Josh Barnett announces he is ending GCW Bloodsport ‘for the foreseeable future’
After nine years and 18 events, Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport is taking a break.
Barnett revealed the news during Friday’s event in Las Vegas as part of WrestleMania week after his win over Yugi Nagata in the main event. He ran down their accomplishments, said they had done some amazing things, “but for now, this door is closing.”
The former UFC heavyweight champion said is “shutting shop and calling it a day” while they have their dignity and that fans still love what they do. He put over GCW owner Brett Lauderdale’s efforts.
Barnett said he has his reasons for shutting things down and while Bloodsport is not done forever, it’s done “for the foreseeable future.” He thanked the wrestlers, Lauderdale and the fans before bidding adieu.
The no ropes worked shoot style debuted as Matt Riddle’s Bloodsport in April 2018 with Barnett taking over the franchise a year later. Since then, GCW has run Bloodsport events from New Jersey to Indiana to Los Angeles to Tokyo to New York City to London and more.
The shows brought wrestlers from all organizations at one point including WWE, AEW, TNA, NJPW and others.
Barnett spoke to me in 2019 about the Bloodsport concept and why he initially got involved which you can listen to for free here.
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.