Snap out of it!
Ever since Cher invented the slap in 1987, the open-handed strike has been one of the most versatile moves it pop culture. It can be shocking, pithy, funny, insulting, emotional, and so very gay.
And it’s because of that versatility that, sometimes, a slap can show up where you least expect it. Like, on the Oscars stage, for example! Or even at the center of a new tough guy reality competition series airing on TBS!
We’re talking about a show called Power Slap, which somehow manages to turn slapping into a sport, complete with a complex set of rules, dramatic staging, and a bunch of buff dudes trying their best not to wince.
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The series pits 16 hopefuls against one another in a slapping tournament to determine who will be “the next power slap champion”—excuse us, the next champion? Who was the first one? Apparently power-slapping has been a thing and we just had no idea.
If you find yourself wondering how they can possibly turn slapping into a sport, never fear: There’s a video explaining the hilariously complex rules and techniques behind it.
“A legal slap is a flat, open-handed shot at the side of the face, on the cheek, below the eye, but above the chin. You can’t lead with the palm of your hand either—the entire hand must land at the same time.”
Well, okay then! Honestly, the whole thing feels overwrought and entirely too serious in a way that maybe—just maybe—could be considered camp.
Like, just look at this ridiculous arena the guys are slapping in, surrounded by dramatic Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? style lighting. It’s giving drama, mama!
Related: 10 queer sports movies to awaken the jock in all of us
But perhaps the wildest part of it is that, somehow, this competition is meant to make up an entire season of television—with hour-long episodes! We don’t really know how Power Slap is meant to fill its time slot, but the trailer does show that the contestants will all be living under one roof, where it appears that bouts of wrestling can break out at any moment.
Though the show is eager to point out it’s “the ultimate test of toughness,” there’s something pretty homoerotic about it all if you ask us!
In any event, if you like the thought of watching big, bulky men slap each other around for sport, then you can check out Power Slap‘s official trailer below.
Power Slap premieres Wednesday, January 18, on TBS.
scotty
“what do the 5 fingers say to the face?
SLAP
charlie murphy…”
this trailer park theme you have going on is living up to it’s name. kudos
bachy
Though the show is eager to point out it’s ‘the ultimate test of toughness,’ there’s something pretty homoerotic about it all if you ask us!
Being queer is the ‘ultimate test of toughness’ if you ask me! That being said, you’re right about the homoeroticism of it all…!
scotty
did someone say MMA? coz latent homoeroticism is what MMA is all about. just ask joe rogan.
theaterbloke
The best slaps were the ones Marshall delivered to Barney in How I Met Your Mother.
abfab
Loretta in Moonstruck. SNAP OUT OF IT!
SDR94103
so forking stupid.
Peter
Pathetic.
RnDC
That’s dumb as f!ck
SFMike
More of the hot bearded guy that flinched in at the beginning and you can keep the rest of these morons. A great new addition to the Idiocracy channel that this country has become.
Squeak
Another reason to look aghast at American society & feel something like pity for your country
bachy
I’m relieved to know that your country has reached such a summit of perfection that they can spare you– to visit and share your pity with us.
abfab
SQUEAK.
You judging a country’s people, Gay or other wise, of over 375 million, says more about how dumb you are. This site has what, maybe 50 people who comment, and that’s how you measure? Save it.