Screams and Slaps—18 Hours in Las Vegas

No, my trip was not some true crime nightmare.

No, my Las Vegas trip was not some true crime nightmare. (Though we did swing by Bonnie and Clyde’s car in Primm.) Our mission was to attend two emerging names in Sin City’s torrid repertoire: Universal Horror Unleashed and a Power Slap tournament.

My partner and I don’t do typical on any vacation. I’m a teetotaler and he doesn’t really imbibe, so our splurgy drink was a Dole whip concoction in a tiki mug at a Mexican restaurant in the revamped Sahara hotel. We dined off the strip at the Modern Vegan and Ronald’s Donuts (insert Homer Simpson drooling gif). We didn’t put a dime into a slot machine. We were in bed by 11.

Our definition of fun in Vegas was scares and smacks. Destination one was the newly minted monsterpalooza in the artsy compound Area 15. Four mazes, two decadent bars, two eateries and of course a gift shop awaited us. We chose the minimal package (starting at $69 for non-Nevada residents), which included one-time walkthroughs of the four mazes. Different tiers include unlimited walkthroughs, meeting the scare actors and bottle service in the Blumhouse Premiere House. (Getting crunk with M3gan lurking over my shoulder is NOT my idea of a good time, but if that’s your thing, more power to you.)

The maze themes ranged from the classic Universal monsters to a newer take on The Exorcist. My guy and I were partial to the Frankenstein-and-friends offering. It was a nice mix of jump-scares and theatrical feats, proving that legends never die…or stay dead. All four labyrinths were pretty good, and arriving mid-afternoon on a Friday allowed for quick access, but something still lacks at this property. There are photos ops aplenty, as well as themed foods we didn’t bother with. But like its Hollywood counterpart, the Las Vegas venue is corporate and too careful. The best experiences were off-the-cuff interactions with the roaming ghouls unconfined to a script. I’ve often wondered if the maze thespians go nuts having to lip sync their recorded lines ad nauseum for hours a day. Let the beasts be free, Universal!

Just some of the lovely decor at Universal Horror Unleashed at Area 15 in Las Vegas.

Later that evening, we took the short stroll from the Sahara to the Fontainebleau for Power Slap 15. This growing sport, owned by Ultimate Fighting Championship kingpin Dana White, is an affront to the senses—and I love it. Maybe it’s a primal catharsis like video games can be, or an innate gladiatorial desire within me. It’s problematic, messy and carnal, but it’s also hilarious and celebratory. Two opponents take turns open palming each other’s (usually bearded) faces. After three rounds, if one contestant isn’t already walloped to the floor, a decision goes to the judges. It mirrors UFC in that aspect, but in mixed martial arts, you’re encouraged to defend yourself. In Power Slap, your only defense is a strong chin.

We were already in a good mood upon walking into the Cobalt ballroom, as we spotted slap royalty Layne “Da Crazy Hawaiian” Viernes. What a gent! He kindly took a picture with us and shook our hands. As my partner had noted in previous meetings with professional fighters, they are some of the nicest folks around. I guess getting all the angst out in the ring can make for a peaceful existence outside the sport.

Power Slap is as bawdy and ludicrous as you’d expect it to be. But it’s also a lesson in human resilience. Petite women and husky men alike endure these blows and showboat for viral videos. Machismo drips from the stage, yet there are heartwarming instances. Middleweight once-and-current champion Isaih “Puerto Rican Pretty Boy” Quiñones is an avionics specialist by day and has said of Power Slap, “This is going to change my family’s life.” Other fighters have used this outlet as an escape from the streets or as an excuse to shed pounds and get into shape. Maybe it’s lowbrow and violent, but it’s a good distraction from the cacophony of this United States. And heck, aren’t lots of sports bloody? Football can put players in comas. Race car driving can kill. Hockey…you get the idea. Power Slap is refreshing because it’s comical and competitive at the same time.

Isaih Quiñones and Branden Bordeaux battle it out for the Middleweight belt Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas. Video by Eitan Thal.

You can catch past Power Slap highlights on their YouTube channel and prep for Oct. 24’s 16th tournament. The Russian stalwart “Dumpling” is fighting. A large man named Dumpling is slapping another heavyweight. This is sumo for the tongue-in-cheek circuit. You gotta love it.

So now that I’ve shared these strange wonders with you, would you go to Horror Unleashed or a slap fight? What other Las Vegas oddities do you enjoy?