Bodybuilder and powerlifting phenom Larry Wheels has never shied away from testing his limits — but even he admitted this one might have been “one of the worst ideas” he’s ever had.
In a video shared to his YouTube channel, the 30-year-old strength athlete faced off against slap fighting legend Layne Viernes, better known by his nickname “Da Crazy Hawaiian,” the first-ever Power Slap Super Heavyweight Champion.
Viernes, a fan favourite in Dana White’s Power Slap league, is known for his immense size, stoic chin, and thunderous striking power. Standing at over 300 pounds, the Hawaiian powerhouse has gone viral for his brutal showdowns against the likes of Dumpling and Vasily Kamotsky, and for being the brother of fellow slap fighter “The Hawaiian Hitman.”
Larry, meanwhile, is no stranger to physical extremes. A record-breaking powerlifter and bodybuilder, Wheels has spent years pushing the human body to its absolute limit — from lifting over 900 lbs on the deadlift to experimenting with strength sports from strongman to arm wrestling. But even he seemed to know what was coming this time.
“This is one of the worst ideas I’ve ever had,” Wheels said before the challenge began. “He’s no joke.”
“I’ve Never Been Knocked Out Or Put To Sleep In My Life”
The video starts light-heartedly, with the pair joking and preparing for what’s about to happen. Viernes takes the time to demonstrate slap-fighting basics, even handing Larry a mouthguard as they prepare to exchange blows.
Wheels, grinning nervously, tells the camera: “I’ve never been knocked out or put to sleep in my life.”
That would soon be tested.
After a short warm-up, Wheels slapped first. Despite taking a shot from a powerhouse in Wheels, the reigning Power Slap champion simply laughed it off, taunting as if he hadn’t felt a thing.
Then it was Larry’s turn.
Viernes measured up, squared his stance, and delivered a thunderous slap. The impact was instant — Wheels went down hard.
There wasn’t much else to say. The powerlifter hit the floor almost immediately, and even Viernes looked concerned as the seconds ticked by. But within moments, Larry was back on his feet, shaking it off, adrenaline pumping.
“I’ve got all my teeth,” he joked with a grin, brushing off the knockdown like it was just another failed rep.
Fans Cry Foul
While the clip quickly racked up views, not everyone watching agreed that the champ came out looking good. Many fans flooded the comments with criticism of Viernes’ technique, accusing him of flinching before the slap — a clear foul in professional competition — and of striking Wheels too low, more on the neck than the jaw.
“The world champion flinched, that’s actually a foul in slap fight,” one person commented.
“The champion totally flinched and tucked his chin moving forward,” a second wrote. “That usually should award another slap. Larry, on the other hand, didn’t move a millimetre. Hats off to Larry, boo on champ.”
A third added: “Big man flinched: FOUL.”
And a fourth typed: “Big dude flinches, then slaps Larry in the neck. He’s a pro?”
“Bro tucked, flinched, and slapped Larry’s neck. Class A clown,” added a fifth.
Despite being the one who hit the floor, Larry earned a wave of respect for how he handled the challenge — staying composed, taking a full-force slap from one of the sport’s most feared competitors, and getting back up smiling.
For Wheels, this is just yet another one of his must-watch side-quests on YouTube. Now check out the time he went bull riding.
Featured image credit: YouTube/LarryWheels (screenshot)
