Tag: Josh Barnett

Bloodsport 6 live results: Jon Moxley vs. Josh Barnett

Posted on by Justin Knipper

Preview by Josh Nason

For the third time this year, Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport returns for its sixth installment, this one as part of the GCW Collective during WrestleMania week in Tampa, Florida.

The show is headlined by Barnett vs. former AEW and WWE World Champion Jon Moxley as fans will finally get the match GCW has been trying to put together since September 2019. A Moxley elbow infection canceled the first clash while the pandemic canceled all of last year’s WrestleMania activities when they wanted to do it again. Moxley is 2-0 while Barnett is 1-0-1 in Bloodsport competition.

The 12-match show will also feature several debuts including Chavo Guerrero Jr. who takes on the returning Rocky Romero and MLW Middleweight Champion Lio Rush against the also debuting Yoya; Davey Boy Smith Jr. looking to avenge his first Bloodsport loss when he faces KTB, Allysin Kay vs. Masha Slamovich and KZT vs. Janai Kai in the two female bouts, the debut of SHLAK, and more.

Our live coverage kicks off at 8 PM Eastern.

**********

Tonight’s open-air show kicked off with an opening ceremony with each competitor walking to the ring, a formal introduction for everyone on Bloodsport 6, all to the tune of a Bolt Thrower-esque riff they had looping over the PA. Jon Moxley and Josh Barnett got the biggest reactions from the crowd next to Shlak.

Ring announcer Rich Palladino explained the Bloodsport rules to the crowd and announced who tonight’s officials were before the first match got underway.

“KZT” Karen Tran defeated Janai Kai via submission (armbar)

Kai is a black belt in tae kwan do. KZT studied jiu-jitsu with the legendary Cobrinha Charles and is a black belt under him, as well. Kai threw a high kick early but missed as KZT slid out of the way and tried bringing Kai to the mat. Kai caught her with the kick a moment later, though. KZT took Kai’s back quickly, but Kai was able to transition out quickly. Rapid transitions back and forth between these two, all very fluid. Commentary team killed it on this, great stuff. KZT worked a wristlock for a while until Janai Kai broke away and laid in a few hard low kicks to put KZT on her back and take top position.

KZT switched up her strategy and went after Kai’s leg, looking for a leg lock until she was able to transition into side mount, then full mount, and finally from full mount to an armlock attempt. Kai swept KZT and started laying in some open-handed strikes. KZT locked in a nice triangle choke, but the lanky Kai postured up and out of the move and went back to low kicks. KZT muscled Kai into a guiltione choke but Kai could escape. Kai’s height and overall reach advantage looked to give KZT somewhat of a hard time. KZT continued working for the armbar submission, but eventually Kai was able to roll out of it. As soon as both were back to their feet, Kai laid in a solid high kick into KZT’s mush, clearly dazing her. The crowd knew it.

KZT jumped guard and pulled Kai back to the mat. Tran used a beautiful double ankle-pick sweep from bottom position and was able to cinch in a high-angle straight armbar from almost an S-mount position, getting Kai to tap and picking up the win. This was awesome. It had somewhat of an early ’00s MMA/pro wrestling feel, a clear striker vs. grappler story. Kudos to both here.

Matt Makowski defeated Heddi Karaoui via submission (armbar)

Karaoui was on the national Greco-Roman team for France. Philly’s Makowski is nicknamed “Weapon X.” Makowksi brought a modern MMA game to the Bloodsport ring tonight, a clear contrasted to Karaoui’s pure Greco-Roman approach. Karaoui landed a big hiptoss early on. He later used an Imanari roll to inside heelhook on Makowski, atypical of the Greco-Roman style. Makowski was quickly out of Karaoui’s grip and laid in hard kicks, but even still, Karaoui had an answer for pretty much everything Makowski threw at him. He locked Makowski in a crossface at one point. Makowski later exploded into an armbar attempt from a standing position, something Shinsuke Nakamura made famous in pro wrestling.

The two traded high level submissions and were so fluid from move to move that it got hard to keep up with live. Awesome back-and-forth between these two. One of the best parts of Bloodsport is the high-level demonstration of wrestling and martial arts techniques we will almost never see in an ADCC or NCAA tournament. Makowski somehow transitioned into a “shoot” scorpion deathlock, which the crowd enjoyed. Kaoroui powered out, then later caught Makowski and locked in a Rings of Saturn-type submission before “Weapon X” landed a roundhouse kick and followed by rolling Karaoui into what I’m calling an ‘armbar slam,’ almost a full-nelson lift into an armbar on the way down. This got the French wrestler to tap immediately. Really, really good stuff here.

Bad Dude Tito defeated Victor Benjamin via submission (heel hook)

“The Savage Gentleman” Benjamin took on Bad Dude Tito, who we first saw at Bloodsport 4 and 5 (vs. Super Beast and vs. Rocky Romero). Benjamin came to the ring with Lady Frost, one his trainees according to commentary. One of the announcers mentioned Tito is a blue belt in BJJ.

It was a striking battle from the top. Benjamin landed a knee and a few body shots early on. He’d throw combos and disengage. Benjamin is huge but somehow Tito is bigger. Benjamin landed a nice rolling middle kick, and from here, the fight went to the mat. Tito went for a straight anklelock until they broke and got back to their feet. Tito used a big hiptoss on Benjamin, then locked him into kesagatame scarf position before trying to apply an americana lock. Benjamin escaped and slipped into a cradle to sleeper choke from the back.

Tito opened Benjamin’s legs up and escaped, then moved into North-South position before attemping an armlock. Benjamin missed a penalty kick and Tito took him back to the mat, again going for a toehold or kneebar. Benjamin returned the offense with big knees to Tito’s body. Benjamin went for a flashy RVD-style kick that Tito caught mid-air and turned into a modified ankle lock, then into an inside ashi heelhook for the submission victory. Benjamin tapped quickly. This was a short but action-packed match between two very large dudes.

Simon Grimm defeated Alexander James via submission (modified double wristlock)

Grimm wore a TAKAYAMANIA logo on his tights, showing his  respect to the legendary Yoshihiro Takayama, who was paralyzed a few years ago. James went for a heel hook early on in this, but Grimm, more agressive than usual tonight, fought out of James’ grip with some hard palm strikes. James had to roll out to the floor and break before they restarted on their feet. James slammed Grimm hard back inside. Later, he muscled Grimm into a Doctor Bomb. From there, James started laying in strikes, but Grimm must have watched KZT vs. Janai Kai earlier, because Grimm used the same double ankle pick sweep to pull James to the mat and begin dominating once again from the top.

James elbowed his way out and fought to the top. Grimm threw a headbutt and went for a double wristlock attempt but couldn’t lock it in. James transitioned into an omoplata, but Grimm wouldn’t give his arm up. James threw hard forearms in an attempt to sink in a deeper grip on this Rings of Saturn kind of move, but Grimm, with no arms available, looked James in the eye and threw another headbutt, which got James to release the hold. I enjoy this version of Simon Grimm. They traded elbows on their feet next, but Grimm landed an enzuigiri (nice nod to Inoki), a butterfly suplex (great nod to Robinson) and finally a double wristlock + crucifix to submit James in dominant catch-wrestling fashion.

Alex Coughlin defeated Royce Isaacs via submission (single-leg crab)

This was a rematch from Bloodsport 4. In their previous fight, Coughlin was still recovering from a neck injury, which he implies is the reason he lost to Isaacs. He stormed to the ring to Behemoth’s best song ever, “Slaves Shall Serve,” but it cut out quickly when Coughlin got into Isaacs’ face. He was pointing at his neck, calling Isaacs out for his “fluke” win at Bloodsport 4. They went hard at each other after the bell, with Coughlin throwing some low kicks with Isaacs taking a few double leg shots early. This was twice as intense as their previous bout and it was obvious. Coughlin fought to top position but disengaged, pacing backwards for the two to restart the fight from here.

Isaacs got the takedown and worked for an americana lock. Back on their feet, Isaacs reversed Coughlin’s gutwrench grip and put him down with an Iranian slam. Moments later, Isaacs used a fisherman’s buster, then locked in a dragon sleeper, which is what he beat Coughlin with last time. Coughlin muscled up, standing, then slamming Isaacs. Coughlin lost his grip and Isaacs switched to an armbar submission. Coughlin slid out of that and lock in a standing heel hook that he sat into, turning the move into a low single-leg crab to get Isaacs to tap almost immediately. Coughlin gets his revenge and picks up the win. But can we get a rubber match?

Super Beast defeated Shlak via disqualification

“500 lbs. of violence in the ring,” that’s how the announcers framed this before the bell rang. That’s accurate. Shlak hit a single-leg takedown early. Super Beast connected with some high kicks. We can call this the first real brawl of the night, because, well, that’s what it looked like. Less technique, more punching. And blood.

When Super Beast went for a kneebar, a very bloody Shlak started biting Super Beast’s foot, so the referee called the match: Shlak was dq’d. It took about 15–20 staff and crew to remove Shlak from the ring area, making him look like a crazed lunatic, like Shiek or Dick the Bruiser or something. This was quick but fun for what it was. It was also unlike anything on the rest of the show.

Allisin Kaye defeated Masha Slamovich via submission (triangle choke)

Kaye coming out to “Gangsta’s Paradise” was sweet. Kaye went for an armbar early, but Slamovich escaped and transitioned to a kneebar attempt. Slamovich threw a hard strike on the ground. Kaye answered with some salt and pepper of her own. Kaye used a nice hip throw to plant Slamovich onto the mat. Slamovich had answers for most everything Kaye had on the mat, but Kaye had answers for those answers. Kaye didn’t stray from the armbar attempts.

This was a great mat match, and it was entirely a different feel from the previous brawl. Fans should realize how exhausting a long series of counters can be for athletes. These two were very active on the ground, especially Kaye, whose jiu-jitsu was tighter than ever, or at least compared with her previous Bloodsport fights. Kaye tapped Slamovich with a trianle choke for the win here. She feigned a handshake afterwards, then flipped Slamovich the pinky before exiting the ring. Really good match.

Lio Rush defeated Yoya via submission (anaconda vice)

Rush got a hero’s welcome from the Ybor City crowd, which included a standing ovation. He wore an amateur wrestling singlet instead of his usual pro wrestling trunks. Yoya has MMA experience. He’s actually shorter than Lio Rush. I guess this was a featherweight match. Rush talked a lot of trash at Yoya early, so Yoya locked in a triangle choke. He blasted Rush with a running knee later on. Yoya and Rush grappled near the corner ring post, teasing the possibility of falling to the floor. Lio Rush nipped up, then landed a low spinning back kick to a prone Yoya. It was like a live Jason Statham movie and looked very impressive.

Rush then took Yoya to suplex city, landing a front and back suplex before locking a vice around Yoya’s neck and using a few anaconda rolls, throwing Yoya off balance. When Rush threw a kick, Yoya caught it, then flipped Rush to the floor; Rush basically did a moonsault to the ground. Back in the ring, Yoya locked in a triangle choke, just like at the begining of the match, but Rush countered with a sit-out power bomb. Why sit out when you don’t have to pin the guy? Does Rush hate his tailbone? They started brawling towards the end of this, throwing hard open-handed chops before using a floatover front suplex into a an anaconda vice for the 

These two did a much more athletic version of the Bloodsport style tonight. These two complemented each other so well. Interesting match. Lio Rush came off like a superstar.

Davey Boy Smith Jr. defeated Kyle the Beast/KTB via TKO (power bomb)

The two shook hands before the bell. KTB went for a single-leg takedown early but Smith was explosive in his escape, clearly trying to dictate the pace. Smith used a cradle to roll KTB to his back, and later he locked in a double wrist lock, but KTB immediately rolled to the floor to break the hold. Wrestlers get a ten-count on the floor before being counted out. Back in the ring, Smith attacked KTB’s left arm. Smith threw a few 12-to-6 elbows to KTB’s skull before putting KTB down with a sit-out power bomb, which led to a TKO win for Smith when the referee waved off the match. Smith came off like a monster and took almost no damage in this one.

Chavo Guerrero Jr. defeated Rocky Romero via TKO (northern lights bomb)

Guerrero made his Bloodsport debut tonight and he is in remarkable shape. He came at Romero with a rolling koppo kick after the bell rang. The two boxed a little bit on the top. Romero beat Simon Grimm at the last Bloodsport, and he too is a Bloodsport rookie, in ways. This had a more orthodox pro wrestling feel overall, but Romero would show off some nice jiu-jitsu technique throughout. He used a frankensteiner and transitioned into an armbar before Guererro rolled to the floor. Back in the ring, Guererro actually tried busting out his signature rolling vertical suplexes. He TKO’d Romero after a Northern Lights bomb, earning Guerrero Jr. a win in his Bloodsport debut. Good stuff.

Chris Dickinson defeated Shane Mercer via submission (armbar)

Competitive power lifter and GCW regular Shane Mercer took on “Putrid Papa” Chris Dickinson, resembling a young Bas Rutten tonight. Mercer launched Dickinson with a side suplex before the pace slowed and Dickinson went after Mercer’s arm. Dickinson was trying for a straight armbar, but Mercer kept powering out of everything, at one point even powering out of Dickinson’s submission attempt and reversing it into a deadlift death valley bomb to rear naked choke attempt. That’s a mouthful.

Dickinson went right back to the arm attacks, at one point using a backwards roll with double wristlock control, just like you’d see Billy Robinson use in many of his matches. Mercer used a gut wrench suplex to escape, and that was the story of this match: Mercer’s only answer to Dickinson’s technique was his power. In the end, though, Dickinson threw Mercer to the mat with a beautiful seoinage and transitioned right into an armbar for the submission win, a perfect demonstration of fundamental judo. Good match from both.

Josh Barnett defeated Jon Moxley via TKO (kicks)

This was supposed to happen almost a year and a half ago. Barnett and Mox threw low kicks before the match went to the ground. Barnett stayed atop Mox, but Moxley was able to power through Barnett’s grip and went to lock in an armbar. Mox tried pulling back on Barnett’s fingers, which seemed to piss Barnett off (or that’s how the announcers sold it). Mox locked in a crossface but Barnett was able swing his bodyaround and attack Mox’s legs. Mox talked a lot of trash in this. He went for a double leg takedown but Barnett rolled himself into a toehold, then a kneebar, and then another ankle/foot lock, quick transitions from Barnett until Moxley brawled his way out, slapping Barnett hard, both with shots to the body and to the head. He spiked Barnett with a DDT. When Barnett was up, his face was covered in blood. Mox locked in the bully choke but Barnett managed to roll out of the ring, breaking the hold and starting the ten-count.

Barnett was in a precarious position, completely bloodied on the ground as Mox amped himself up in the ring and the Ybor City crowd got onto their feet to chant his name. Moxley then dove onto Barnett. “He couldn’t resist.” Moxley used a german suplex in the ring and then locked in a crossface submission, which eventually transformed into a modified scarf hold, a similar move Barnett used on Dean Lister when he beat him at Metamoris in 2014, which the announcers made reference to earlier in the match. Mox let go and started throwing hard strikes before, somehow, Barnett powered up and flipped Moxley onto his back and threw very hard strikes of his own. Moxley had a Steve Austin/Britt Baker level crimson mask at this point.

The bloody Mox threw Barnett with a Northern Lights suplex, but Barnett answered back with one of the most brutal-looking death valley bombs you’ll probably see, then grabbed a hold of Moxley’s wrist and put the boots to Mox’s bloody face until the referee called the match off. Moxley wanted to keep going but the referee insisted he couldn’t fight back. The crowd, now on their feet, started chanting “let them fight.” Mox flopped around the ring like a fish, half-knocked out but also half-in the match. Very Terry Funk. Reluctantly, Mox shook hands with Barnett, then Barnett smeared some of his own blood onto Mox’s face. I couldn’t think of a better example of what Bloodsport could be than this match.

“Is this enough blood and sport for you?” Barnett got on the mic as the crowd chanted that they wanted more, which he promised. “This isn’t a fly-by night, and he [pointing at Mox] doesn’t do this for the pay.” The crowd did a “Thank you, Moxley” chant after that line. Barnett thanked Mox for seeing it through. He also said it was a knee from Mox that split him open. He mentioned that Bloodsport competitors weren’t there to spout their catchphrases, but to fight from their hearts. “We’re all in this together, and we’re all here because you keep showing up.”

Mox then got on the mic and put over all of the athletes that helped put on the Bloodsport show, then thanked all of the hardcore wrestling fans and of The Collective for giving their heart and sould and their hard-earned money from their own paychecks to come out and support indie wrestling.

Final thoughts:

Was this the best Bloodsport show so far? I’d say so. From the top of the card to the bottom, everything was above-average, no-frills, no-bullsh*t pro wrestling. Tonight’s show provided a number of different styles and stories from fighters all over the world, and seeing some of them “out of their element,” like Lio Rush, for example, turned out to be a pleasure, because everyone seemed to use the Bloodsport medium to express themselves differently, and creatively.

And really, you don’t to think about Bloodsport that deeply if you don’t want to, either, because at the end of the day, this was simply violence, beautiful violence, from all involved.

Oh, and someone needs to make a post-match t-shirt with a photo of bloody Mox on it ASAP.

Jon Moxley vs. Josh Barnett set for April’s GCW Bloodsport 6

Posted on by Josh Nason

Much like when certain UFC fights keep falling through, GCW is going to try to make the Jon Moxley vs. Josh Barnett match happen once again at Bloodsport.

At the end of Saturday’s Bloodsport 5 following Moxley’s main event victory over Davey Boy Smith Jr., Barnett’s voice could be heard saying, “Jon Moxley is always searching the world for fights to make him feel truly alive.” Barnett then said the match more than a year in the making will happen at Bloodsport 6 on Thursday, April 8th at The Cuban Club in Tampa, Florida. The show will feature live fans and be held during WrestleMania weekend as part of GCW’s The Collective.

The two were originally set to square off in September 2019, but a MRSA infection in Moxley’s elbow put that on the shelf. It was then rescheduled for WrestleMania weekend last year, but didn’t happen due to the pandemic shutting everything down.

Barnett is 1-0-1 in Bloodsport action, going to a draw with Minoru Suzuki in April 2019 and knocking Chris Dickinson out in September 2019. Moxley defeated Dickinson in his October Bloodsport debut.

Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 4 & 5 set for February

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport is returning with two events this month.

Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 4 and 5 will air on back-to-back Saturdays, with Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 4 set for February 13 and Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 5 set for February 20. Both shows are being held “in the bare brick setting of an undisclosed location in Los Angeles, CA” and will be available via iPPV. Each show will air at 7 p.m. Eastern time and “will be available on-demand for 72-hours after their respective broadcast date.”

Here’s the card for Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 4:

  • Chris Dickinson vs. Jeff Cobb
  • Harry Smith (Davey Boy Smith Jr.) vs. Calvin Tankman
  • Simon Grimm vs. Tom Lawlor
  • Kal Jak vs. Nolan Edward
  • JR Kratos vs. Alex Coughlin
  • Superbeast vs. Bad Dude Tito
  • Royce Isaacs vs. Calder McColl
  • Diego Perez vs. Gil Guardado

The lineup for Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 5 is to be announced.

Josh Barnett has partnered with Game Changer Wrestling for Bloodsport. Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 1 took place in April 2019, Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 2 was held in September 2019, and — after originally being scheduled for April but having to be pushed back due to the COVID-19 pandemic — Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 3 was held in October 2020.

Prior to Barnett becoming involved with Bloodsport, GCW and Matt Riddle presented Matt Riddle’s Bloodsport in April 2018.

Daily Update: MJF, Satoru Sayama, Josh Barnett

Posted on by F4W Staff

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

Are you interested in attending our annual F4W/WON convention? We will hold it during AEW Double or Nothing weekend. For more information, check this post for activities and prices.

WON NEWSLETTER: March 2, 2020 Observer Newsletter: NJPW cancels show due to coronavirus, WM 36 card update

An update on the WrestleMania card after Super Showdown with 11 currently decided upon matches and five or six others in discussion is covered in the current issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

The lead story updates how the coronavirus has affected Japanese pro wrestling as well as Japanese culture.  We talk about sports and entertainment cancellations, the shows new Japan Pro Wrestling has canceled, the prospects for this year’s New Japan Cup, an update on Stardom,DDT,Dragon Gate, All Japan, NOAH and other Japanese companies on what shows are on and off. We look at if New Japan can still save the New Japan Cup, history of New Japan Cup winners vs. G-1 winners taking the IWGP title, an a breakdown of the original tournament plans.

The new issue also covers: 

Plans and background of the coming WrestleMania, as well as Super Showdown coverage with match-by-match coverage with star ratings.

A feature on Manabu Nakanishi’s career and coverage of his retirement show this past week. We look at the difference between Nakanishi and Jushin Liger, Nakanishi’s amateur wrestling days, Nakanishi’s shoot fighting days, Nakanishi in WCW, the Nakanishi heyday and the past decade.  We note the major surgery that nearly ended his career ad slowed him down, and some of the all-time greats comment on Nakanishi.

The major matches in the New Japan ring over the past week.

WWE television deals, WWE Network price change, XFL ratings, Samoa Joe suspension, New WWE international signing, WWE injury updates, Canadian TV ratings, Ric Flair’s 71st birthday, how much Raw has fallen in four yeas, Edge’s return,NXT Takeover notes, Evolve news for WrestleMania week with WWE talent, Australia tour, stock value, most-watched shows on the WWE Network as well as a look at every WWE arena event over the past week with business notes and highlights.

A preview of the AEW PPV and full coverage of the UFC show in Auckland, New Zealand.

Regarding the Wednesday numbers, we’ve got full details, demos that each side won, how every segment did and what match ended up as the difference maker. 

Full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.

In-depth looks at the ratings of all the major shows, the key demos and quarters for AEW and WWE, what happened head-to-head and what can be learned from them.

Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week. 

ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

WEDNESDAY NEWS UPDATE

WWE

  • The Tegan Nox vs. Dakota Kai steel cage match will open tonight’s NXT. There will be two cage matches on the show, with Velveteen Dream also set to take on Roderick Strong.
  • WWE posted a video where Isaiah “Swerve” Scott challenged Austin Theory for tonight’s show.
  • Advertised for WWE’s 3/22 Madison Square Garden event is Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton, Kabuki Warriors vs. Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch, Street Profits and Ricochet vs. AJ Styles, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows and a four way eight man elimination tag bout featuring Seth Rollins, Murphy and the AOP against Kevin Owens, Aleister Black and the Viking Raiders. Andrade, Zelina Vega, Shayna Baszler, Natalya and Bobby Lashley have also been announced.
  • WWE has filed trademarks for “Left Right Left Right,” “LRLR,” and “LEFTRIGHTLEFTRIGHT.”
  • Big Show will appear on tomorrow’s episode of Corey Graves’ After the Bell podcast.
  • WWE’s YouTube channel uploaded John Cena vs. Kevin Owens from Elimination Chamber 2015.
  • WWE has an extra from the upcoming FCW documentary featuring Baron Corbin and Steve Keirn. 

Other Wrestling

  • Real Japan Pro Wrestling chairman Sinma Kotobuki is saying that the first Tiger Mask, Satoru Sayama, is suffering from a condition “close to Parkinson’s disease”.
  • TMZ wrote a story on MJF flipping off a seven-year-old. This upset the parent, who raised the issue to Cody Rhodes. Cody responded by inviting the family to a future event but also warned to not expect characters to act any differently than they do on television.
  • A special on Total Nonstop Action (TNA) ahead of the There’s No Place Like Home reunion event will air on March 31st at 10 p.m. ET on AXS.
  • PWInsider is reporting that Teddy Hart is back in jail after being arrested in Richmond, Virginia today. No further details on the arrest are known at this time.
  • Jim Ross will be the guest on the AEW Unrestricted podcast tomorrow.
  • CM Punk is slated to star in a new horror movie called “Jakob’s Wife” alongside Barbara Crampton.
  • The ticket sale for ROH/NJPW War of the Worlds has been pushed back to Wednesday, March 11 at 10 a.m. for Honor Club members and March 13 at 10 a.m. local time for the general public.
  • Alex Gracia is the latest entrant announced for ROH’s Women’s Championship tournament.
  • Mascarita Dorada will debut for MLW next month on Saturday, April 18 at Cicero Stadium in Illinois.
  • Black Label Pro has announced “Don’t Go Breaking my Arm” for May 2nd in Crown Point, Indiana.

MMA

Daily Pro Wrestling History:Stan Hansen wins AJPW Triple Crown

CONTACT INFORMATION

Killer Kelly signs on for Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport III

Posted on by Josh Nason

A “Killer” has joined the ranks of Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport III.

GCW and Barnett announced Friday that Killer Kelly has been added to the Thursday, April 2nd event in Ybor City, Florida. 

The German-based talent from Portugal is currently a member of the NXT UK roster, but isn’t exclusive to them as she is a frequent presence in wXw and as of two weeks ago, wants to fill up her schedule.

The first-ever wXw women’s champion is the first female announced for the show and joins a group and matches that already includes the following:

For those not familiar, Bloodsport is a hybrid shoot-style show in a ring with no ropes where the only way to win is knockout or submission. After Matt Riddle’s name was attached to the first event, Barnett signed on.

Jon Moxley to face Josh Barnett at Bloodsport

Posted on by Joseph Currier

As was promised when their match fell through last year, a new date has been set for Jon Moxley vs. Josh Barnett.

It was announced tonight that Moxley vs. Barnett will happen at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport III over WrestleMania week. The show is taking place at The Cuban Club in Tampa, Florida on Thursday, April 2.

Moxley vs. Barnett was supposed to headline Barnett’s Bloodsport II in September 2019, but Moxley had to be pulled from the show due to the MRSA infection he had in his elbow. It also forced Moxley to miss his scheduled match against Kenny Omega at All Out.

Moxley sent a tweet to Barnett telling him they’re “gonna get this one back” after their original match fell through. Barnett defeated Chris Dickinson at Barnett’s Bloodsport II.

Bloodsport is being put on by Game Changer Wrestling and Barnett. Matches are hybrid MMA/pro wrestling style, have no ropes, and can only be won by knockout or submission.

Jeff Cobb has also been announced for April’s Bloodsport show.

Daily Update: McGregor/Cerrone, Liz Carmouche, Josh Barnett

Posted on by Dave Meltzer

DAILY UPDATE

Latest News:

Latest Audio:

We’re looking for reports from the Smackdown tapings in Brooklyn tonight with any dark matches or anything not on the live show as well as reports from PWG in Los Angeles to [email protected]

For tonight, they’ve announced two non-title matches, Bayley vs. Dana Brooke and New Day vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro. There are no 205 Live tapings tonight. The Lio Rush & Keith Lee vs. Damien Priest & Tony Nese match for Wednesday’s NXT show is expected to be taped tonight as well.

It’s a slow weekend, with the major events being two Bellator shows, a UFC show and a huge kickboxing event.  WWE is off after tonight until the day after Christmas. UFC has its last show of the year late tonight.

New Japan has its final show of the year later tonight/early tomorrow U.S. time. It is also Jushin Liger’s last match at Korakuen Hall.

CMLL AT ARENA MEXICO TONIGHT AT 9:30 P.M. ON THE CMLL YOUTUBE PAGE

  • Ultimo Dragoncito & Shockercito vs. Pierrothito & Mercurio
  • Los Cancerberos vs Drone & Stigma & Fuego
  • Esfinge & Guerrero Maya Jr. & Rey Cometa vs. Hechicero & Polvora & Vangellys
  • Templario vs. Audaz
  • Angel de Oro & Titan & Valiente vs. Cuatrero & Forastero & Felino
  • Volador Jr. & Diamante Azul & Caristico vs. Gilbert El Boricua & Negro Casas & Ultimo Guerrero

BELLATOR SALUTE TO THE TROOPS TONIGHT AT 10 P.M. EASTERN FROM THE BLAISDELL CENTER ARENA IN HONOLULU ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK

  • Joey Davis (170.3) vs. Chris Cisneros (170.7)
  • Tywan Claxton (145.6) vs. Braydon Akeo (145.6)
  • Alejandra Lara (126.8) vs. Veta Arteaga (125.7)
  • Toby Minsch (141.4) vs. Erik Perez (135.2)
  • Josh Barnett (251.6) vs. Ronny Markes (250)

Minsch missed weight by 5.4 pounds and Lara by 0.8 pounds.  Both were fined 20 percent of their purse. Prelims are on DAZN starting at 8:45 p.m. Eastern

UFC FROM BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA AT 2 A.M. EASTERN LATE TONIGHT ON ESPN+

  • Ryan Benoit (10-5) vs. Heili Alateng (13-7-1)
  • Amanda Lemos (6-1-1) vs. Miranda Gragner (5-0)
  • Said Nurmagomedov (13-1) vs. Raoni Barcleos (14-1)
  • Matt Schenll (14-4) vs. Alexandre Pantoja (21-4)
  • Omar Morales (8-) vs. Dong Hyun Ma (16-10-3)
  • Seungwoo Choi (7-3) vs. Suman Oktaran (8-1)
  • Ciryl Gane (5-0) vs. Tanner Boser (17-5-1)
  • Liu Pingyuan (13-6) vs. Kyung Ho Kang (16-8)
  • Jun Yong Park (10-4) vs. Marc-Andre Barriault (11-3
  • Mike Rodriguez (10-4) vs. Da Un Jung (12-2)
  • Charles Jourdain (9-2) vs. Doo Ho Choi (14-3)
  • Aleksander Rakic (12-1) vs. Volkan Oezdemir (16-4)
  • Chan Sung Jung (15-5) vs. Frankie Edgar (23-7-1)

NEW JAPAN FROM TOKYO KORAKUEN HALL EARLY SATURDAY AT 4:30 A.M. EASTERN ON NEW JAPAN WORLD

  • Togi Makabe & Tiger Mask & Yuya Uemura vs. Tomoaki Honma & Ryusuke Taguchi & Yota Tsuji
  • Sho & Yoh & Robbie Eagles vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Taiji Ishimori & El Phantasmo
  • Sanada & Bushi vs. Zack Sabre Jr. & Taichi
  • Hirooki Goto & Juice Robinson & David Finlay & Toa Henare vs. KENTA & Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa
  • Will Ospreay & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Evil & Hiromu Takahashi
  • Tetsuya Naito & Shingo Takagi vs. Jay White & Chase Owens
  • Jushin Liger & Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi vs. Kazuchika Okada & Yoshi-Hashi & Rocky

BELLATOR SATURDAY NIGHT FROM THE BLAISDELL CENTER ARENA AT 10 P.M. EASTERN ON DAZN

  • Nainoa Dung (155.7) vs. Zach Zane (155.9)
  • Cheyden Leialoha (135.7) vs. Raufeon Shots (135.7)
  • Bruna Ellen (125.8) vs. Julianna Velasquez (125.1)
  • Jason Jackson (170.6) vs. Kiichi Kunimito (170-.1)
  • A.J. McKee (144.6) vs. Derek Campos (144.9) in the featherweight tournament
  • Ilima-lei Macfarlane (124.8) vs. Kate Jackson (124.4) for the flyweight title

Raw for Monday was taped last Monday in Des Moines.

F4W NEWSLETTER: Recapping WWE TLC 2019 Joseph Currier gives his thoughts on WWE’s final PPV of the decade.

WWE’s final pay-per-view of the decade took place on Sunday night and exemplified some of the changes we’ve seen over the past 10 years.

TLC 2019 was very much a B-level PPV in the WWE Network era. Not only were the top men’s and women’s singles titles from each brand not defended, there were no singles titles on the line at all. Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens and AJ Styles vs. Randy Orton seemed like they were being built up as non-title matches that would help anchor the card, but they didn’t end up getting added. The show even ended with an angle instead of a match. After Asuka & Kairi Sane’s tables, ladders, and chairs match against Becky Lynch & Charlotte Flair, a locker room brawl that featured Roman Reigns and Baron Corbin continued. The image that closed the show was Reigns spearing Corbin from an elevated area onto a pile of bodies. It felt like the ending of an episode of Raw or SmackDown instead of a major event.

Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

WON NEWSLETTER: December 23, 2019 Observer Newsletter: TLC and Final Battle reviews, more

We’ve got complete coverage of the last series of major shows held around the world in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer, as well as bios on a number of wrestlers who have passed away in recent weeks.

TLC coverage, focusing on the behind-the-scenes of the Kairi Sane situation, who knew,when did they know, the channels where the ball was dropped and what can and needs to be learned from it.  We note the business of the event, the U.S. popularity levels, plus have match-by-match coverage with star ratings and poll results.

A look at exactly how AEW was formed, including what match made Tony Khan feel opposition was viable and what conversation with what major person in television made it happen, as well as who was contacted first to be part of it.  We also have the story from the market rep who got Bullet Club shirts into Hot Topic.

DVR numbers for pro wrestling shows right now as well as how meaningful they are and what it says about audiences.  We also look at how and why the dynamic of how people watch wrestling on Wednesdays has changed over the past several weeks.  We also look at wrestling viewership in Canada.

Big names who have signed new WWE deals and a major name who has not,  a WWE overseas TV deal, how many people buy WWE video games, pro wrestling offers to Daniel Cormier, Cain Velasquez’s next WWE show, the story behind Chelsea Green and Deonna Purrazzo on Raw and what it means short and long-term, a reboot of a WWE tag team, new feuds being started in WWE, most-watched shows on the WWE Network, WWE stock value and a look at all the WWE & NXT shows held over the past week with business notes and highlights.

Also have full coverage of UFC 245, with business notes, notes about the fighters who elevated their games, the title picture, plus match-by-match coverage.

ROH as it goes into 2020, who is going, who is staying, what is unknown, what kind of deals are being offered plus Final Battle coverage, with business notes, poll results, match-by-match coverage and star ratings.

A look at AAA Guerra de Titanes, the creation of the new top stable, the debut of Sin Cara, thoughts and problems with the new name he’s using and more.

Bio on Randy Colley, best known as Moondog Rex, including his legal issues with WWE, what happened with the fans that ruined what would have been his biggest career break, other gimmicks he had, the birth of the Moondog gimmick and his biggest matches.

The NWA, its YouTube numbers, its television tapings direction for the next several weeks, its net PPV show, as well as coverage of its Into the Fire show with poll results.

2010 cable numbers for the stations that carry pro wrestling and MMA and what they mean.

Notes on the career of Alberto Munoz, who was supposed to become a legend, and what happened in 1973 that ended that dream.

Dragon Gate’s Final Gate show with coverage of the event.

A personal look at how a law that was poorly thought out will affect reporters and web sites that use people from California and how adhering to it will make it nearly impossible for anyone in the state to start out in the field, and for the vast majority who work for publications outside the state, to likely lose their jobs.

Look at the life of Scottish Hall of Fame Andy Robin, and his protege, Hercules the Bear.

Regarding the Wednesday numbers, we’ve got full details, demos that each side won, how every segment did and what match ended up as the difference maker. 

We also have full coverage of all the WWE and AEW television shows from the past week.

Current subscribers click here to continue reading.

ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].

Rates in the United States are $14.50 for 4 issues, $35.50 for 12, $70 for 24, $116 for 40 and $149.50 for 52.

In Canada and Mexico, the rates are $16 for 4, $27 for 8, $38.50 for 12, $76 for 24, $126 for 40 and $162.50 for 52.

For the rest of the world, rates are $18 for 4, $48.50 for 12, $93 for 24, $155 for 40 and $201.50 for 52.

If you order by mail with a check, cash or money order to P.O. Box 1228, Campbell, CA 95009-1228, you can get $1 off in every price range.

FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE

I’m doing a show and a meet and greet at Toudoukan’s in Tokyo at 11 a.m. on 1/4, several hours prior to the first of the two Tokyo Dome shows. I’ll just tell you this, if you are going to Japan, whether you want to see the show or not, you need to go to Touduokan’s. Ticket info can be found here. Jim Valley and I will also be doing a podcast from Toudoukan’s.

A big fight with Robert Whittaker vs. Jared Cannonier was announced for the 3/7 UFC PPV show in Las Vegas. The winner will likely get a shot at the middleweight title. Based on process of elimination, that would favor Yoel Romero as the next challenger for champion Israel Adesanya.

Sometimes pro wrestler Josh Barnett has his first MMA fight in several years in tonight’s Bellator main event against Ronny Markes.  Earlier this week, at the open workouts, Barnett did a pro wrestling match with training partner Erik Hammer while Ilima-lei Macfarlane, who headlines tomorrow night’s Bellator show with a flyweight title defense against Kate Jackson, did a hula dance.  I’ve mentioned this before, but Macfarlane in Honolulu is like watching the biggest hometown pro wrestling star you’ve seen at their peak, plus the last time she was in Hawaii she had one of the best ring entrances in MMA history. 

Tickets for the Conor McGregor vs. Donald Cerrone fight went on sale today and just on first day advance it is one of the five biggest gates in Nevada MMA history.

Liz Carmouche has officially signed with Bellator. If Macfarlane wins tomorrow, it will be likely she defends against Carmouche which would be a battle of best friends and training partners..

WWE

  • Adam Copeland (Edge) has said he is still not medically cleared to wrestle.
  • NXT has gotten back on television in France on la chaine L’equipe every Saturday at 9 p.m., or right after Raw and Smackdown.
  • A story on WWE marketing with KFC.
  • What is being billed as the final spoken word tour of William Regal take place on 1/11 in his former home of Blackpool, England, the night before Takeover.  Tickets are on sale now. For more info, check here. 
  • A story on Keith Lee. (thanks to Mike Kuzmuk)
  • A news feature on Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville.

AEW

  • Lance Archer was at the AEW show in Corpus Christi.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • One of the biggest kickboxing matches in years, the Rico Verhoeven (55-10, 16, KOs) Glory heavyweight title defense against Badr Hari (106-13, 92 KOs) takes place tomorrow at the GelreDome in Arnhem, Holland.  The show has sold out with 31,000 tickets sold. It airs on UFC Fight Pass starting at 3 p.m. Eastern time. Verhoeven weighed in at 260.6 pounds and Hari at 244.5 pounds.
  • For those who want to see the Ric Flair vs Jerry Lawler angle which inspired the Jericho vs. Jungle Boy angle, check it here.
  • Today’s New Japan Pro Wrestling show from Korakuen Hall is up for free on New Japan World. 
  • Another pro wrestler is going into MMA next month. German Figueroa, who was better known as El Gran Apolo and Leon Apolo in the WWC and IWA for a generation in Puerto Rico as well as in TNA. He’s 44 years old and will fight on the 1/25 Combate Americas show in San Juan against John Colloway (0-3). The show also features Amanda Serrano, a seven-division world boxing champion, who faces Dahianna Santana, herself a boxer. This will be the first time an MMA show from Puerto Rico will air live in the U.S. in 23 years.
  • Jim Cornette has filed a federal lawsuit against William J. Molnar Jr. and Brandon Graver (G-Raver) for selling T-shirts that contain his image and uses the term “F*** Jim Cornette.”
  • Marty Scurll and Flip Gordon are booked for Northeast Wrestling on 1/25 in Waterbury, CT.
  • Vince McMahon probably isn’t going to like this. The former Lingerie Football League, which had a name change to the Legends Football League, has now changed its name again to the Extreme Football League. Vince only owns the rights to XFL, but not Extreme Football League.  This will be a 7 on 7 all women’s league built around women playing football in fairly skimpy clothing. It’s been around for a while, and a few pro wrestlers have come out of the league, and before she got into pro wrestling, Summer Rae was the most heavily promoted player in that league.  
  • Will Ospreay vs. Dowie James was announced for a 1/11 show in Melbourne, Australia put on by Melbourne City Wrestling.
  • Alberto El Patron returns to defend his Qatar Pro Wrestling championship on 2/21 in Doha, Qatar. Announced for the show are Alberto, Matt Sydal and Eric Bischoff.
  • Generation Championship Wrestling has announced Alex Riley’s return to pro wrestling for a show over WrestleMania week.
  • NFC on 1/25 in Atlanta at District Atlanta.
  • Erick Stevens debuts in MLW on the 1/11 show in Dallas. for the show at the NYTEX Sports Centre.  Alexander Hammerstone vs. Aerostar for the National championship was also announced for that show.
  • Impact has added a show on 1/11 in Arlington, TX, in the same market, although it will be a 1 p.m. start, held at The Backyard.
  • Impact pulled David Sahadi from working the MLW show that night.
  • Southern Illinois Championship Wrestling on 12/28 in East Carondelet, IL.
  • For those going to Japan, the  Pro Wrestling NOAH show on 1/4 at Korakuen Hall, head-to-head with the New Japan show at the Tokyo Dome, is now sold out.
  • WSU has a doubleheader scheduled with shows at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at The Coliseum in Voorhees, NJ. 
  • 11 former WWE wrestlers discuss steroids at this link.

Daily Pro Wrestling History: Daily Pro Wrestling History (12/20): TNA Final Resolution

CONTACT INFORMATION

Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 2 results: ‘Filthy’ Tom, Nick Gage, Minowaman

Posted on by Josh Nason

Once a year wasn’t enough as GCW brought back Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport for the second time in 2019 Saturday night, headlined by the former UFC heavyweight champion Barnett facing Chris Dickinson and also featuring former UFC star “Filthy” Tom Lawlor vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr. 

The venue was the Showboat Atlantic City in Atlantic City, NJ, which visually was a lot brighter than White Eagle Hall in New Jersey which took away from the ambience a bit. The hard camera angle was also a bit lower than you see with most wrestling shows as well.

For those new to the format, fights can end by knockout or submission and there are no ropes on the ring, just a mat and ring posts. From what I understand, it’s closer to UWFi and Pancrase style than actual pro wrestling even though the matches all feature wrestlers albeit with MMA or martial arts backgrounds. Originally started with Matt Riddle as the namesake, Barnett and his name were added to the event this past April during Mania weekend.

The timing of the event will either be a blessing or curse as there are two big ESPN+ fights happening Saturday night with Donald Cerrone vs. Justin Gaethje (UFC) and Tyson Fury (boxing) following that.

Both the pre-show and PPV main card streamed on Fite.tv. 

Pre-Show:

Matt Makowski def. Rory Gulak by knockout

Gulak was clad in a classic wrestling singlet while Makowski had shorts and kneepads in both of their JBB debuts. Makowski is a former MMA fighter who racked up a 6-2 record including bouts in Bellator, EliteXC, and ShoXC. Most of the match was worked on the ground with some nice transitions. Makowski hit a nice O’Connor roll into a belly to back suplex into an armbar attempt remiscent of former UFC flyweight champion Demetrous Johnson’s famous 2018 submission of Ray Borg. Makowski hit a head kick to a grounded Gulak for the knockout and win in a decent match.

Sumie Sakai submitted Lindsay Snow

Lawlor sat in on commentary for the first women’s match in Bloodsport history. Snow was billed as having some BJJ experience while Sakai is a long-time talent who has worked all over the place. Snow used her size to dominate early, but Sakai managed to hang there and eventually work for an armbar which got Snow to tap. 

************

The main show opened up with all the participants being introduced and brought out to the ring, Strikeforce/Bellator Grand Prix style. The crowd, while not huge, was very boisterous which made this feel like a fun event from the start.

Anthony Henry submitted Zachary Wentz

Wentz is part of Impact Wrestling’s Rascalz and is a former amateur fighter while Henry, also someone with an MMA past, is part of the talented Workhorsemen tag team with J.D. Drake. Both are making their JBB debuts.

Wentz started out fast with the Masvidal knee while Henry fired right back with a belly to back suplex. Both guys traded suplexes before Wentz started working for submission holds. Wentz hit a right hand that dropped Henry, but got caught in Henry’s guard and submitted to a seated triangle choke/armbar combo to end a fun match.

Erik Hammer submitted JR Kratos

The debuting Hammer is a teammate of Barnett’s and an accomplished catch wrestler with a history in IGF while Kratos is coming off a victory over Simon Grimm at JBB 1. Lawlor came back out for more commentary. Both guys are heavyweights and the action was a bit slower, so having Lawlor in was a big help, especially with details like Kratos having a kid two days ago. Things eventually broke down into a punch and slap contest which the fans loved. Hammer hit a belly to belly and transitoned into a reverse bulldog choke of sorts for the tap to end a hard-hitting match.

One thing missing on these shows: replays. 

Allysin Kay def. Nicole Savoy by knockout

Both made their JBB debuts and Lawlor remained out on commentary. It took a while for the fans to get into this, but a slapfight on the mat helped things along. There was a lot of ground work and ref breaks as the two went to the edge of the apron. Kay nearly got a twister for a submission before Savoy got out of it. Savoy hit a suplex that rolled Kay out of the ring for a near countout. The end came when Kay snagged Savoy in a crucifix, landing a slew of elbows to her head for the knockout.

If you dislike mat wrestling, you probably aren’t loving this show. It would be interesting to see them allow for pins to finish matches given how much of these matches are spent on the ground.

Anthony Carelli submitted Simon Grimm

Carelli (the former Santino Marella) made his JBB debut while the heavily booed Grimm (the former Simon Gotch) was looking to avenge his debut loss to JR Kratos. Both have plenty of martial arts experience so this will be a lot different than any Marella-Gotch WWE fare for sure.

Again, lots of mat grappling and armbar attempts dominated the early action. One thing I’ve noticed in these first two JBB events is that it’s hard to really tell a story in this format. It’s possible, but there’s only so much you can do. 

Carelli locked on a Dragon sleeper that Grimm got out of much to the fans’ dismay. Carelli eventually got a reversal into an armbar for the quick tap to end an ok match. He got a “Please come back” chant.

Timothy Thatcher submitted Ikuhisa Minowa

A former Pancrase and MMA fighter, Minowaman as he’s known to most wrestling and fight fans, is making his U.S. debut tonight while Thatcher is coming off a loss to Hideki Suzuki at JBB 1.

We got a dropkick, body slam, and uppercut elbows early which was a nice change of pace from the immediate mat work we’ve seen already. Thatcher showed some great facials when he and Minowa were locked together in leg locks on the mat. This was a match of armbars and leglocks that Thatcher won with a crossface while on Minowa’s back. If there’s anyone made for this format, it’s Thatcher.

Davey Boy Smith Jr. def. Tom Lawlor by knockout

This was a battle of MLW roster mates. Former MMA fighter Lawlor, who came out to NKOTB’s “Hangin’ Tough” was supposed to be on the first JBB show, but canceled due to fear while Smith submitted Killer Kross in a good match back in April. Lawlor got a huge “Filthy Tom” chant prior to the match.

Smith controlled much of the grappling early and landed some nasty looking side elbows while Lawlor was under him. ‘Filthy’ got his shots in, but got powerslammed after refusing to give up on a rear naked choke attempt. Both guys laid in some heavy forearm blows and Lawlor got hit with a belly to back suplex that looked to rattle him. 

The action really picked up late as Smith tried to clamp on a Sharpshooter but couldn’t which led Lawlor to clothesline Smith out of the ring while on his knees. Forearms and Daniel Bryan-esque kicks followed which woke Smith up. Lawlor fired up an both men were laying in forearms, kicks, and knees. Smith won following a hard belly to back suplex and sitout powerbomb that knocked Lawlor out. Fans were really into this by the end thanks to the last few minutes. 

Killer Kross submitted Nick Gage

From the minute Kross came out, the fans were chanting for “Nick F*cking Gage” so to say they were looking forward to this was an understatement. Kross was on the first show, submitting to Davey Boy Smith Jr. while this is GCW Champion Gage’s Bloodsport debut.

Gage went in for a Masvidal flying knee at the start, but Kross got it to the ground quick, locking on a brief heel hock after Gage slapped him in the face hard. Gage, playing the unrefined street fighter, hit a headbutt and landed a soccer kick, going for a type of rear naked choke before Kross reversed things. He got in his own rear naked choke and put Gage to sleep in a rather short match. The fans booed Kross and Gage wasn’t happy with the ref stopping the fight.

After the winner was announced, Gage grabbed the referee and tossed him out of the ring to the fans’ delight. Gage eventually shook Kross’ hand and took off, leaving Kross to get on the mic and call out Dave Batista to face him at Bloodsport. Fans chanted “Holy sh*t” and “Batista” before Kross said, “Give them what they want.”

Josh Barnett def. Chris Dickinson by knockout

On the first show, Barnett went to a draw with Minoru Suzuki while Dickinson submitted Andy Williams. For the tale of the tape, Barnett’s age was listed as “War is ageless”. Barnett was originally slated to face Jon Moxley, but the AEW star had to pull out due to his elbow injury.

The early portion of the match featured lots of mat grappling and ground and pound. Barnett gave the lesser known Dickinson a lot as the “Dirty Daddy” was in control for most of the early going. Barnett also had the Brock Lesnar reddish-purple skin going early on which was unusual to see. Dickinson would later wear some nasty welts on his side as did Barnett. 

While he was continually working for an armbar, Barnett hit a nice double-underhook suplex to Dickinson. Dickinson later countered with a belly to back suplex of his own, but Barnett was not to be denied. The finish was Barnett landing a head kick to Dickinson while he was on his knees for the knockout, ending a great back-and-forth sequence and a fun match that took a while to get going.

Dickinson got on the mic and said he let a lot of people down including myself. He said Barnett was a childhood hero of his and put over the Bloodsport concept. Barnett put over Dickinson and got a lot of chants for himself. He said this isn’t the last Bloodsport show and said that Moxley wants to run it back with him. “If the office won’t let him, you let them know,” Barnett said. 

Josh Barnett to face Chris Dickinson at Bloodsport

Posted on by Joseph Currier

With Jon Moxley unable to wrestle at the show, Josh Barnett has a new opponent for Bloodsport.

Barnett vs. Chris Dickinson has been announced as the new main event for Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport II. The event is taking place at Showboat Atlantic City in Atlantic City, New Jersey next Saturday (September 14). It will stream live as an iPPV via Fite TV.

Barnett vs. Moxley was originally announced for the show, but Moxley had to pull out of the match due to the case of MRSA that returned in his elbow. Moxley tweeted last month that he still wants to face Barnett in the future, writing that “We’re gonna get this one back.”

This will be the third Bloodsport event that Game Changer Wrestling has put on. It features hybrid MMA-style pro wrestling matches.

Barnett and Minoru Suzuki went to a time limit draw in the main event of Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport I this April. Dickinson defeated Andy Williams at that show and lost to Dan Severn at Matt Riddle’s Bloodsport in 2018.

The matches that have been announced for Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport II are listed below:

  • Josh Barnett vs. Chris Dickinson
  • Tom Lawlor vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr.
  • Ikuhisa Minowa vs. Timothy Thatcher
  • Allysin Kay vs. Nicole Savoy
  • Zachary Wentz vs. Anthony Henry
  • Anthony Carelli vs. Simon Grimm
  • JR Kratos vs. Erik Hammer
  • Sumie Sakai vs. Lindsay Snow
  • Matt Makowski vs. Rory Gulak

Jon Moxley facing Josh Barnett at GCW Bloodsport

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Jon Moxley and Josh Barnett will be facing off this September.

Game Changer Wrestling has announced Moxley vs. Barnett for Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport II. The show is taking place at Showboat Atlantic City in Atlantic City, New Jersey on Saturday, September 14 and will air live as an iPPV on Fite TV.

Bloodsport features hybrid MMA style pro wrestling matches. GCW and Matt Riddle partnered for the first Bloodsport show during WrestleMania week in 2018, then Barnett’s Bloodsport I was held this April. The latter show featured Barnett going to a time-limit draw with Minoru Suzuki in the main event.

Moxley and William Regal were spotted in attendance at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport I. Moxley was nearing the end of his contract with WWE at the time.

Barnett announced in April that he’s signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA.

The hype video for Moxley vs. Barnett is available to watch below:

Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport results: Minoru Suzuki vs. Barnett

Posted on by Josh Nason

We kickoff GCW’s full slate of unique shows over the next three days with Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport, a show Barnett recently talked about at length on my podcast for the website.

For those not familiar with this style, there’s a specific ruleset: fights can be stopped by KO, submission, forfeit, or dq only. Action is stopped and restarted once it spills to the edge or outside of the ring.

From the White Eagle Hall in Jersey City, NJ, via the magic of Fite.TV, let’s get to it.

Dominic Garrini defeated Phil Baroni by referee decision reversal

The former MMA fighter Baroni came out in wrestling shoes and MMA gloves while Garrini was in a BJJ gi with accompanying purple belt. Baroni dumped Garrini on the ground, but Garrini wanted the action on the ground so that didn’t last long. Baroni laid in some ground and pound which almost led to an Garrini omoplata. Baroni was the heel, calling for timeout and was disliked because he wasn’t a pro wrestler like Garrini. He played the crowd a lot and they gave it right back.

The end came when Baroni hit a right hand that knocked out Garrini for a 10 count. However, Baroni put his hands on the referee which led him to reversing the decision. This was a short match, but was entertaining in spots. It was a good introduction to this style which was completely different than traditional pro wrestling.

J.R. Kratos defeated Simon Grimm by knockout

Kratos is a massive guy and resembles a much bigger Jay Glazer. Grimm is the former Simon Gotch of WWE sans moustache and employing a more strong style persona. This featured a lot of amateur wrestling and jiu jitsu along with some big slaps and elbows. The end came when Kratos (bleeding from the nose) hit a big slam as Grimm was attempting an armbar, followed by a flying elbow to the grounded Grimm for the knockout. This was very entertaining if you like physical, no nonsense matches.

Two matches in and you can see how this style can be a big challenge to some pro wrestlers. With no ropes or near falls available, that eliminates transitions and spots you’d normally see, leaving the guys to use strikes and chain wrestling to flow through the match. 

Davey Boy Smith Jr. defeated Killer Kross by submission

DBS is a Barnett disciple while Kross has been in Impact Wrestling as of late. The two started out trading kicks, but it didn’t take too long to go to the ground with the grappler Smith. Kross tried for a toehold that Smith tried to reverse into a Sharpshooter that Kross then reversed into a leglock attempt but both guys rolled to the outside in a fun sequence. Smith had Kross seemingly beat several times with submissions, but every time, they would roll to the ring apron. The ref would break them up which turned the crowd against Kross.

Both guys were exchanging hard slaps, kicks, and suplexes in the final few minutes. The end came when Smith was able to transition to a crossface for the tap. This was fun, but the final few minutes were really awesome. The crowd absolutely loved it as did I.

Masashi Takeda defeated Jonathan Gresham by referee stoppage

Gresham is the fast riding darling of the indie scene, while Takeda is a deathmatch wrestler who sports a ton of scars all over his body. After a few minutes of amateur wrestling, action spilled to the outside where a slapfight broke out and Takeda threatened using a chair which escalated things a bit. Takeda also started bleeding from the head. Gresham later worked on the cut with hammerfists that the crowd ate up, chanting ‘GCW’ when Takeda made a comeback. 

After Gresham hit a flurry of kicks, Takeda hit a huge knee that floored Gresham followed by some ground and pound that ended it. The crowd really got into this late which amped things up considerably. Once things escalated outside the ring, this match went from ok to really good.

Chris Dickinson defeated Andy Williams (w/Pepper Parks) by submission

Williams is part of The Butcher & The Blade tag team with Pepper Parks and the band Every Time I Die while Dickinson is a fan favorite through Northeast indies. I believe he replaced ‘Filthy’ Tom Lawlor was was unfortunately pulled from the show. The two started slapping the hell out of each other like a real fight. Williams hit our first powerbomb of the night and went into ground and pound mode. Dickinson reversed things and landed some more punches and slaps. Williams tried a rollthrough but Dickinson clamped on the rear naked choke for the tap in a quick match that really resembled a fight.

Frank Mir def. Dan Severn by submission

This was a clash of former UFC champions. Baroni randomly came out to shake hands with Mir and then corner him. Mir was smiling, but looked nervous for his first pro wrestling match, dressed in a sleeveless rash guard and Bellator shorts.

Severn controlled the action early which featured a lot of ground work. Mir locked in a heel hook and Severn just submitted out of nowhere in a very short match. Mir did a promo afterward that was hard to hear because the audio wasn’t piped into the broadcast. It was something about taking on Brock Lesnar and the crowd changed “Sign him, Regal” as he left. This was the most disappointing match of the night to this point.

Hideki Suzuki defeated Timothy Thatcher by referee decision

This was nearly all chain wrestling and the first part of the show to this point where things started to drag a bit. Both guys were flawless in transitioning from lock to lock to lock without any slow down. Suzuki hit a big knee and Thatcher came back with an enziguri to tempoarily regain the advantage. the end came when Suzuki hit a double arm suplex that knocked Thatcher silly for the stoppage. The commentators speculated that Thatcher had his bell rung. Post-match, Suzuki threw his towel in Thatcher’s face before eventually shaking his hand. The crowd came alive at the end of the match.

Josh Barnett vs. Minoru Suzuki went to a time limit draw

The crowd was into this from the second Suzuki’s music hit. Both guys eased into things early with a lot of back and forth exchanges. Suzuki flashed a leg lock or heel hook that popped the crowd with Barnett showing off his armbars late on. Both guys showed off an intensity, especially as they were in submissions, that really stood out. Barnett did a great job selling for his smaller opponent who didn’t fight like he was smaller. 

Action eventually spilled to the outside and the referee didn’t do anything about it, eventually getting a Suzuki strike for his trouble. Suzuki hit a chair shot on Barnett on the floor who then fired up and laid his opponent out with a big boot. They got back in the ring sans referee where Barnett hit some elbows and a side headlock before hitting a gut wrench suplex. The men then traded elbows and a few headbutts for several minutes which the crowd quieted down for so they could hear the slap.

The final 30 seconds featured both men unloading slaps, strikes, knees, and kicks before the 20-minute time limit expired….until both guys agreed to five more minutes. 

Barnett his a series of kicks that just fired Suzuki up more, leading to a suplex that fired him up even more before he collapsed and got locked in a Barnett rear naked choke. Suzuki bit his way out of it and eventually bit the toes of Barnett’s boot. Suzuki then worked Barnett through a series of painful looking submissions before the two locked on matching heel hooks as time expired again.

The two embraced and bowed as they got a standing ovation from the crowd. If you’re an MMA fan that likes pro wrestling, you need to watch this show.

Other Notes:

– The event was sans the red mat from last year’s Matt Riddle-named event. Instead, it was a traditional pro wrestling mat with advertising on it with no ropes.

– I didn’t like the commentary at times. There was too much complaiing about the referee’s actions, a little too much swearing, and a lack of calling some of the moves. It was fairly easy to get past, but when it stood out, often it was for the wrong reasons.

Josh Barnett signs multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Josh Barnett is the newest member of the Bellator MMA roster.

During an in-studio appearance on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show today, Barnett signed a multi-fight contract with Bellator. Barnett mentioned Bellator’s event in London, England on Saturday, June 22 as a possibility for his debut.

Scott Coker also sent out a tweet confirming the news: “Welcome to @BellatorMMA, @JoshLBarnett. (Not an April Fools joke)”

It was announced in March 2018 that Barnett had won his lengthy arbitration case against USADA, with him receiving a public reprimand instead of a suspension after he was able to prove his failed test for ostarine was due to a tainted supplement.

Barnett later received his release from the UFC, saying he didn’t “feel comfortable giving the control necessary to USADA that would continue [his] career in the UFC.”

Barnett last fought at the UFC’s Fight Night show in Hamburg, Germany in September 2016, defeating Andrei Arlovski by submission.

Barnett also promoted Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport on Helwani’s show. The event is with Game Changer Wrestling and is taking place in Jersey City, New Jersey at 4 p.m. Eastern time this Thursday. It’s also airing as an iPPV on Fite TV.

The main event of Bloodsport is Barnett vs. Minoru Suzuki.

JNPO: Josh Barnett on Bloodsport, his MMA future, and the wrestling biz

Posted on by Josh Nason

Editor’s Note: This is a free show. Just click the red button below to listen.

On a new Josh Nason’s Punch-Out, I welcome back “The Warmaster” Josh Barnett for our first conversation in nearly seven years.

There was a lot to talk about with the former UFC heavyweight champion, mainly Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport, a sold out GCW event scheduled for Thursday of WrestleMania week in New Jersey. Among the things we covered in this 40-minute conversation:

  • His thoughts on today’s music scene
  • How the ‘Bloodsport’ opportunity came about and his insistence on playing an active role in putting the show together
  • How Frank Mir got added to the show in what will be his pro wrestling debut
  • Josh’s main event match at Bloodsport against Minoru Suzuki
  • His thoughts on the current wrestling landscape and how much has changed over the last few years
  • Some insight into his fighting future (hint: it’s happening)
  • Whether he would do anything differently about the Jay White/NJPW situation in Long Beach

Click Here to Listen (free)

Josh Barnett to face Minoru Suzuki at Bloodsport

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The main event of Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport has been set, and naturally it will feature the show’s titular star against one of the most well renown shoot-style wrestlers of the modern era.

Barnett announced tonight that he will be facing Minoru Suzuki in the main event. As Barnett described in the tweet, Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport will be “Catch Wrestling Violence that will be possessed by the spirits of Karl Gotch and Billy Robinson.”

Suzuki was also in the main event of last year’s Bloodsport main event, where he defeated Matt Riddle. 

Matches that have been announced for this year’s event include former UFC Heavyweight champion Frank Mir against Dan Severn, Timothy Thatcher vs. Hideki Suzuki and Killer Kross vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr. Filthy Tom Lawlor and Jonathan Gresham will also appear on the show.

The event, which takes place on April 4, will be held under the Game Changer Wrestling banner as part of their Collective series of shows. Other promotions running shows under the Collective banner WrestleMania weekend include AIW, CHIKARA and Black Label Pro.

Frank Mir making pro wrestling debut at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport

Posted on by Josh Nason

GCW announced Friday that former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir will make his pro wrestling debut at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport, set for April 4th in New Jersey as part of WrestleMania week activities.

No opponent was announced for the 39-year-old Mir who currently still fights for Bellator MMA.

The show will feature Barnett, also a former UFC heavyweight champion, former UFC fighter and Filthy Four Daily co-host Tom Lawlor, Jonathan Gresham, Timothy Thatcher, and the U.S. debut of Hideki Suzuki, a catch wrestler trained by Billy Robinson.

Formerly Matt Riddle’s Bloodsport, the show now carries Barnett’s name and is promoted as a hybrid wrestling and MMA show with no ring ropes, finishes by knockout or submission, and a look and feel based on the Jean Claude Van Damme movie of the same name. 

Last year’s show was headlined by Riddle vs. Minoru Suzuki, Nick Gage vs. Thatcher, WALTER vs. Lawlor, Dan Severn, and more.