.
“I’m a little rocked. I’m not going to lie to nobody. I felt the first two just fine… After that last one, I don’t know what happened.”
Despite the result, Wolverine gave credit where it was due, reinforcing what many in the slap world already knew about Rivera.
“I thought he was the hardest hitter… He’s got the power to be a champion.”
What Comes Next?
With a list of potential challengers growing, Wolverine isn’t looking past anyone. He mentioned Allen Klingbeil, who scored a big knockout over Luke Simon earlier in the night, as a strong option.
“I think Allen beating who they thought was the next top prospect was a good win… Yeah, I’d take it.”
Wolverine is also keeping his eye on the upcoming Vernon Turpen vs. Ver match (presumably a top contender bout), letting the Power Slap team make the call while staying ready for whatever comes.
Emotional Aftermath: A Win That Didn’t Feel Like One
Known for his warrior spirit and composure, Wolverine was unusually subdued after the fight — not disappointed, but clearly not satisfied either.
“I’m usually a little more animated than this… but it’s just not the win I wanted.”
It’s clear that Wolverine’s respect for the sport and its fans runs deep. He wanted a clean battle and a clear result. Instead, he left the table with his belt — and a sense of unfinished business.
A Champion’s Gift
As a small token of appreciation, Head Rush presented Wolverine with a custom championship shirt post-fight — a well-deserved tribute for the most battle-tested striker in the sport.
“Looks pretty nice,” Wolverine smiled. “I’ll wear it out… and I’ll probably pull holes in it from wearing it so much.”
Legend Status Secured
Wolverine remains the heavyweight king, but Power Slap 13 may have opened the door to future matchups that could challenge his reign. Whether it’s Allen Klingbeil, Vernon Turpen, or a potential Rivera rematch, one thing is for certain:
The champ will be ready.