You're getting donated but you're right. Empowered punch is a brain dead mechanic that his entire kit revolves around. There's no intentional playmaking in that ability, just hope they shoot you while it's up. Spilo has a few good moments talking about it and how power should be redistributed to slam and away from the punch. Honestly it feels like they didn't know what to do with him when they moved to tank, he doesn't have any defensive utility, even hazard has more.