Possible Clues:

• Strike, but not in the face
• Devastating event (informal)
• Severe setback, like thump to torso
• A severe setback, like punch to solar plexus
• Severe disappointment
• Chap, close to retiring, depressed — a severe setback
• Huge setback
• Chap by turns meeting deep disappointment
• Person by turns to meet with deep disappointment
• Significant setback