Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) has announced a unique matchup for its upcoming No Compadre event on March 29 at Thalia Hall in Chicago. The card will feature AEW’s Megan Bayne facing off against WWE NIL signee Zayda Steel—an uncommon crossover in today’s wrestling landscape.
Bayne, who has been competing in AEW and abroad, brings her powerhouse style to GCW, while Steel, a rising star under WWE’s developmental umbrella, steps into one of her highest-profile matches yet. The bout is particularly notable given that both AEW and WWE are allowing their respective talent to share the ring, a rare occurrence in modern pro wrestling.
While interpromotional matchups have happened in independent wrestling, a decisive finish between talent affiliated with two major wrestling promotions would be unexpected. Regardless of the outcome, this clash marks a significant moment for both competitors and fans alike.
GCW No Compadre will stream live on TrillerTV+ at 8 PM CT.
It’s always said that a talent is two inches away from catastrophe while wrestling a match and former AEW star Joey Janela recently found this out firsthand.
The Bad Boy revealed on Twitter recently that he is dealing with a ruptured bicep after his most recent indie match. Not only that, the 35-year-old has also suffered nerve damage which has resulted in him losing feeling in a couple of his fingers:
In the hospital, just got to see a doctor looks like now after my match yesterday and attack today by Atticus, I not only have a complete ruptured bicep but also nerve damage to the arm that’s affecting the my arm all the way down to the hand.
I currently have no feeling in my ring and pinky finger. We are looking for options but it seems a major surgery is imminent in the morning. I’m sorry to everyone, things aren’t looking too good.”
In the hospital, just got to see a doctor looks like now after my match yesterday and attack today by Atticus, I not only have a complete ruptured bicep but also nerve damage to the arm that’s affecting the my arm all the way down to the hand.
Joey Janela has been active in the indepedent circuit and a regular for Game Changer Wrestling in recent times. His last match came at Saturday’s GCW event where Janela suffered a loss at the hands of Atticus Cogar.
The former GCW World Champion was one of the first talents signed by AEW upon its inception in 2019. He had high profile matches with names such as Jon Moxley, Kenny Omega and Darby Allin during his stint with the company that ended in 2022.
GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale is unsure of what to make of the PCO incident.
The 57-year-old wrestling veteran made headlines over the weekend with his appearance at the People vs. GCW event. PCO who was the reigning TNA Digital Media champion brought the belt with him at the show and destroyed it in front of the public using a sledgehammer. At first, people thought that it was part of a storyline but multiple reports since then have claimed that TNA officials had no knowledge of it beforehand.
Lauderdale talked about the incident on the Game Changer Weekly podcast and mentioned that PCO is a longtime friend of his who he has a lot of respect for. Discussing his knowledge of the incident in question, he claimed that he was under the impression of the whole thing being a work:
“What happened and what I thought was gonna happen were slightly two different things, and I thought we were kind of doing him a favor by letting him advance a storyline and returning to GCW at the same time, so I only kind of realized that it was more than that after the fact when I started reading reports that he may or may not have done that on his own.”
I Think There Is A Storyline Going On: Brett Lauderdale
PCO was one of the many names who had his TNA deal expire at the end of last year and per reports, he was supposed to finish up with the company at their next taping. After the incident, however, TNA has removed both PCO and the Digital media title from their website, and the former WCW star is not expected to be brought back for any more shows.
Though despite these claims, Brett Lauderdale is not entirely sure of the legitimacy of the whole thing and he still believes that it could be a work:
“No. I know a lot of the people at TNA, so I feel like I would have been contacted if there was any major issue that would have been on us or if they had questions about it.
That’s why I think maybe there is still a storyline going on with it because I feel like maybe if there wasn’t, after the fact, they would have said, ‘Hey, what happened?’
TNA is set to follow up the January 19 Genesis PPV with a live Impact taping from San Antonio, TX this Thursday, January 23. Whether or not the whole thing is really a work should become clearer after this show.
At The People Vs. GCW, Allie Katch suffered a serious injury that resulted in her match with EFFY being called off. Taking to X, Katch spoke about the injury and is keeping a positive mindset.
Everything happens for a reason. What’s meant for me will find me. Whatever the universe wants me to learn I am open to receive. I am still Champion Material and will be when the time is right 🫶 pic.twitter.com/ijOgtYG9qk
In another post, Katch shared that she has been discharged from hispital and hopes to be walking without crutches in six weeks. Katch also promised some exciting new merch, giving fans a way to support her while she’s unable to perform.
Day 2:discharged & going home! Was told 6 weeks by doctors this morning to walk without crutches, then after walking down the hall & up/down stairwell the ortho said way sooner 🤭I will start processing/packing orders tomorrow and updating patreon/new merch etc! THANK YOU ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/sOqWsuS1u6
Katch’s leg was broken in two place due to a dive to the outside that saw her collide with a guard rail. Steph De Lander has launched a GoFundMe page to help cover medical costs as well as a loss of earnings while Katch recovers. In a sign of generosity from the wrestling community, the fundraiser, originally set at $13,000, has surpassed $50,000 in donations.
Here is a list of some notable names who have chipped in.
Matt Cardona ($1,000)
Liv Morgan ($1,000)
Raj Dhesi/Jinder Mahal ($1,000)
Nic Nemeth ($1,000)
Danhausen ($500)
Piper Niven ($500)
Chelsea Green ($500)
Tommy Billington ($500)
The response to this GoFundMe has shown that fans and wrestlers alike are willing to give big to help in times of need. We at SEScoops are continuing to send our best wishes to Allie for a full and speedy recovery.
At The People Vs. GCW, Allie Katch suffered a serious injury in her match with Effy that brought an abrupt end to the contest. The match was to determine the challenger for Mance Warner’s GCW World Championship and the show saw Effy compete against Warner in the main event.
In an update, Steph De Lander shared that Katch had been taken to a nearby hospital where doctors confirmed that her leg is broken in two places. A GoFundMe has been launched to help cover costs that has already raked in over $8,000 of its $13,000 goal. Notable names have been donating include AEW’s Kris Statlander and Deonna Purrazzo.
Hey guys, in the hospital w @AllieKATCH & she has broken her leg in two places – currently awaiting to speak to an ortho surgeon on next steps. I’ve just set up a GoFundMe – pls help if you can! ❤️ *PLS SHARE*https://t.co/iNmmwHO1ZI
In an update, De Lander shared that Allie will be undergoing surgery in the next couple of days. She also expressed gratitude to those who have already donated to the GoFundMe.
*UPDATE*@AllieKATCH will be undergoing surgery for her leg injury in the next couple of days, ideally tomorrow. Thank you to everybody who has already donated, let’s help our girl Allie get back on her feet (literally) ASAP ❤️https://t.co/TM9pu3PfFXhttps://t.co/BWPwMAM28O
Katch’s injury demonstrates the risks pro wrestlers put themselves in every single time they step in the ring. We at SEScoops would like to wish Allie a full and speedy recovery.
I feel the love and I am so grateful, it’s the light in this very scary and uncertain time. Forever in debt to Steph for taking care of me and thank you to all who have reached out. I’ll have more to say and update later but I am so tired and hangry yall!!! https://t.co/jrHd8C86Hf
EFFY is the new GCW World Champion following a dramatic night at The People vs. GCW, held in the iconic Hammerstein Ballroom.
Originally, the championship match was set to feature Mance Warner defending his title against the winner of EFFY vs. Allie Katch. Unfortunately, their earlier matchup ended prematurely after Allie Katch suffered a serious leg injury during a dive, forcing her to withdraw and granting EFFY a default victory.
real bummer yall not the way i wanted to earn this hope @AllieKATCH is ok despite the history
sometimes things change and you gotta go with the flow and i feel like it isn’t earned but i’ll do it for us both.
The main event between Mance Warner and EFFY was a brutal, chaotic clash reflective of their long-standing rivalry. The fight featured brawling outside the ring, the use of weapons such as chairs, doors, and even screwdrivers, and a level of intensity that captivated the audience.
The turning point came when Cole Radrick handed EFFY a guitar, which he used to incapacitate Warner and secure the decisive pinfall.
With this victory, EFFY not only ends Warner’s reign as GCW Champion but also captures his first-ever singles title in GCW, a major milestone after years of contributing to the promotion.
Former WWE wrestler Baron Corbin, now wrestling under his real name, Tom Pestock, made his debut for Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) at the “The People vs. GCW” pay-per-view event.
Pestock faced Josh Barnett in a match held under Bloodsport rules, where Barnett secured the win via submission.
Despite the loss, the crowd showed strong support for Pestock, chanting “Big f***ing Tom” and “Please come back!” after the match.
To be a WWE guy through and through—and a Vince McMahon guy at that—and have your first indie match be Bloodsport against Josh Barnett? Baron Corbin is dead, long live Tim Pestock. Or as the Hammerstein crowd just christened him: “Big Fuckin’ Tom!” #ThePeopleVsGCWpic.twitter.com/LM7YudAc2u
He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete in GCW, signaling a positive reception of his performance. Pestock credited the rabid fan base, affectionately calling them “wild f-ing animals” and saying he will definitely be back.
Allie Katch suffered a significant injury during a match at “The People vs. GCW” event, where she reportedly broke her leg after landing incorrectly against Effy.
Allie Katch broke her leg after landing on it wrong against Effy at #ThePeopleVsGCW
The incident led to the match being stopped, and she was taken out on a stretcher. According to Steph DeLander, Katch broke her leg in two places during the high risk move.
Allie Katch out on a stretcher, she’s legimately injured.
PCO made his views on TNA and the promotion’s Digital Media Championship very clear in an appearance this week for GCW. At The People Vs. GCW, PCO, destroyed the title and spoke about selling out the biggest house in TNA history. The show cut to a break during PCO’s comments, and when the event returned, the veteran had left the ring. This segment took place just as TNA began the main card of their Genesis pay-per-view event.
PCO had held the Digital Media Championship since Slammiversary, where he defeated AJ Francis for the gold. The Canadian veteran had been a part of TNA since 2022. Previously, he had been with Ring of Honor but parted in late 2021 prior to Tony Khan’s purchase of the promotion.
This destruction of the title was not part of a storyline, PW Insider reports, but instead PCO airing his genuine frustrations at TNA Wrestling. TNA has yet to address the situation and PCO himself has not commented on what the future of his promotion will look like. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on this developing situation.
Posted January 19th, 2025 in TNA, GCW. Tagged: PCO.
Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) is set to deliver another unforgettable event tonight, January 19, live from the iconic Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.
The People vs. GCW will stream exclusively on TrillerTV+ and promises a night packed with hard-hitting action, shocking surprises, and the trademark chaos fans have come to expect from GCW.
How to Watch
• Streaming: Live on TrillerTV+ (subscription required) at 7PM ET.
Match Card
GCW World Championship Match: Mance Warner (c) vs. Winner of Effy vs. Allie Katch (determined earlier in the night)
The charismatic champion defends his title against a contender decided in a grudge match earlier in the evening.
Effy vs. Allie Katch
Best friends turned bitter rivals will clash to determine who earns the right to challenge Mance Warner later in the night.
GCW Ultraviolent Championship DLC Match: Matt Tremont vs. Matthew Justice vs. Drew Parker vs. John Wayne Murdoch vs. Brandon Kirk vs. Mystery Competitor
This six-man match, with its “Downloadable Content” moniker, will decide the new Ultraviolent Champion in a spectacle of mayhem.
GCW Tag Team Championship Ladder Match: Dominic Garrini & Kevin Ku (c) vs. Gahbage Daddies (Alec Price & Cole Radrick)
With gold on the line, these teams will put it all on the line in a brutal ladder match.
Six-Man Tag Team Match: Homicide, Grim Reefer & The Amazing Red vs. Tony Deppen, Kerry Morton & Griffin McCoy
A clash of veterans and rising stars in a battle for bragging rights.
Trios Match: Yoshihiro Tajiri, Super Crazy & Little Guido vs. The Desperados (Gringo Loco, Jack Cartwheel & Arez)
Legends of the business meet an electrifying new trio in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Steel Cage Match: Richard Holliday vs. Charles Mason
After weeks of tension, these two will settle their score inside the unforgiving steel cage.
Bloodsport Match: Josh Barnett vs. Tom Pestock
The MMA and wrestling legend steps into GCW’s Bloodsport to face the former Baron Corbin in his first match since leaving WWE
El Hijo del Vikingo vs. Sydney Akeem (formerly Scrypts in WWE)
A high-octane matchup between the lucha libre sensation and the former WWE star.
Masato Tanaka vs. Joey Janela
The legendary former ECW World Champion collides with “The Bad Boy” Joey Janela in a dream match.
Matt Cardona’s Open Challenge
The always controversial Cardona will face a surprise opponent, adding intrigue to an already stacked card.
Plus, Special Appearances by Sabu, PCO, and Maki Itoh.
With championship matches, grudge bouts, and appearances from wrestling legends in an iconic venue, The People vs. GCW is shaping up to be a landmark event for the company.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest GCW updates, and join us here for live coverage of tonight’s event.
Tom Pestock, formerly known as Baron Corbin in WWE, is set to make his GCW debut against Josh “The Warmaster” Barnett in a Bloodsport rules match at The People vs. GCW on January 19, 2025, at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.
This match marks Pestock’s first appearance since leaving WWE in November 2024. Known for his impressive combat sports background, Pestock recently captured gold at the IBJJF Tampa International Jiu-Jitsu Tournament and holds accolades as a Golden Gloves boxing champion.
His opponent, Josh Barnett, is a seasoned combat sports veteran, boasting a resume that includes being a former UFC Heavyweight Champion and an accomplished catch wrestler.
In addition to Pestock vs. Barnett, The People vs. GCW features:
GCW World Title Match: Mance Warner (c) vs. Winner of Effy/Allie Katch
GCW Tag Team Title Match: Violence Is Forever vs. Gahbage Daddies
Nick Gage says he is not sure where his relationship with GCW stands.
The Hardcore star was once the center figure of the indie promotion. Till date, he remains the only person the company ever signed to a contract. Gage however has not made an appearance for the New Jersey based promotion in a while.
He last wrestled for the promotion at the August 2, 2024, GCW Now And Forever show. Nick Gage was then pulled from the announced August 24 Homecoming event and he has not been booked for any appearances ever since. In the meantime, the 44-year-old confirmed that he checked himself in rehab but did not provide any further details.
Gage was recently interviewed by MuscleManMalcolm while he was visiting an Arrival Wrestling show. When asked about his relationship with the company that he once had such close ties with, Nick noted that he still exchanges texts with the promoter Brett Lauderdale but that’s the extent of it:
“My current relationship with GCW is…I don’t know man. You know, I really don’t know Malcolm. I text, I get answers. We hit a little bit back and forth but that’s it. Am I sorting out to please and begging and all? None of that and vice versa from him. None of that coming my way.
I feel like in time, it will heal wounds and we’ll get back on track. The way we’re supposed to be, the right way. I just think it will happen organically and natural, to where the time would be right and me and him would be fucking cool as we should be and probably have a sit down to dinner and discuss what it is. Who knows when it’s going to happen.”
Nick Gage also praised Lauderdale for helping him out during his jail term and revealed that Brett made the mugshot shirt for him during the time so he could earn money while serving his sentence.
Gage had taken a break from wrestling in August and he recently returned to the ring for a BCW event in the 2300 Arena. The December 14 show saw him fighting Drake Younger for the Philadelphia Street Fight Title.
Posted December 28th, 2024 in GCW. Tagged: Nick Gage.
Tony Khan has revealed Matt Cardona helped put together Chris Jericho’s recent GCW appearance.
The Deathmatch King is set to challenge Y2J for the ROH title at the upcoming Final Battle event on December 20. After Cardona made multiple appearances on ROH TV to build the bout, Jericho returned the favor with an appearance at the December 15 GCW event. Wearing an AEW shirt, he interfered in the match between Matt and Effy, attacking both the indie stars.
The AEW President was asked about this appearance by Bill Pritchard of WrestleZone during the Final Battle media call. Tony Khan explained that Cardona helped put the whole thing together and he was happy to send Jericho:
“Matt helped put that together, Matt asked me about it, and obviously, I was happy to send Chris to promote the match that is happening on ROH as part of the double main event.
With Matt appearing there, and this being a title match, it made sense to do something to promote. It’s very much along the lines of things we’ve done with other matches along the ways over the years.”
This appearance comes as an interesting turn in the AEW-GCW relationship. When Ricky Starks was abruptly pulled from the GCW shows, many speculated that Effy’s comments about Shad Khan were the reason behind it.
With Tony Khan allowing Jericho to work with Effy during his GCW appearance, however, the question now is if the problem was on Starks’ end and if his promo about not being used in AEW was the reason for the action.
Chris Jericho stunned fans by appearing in GCW and attacking two of the promotion’s top stars, amid GCW’s ongoing tensions with AEW. At the event, a masked figure entered the ring during Effy Vs. Matt Cardona and laid out the Indy God. After Effy got the win, the masked man revealed himself to be Jericho and floored Effy. Jericho then removed his hoodie to reveal an AEW shirt underneath.
Jericho’s arrival in AEW certainly comes at an interesting time. Recently, AEW pulled Ricky Starks from a GCW event and all future GCW events. The move caused a backlash against Tony Khan, with fans taking issue with Starks not being allowed to work in GCW, despite AEW not using him in any way. Starks was reportedly pulled from GCW after Effy made a comment about Tony Khan’s father.
Jericho has been with AEW since the very start and has been fiercely loyal to the company, especially during the backstage drama of 2022 and 2023 related to CM Punk and others. The reigning ROH World Champion will put his title on the line at ROH Final Battle next week against Cardona. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Chris Jericho, as his appearance in GCW was certainly a surprise for more than one reason.
Brett Lauderdale says he doesn’t know why Ricky Starks was pulled from GCW shows.
The AEW star was announced for several upcoming GCW events after his surprise appearance at the Dream On show on November 23. The former FTW champion, however, was pulled from the announced dates only days after by the Elite promotion. This was a curious development as Starks’ other indie appearances were not canceled.
Lauderdale addressed these turn of events on the most recent episode of Game Changer Weekly. He explained that contracted talents reach out to him if they want to get booked. Brett noted that wrestlers are responsible for getting clearance from their employers themselves. He said that he has no direct line of communication with AEW so he can’t be sure why Starks was pulled:
“I found out about this the same time as everybody else did, for the most part. I’ve stated this many times before and it’s no secret. I don’t really have a line of communication with AEW. I’ve never talked to Tony Khan on the phone or via text in my entire life. They don’t talk to me. I’m not trying to say that in a negative context, but I guess we’ve never really had to talk.”
The indie promotion has featured many AEW talents on their shows over the years including top names such as Jon Moxley. Brett Lauderdale claimed that because of the lack of communication, he doesn’t know if the freeze applies just to Starks or other talents as well.
Speaking about all the different rumors that have been floating around, Lauderdale noted that he’s heard things too. Though he can’t say for sure if they’re true as reports have been wrong about the AEW-GCW relationship in the past. Brett said that he’s always thought the two companies to be on the same side, and admitted that it doesn’t feel great to have an announced talent be pulled like that:
“I would love to know if there’s something to be done or something we can be doing. We got to the point where this stuff was agreed upon, announced, and fans were looking forward to this. To promote something and have to pull it back is not ideal. At the same time, and I’ve said this many times, when you do book television or contracted talent, you do it with the understanding this could happen at any time for any reason. It sucks, but it’s part of the deal.”
The GCW official also commented on reports saying that Effy’s referencing Shad Khan on his podcast saying ‘Brett doesn’t have a dad who pays him to stay away’ might have caused the rift between the promotions. He noted that Effy is also an independent contractor and his podcast is not related to GCW in any way.
Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XII took place at the White Eagle Hall in Jersey City last weekend, and proved to be another epic show of violence and wrestling. The show saw ten matches take place featuring stars of WWE, AEW, TNA Wrestling and beyond.
Jon Moxley Appears
In women’s action, AEW’s Marina Shafir fought TNA Wrestling’s Jody Threat. Jon Moxley appeared in the corner of Shafir as the pair are part of the Death Riders faction in AEW. Shafir got the win and posed with Moxley after the match.
MVP had teased a match with Barnett himself shortly after his departure from WWE earlier this year. Unfortunately for the Hurt Syndicate leader, he came up short and lost via submission in the main event.
MVP made his BLOODSPORT debut in the main event against Josh Barnett… using his rad AEW Hurt Syndicate theme.
After the match, MVP and Barnett hugged in the ring and the AEW star cut a promo putting Barnett over as the spirit of Bloodsport. Barnett then issued a challenge for GCW Bloodsport in the Hammerstein Ballroom.
TNA Wrestling Represented
Josh Alexander showed his toughness by defeating ‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey, who is reportedly set to join AEW soon. TNA Knockouts World Champion Masha Slamovich put her title on the line against Lei Ying Lee (formerly Xia Li in WWE) and was able to retain the gold.
WWE continued to show its willingness to work with others by allowing several NXT Superstars to compete at Bloodsport XII. Myles Borne made his Bloodsport debut at the event but came up short against Bloodsport veteran Royce Isaaacs.
Charlie Dempsey fared better than his No Quarter Catch Crew ally as the NXT Heritage Cup Champion defeated Matt Makowski. The win extends Dempsey’s Bloodsport record to 2-1.
Charlie Dempsey and Tracy Williams brought it!! Best match so far. 👏👏👏👏
Karmen Petrovic made her Bloodsport debut to show what the women of WWE NXT are capable of. Petrovic, who has been shining on the silver brand defeated Sumie Sakai via TKO thanks toa strong kick to the head of her legendary opponent.
Ricky Starks made an unannounced appearance at Game Changer Wrestling’s (GCW) Dream On event on November 23, 2024, held at The American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The show, featuring guest spots from Hall of Famers Mick Foley and Kurt Angle, became a platform for Starks to make an “Absolute” statement about his career.
Got the privilege of sharing the ring at GCW with a man with many names…. Mick Foley, Cactus Jack, Dude Love, Mankind, and Santa Claus. Love ya Mick. @realmickfoley pic.twitter.com/rLk3RpJEIk
During the event, Starks interrupted Jimmy Lloyd’s promo, where Lloyd mocked him for being “in catering” during AEW’s Full Gear at the nearby Prudential Center. Starks responded in dramatic fashion, delivering a DDT to Lloyd and grabbing the microphone.
Ricky Starks voicing his frustrations over in GCW:
“One thing about me—passion runs through my blood and I will be damned if I sit at home and I get frozen out. I’ll be damned if I sit at home and let my career dwindle.”#GCWDream#AEW#AEWFullGear pic.twitter.com/VrpnG2qQub
Expressing frustration with his lack of use in AEW, Starks shared a passionate message about his ambitions. He told the crowd, “I am 34 years old. I’m healthy. I am goddamn good looking, and most importantly, I am a generational superstar.” Starks praised GCW as one of the “hottest promotions right now,” hinting at potential future appearances with the promotion.
Jimmy Lloyd attempted a sneak attack after Starks’ speech, but Starks ended the segment decisively with a spear.
Starks’ AEW future remains unclear as he hasn’t wrestled for the company since March 2024. However, fans won’t have to wait long to see him in action, as he is set to wrestle at House of Glory on January 16, 2025.
As the son of the legendary Umaga, Zilla Fatu has the eyes of the wrestling world on him with fans excited to see how far he goes in the ring. The 25-year-old already holds gold in House of Glory and Reality of Wrestling but fans shouldn’t expect to see him in GCW anymore.
On Twitter, GCW shared that Fatu had been pulled from their September 20, Aura event and won’t be appearing at any future GCW events for the foreseeable future. Fatu was set to face Matt Tremont at the show, who instead faced SLADE at the show.
Zilla Fatu will not be appearing on tonite's GCW event in Philadelphia, or any GCW shows for the forseeable future.
We tried our best to avoid this situation, but we have reached an impasse.
We wish him the best.
Matt Tremont will now face SLADE tonight at #GCWAura in Philly.
Fatu made his GCW debut in January 2024, teaming with his cousin Jacob Fatu, who has since joined WWE. His most recent match for the promotion came just last week and saw Zilla defeat Gringo Loco at Tha G-Code 2024.
A Potential WWE Move?
Zilla’s abrupt exit from Game Changer Wrestling has had fans speculating that the multi-generation wrestler will soon be appearing for WWE. Fatu was spotted last month at SummerSlam in Cleveland and it was reported at the time that WWE “naturally has their eyes on him.”
Jey Uso recently teased some surprises for the Bloodline story, including the possible inclusion of “other family members,” another potential nod to Fatu’s arrival. With Fatu himself saying in May that he’d prefer to join WWE over AEW, it could be just a matter of time before the 25-year-old talent makes waves as part of The Bloodline.
Posted September 21st, 2024 in GCW. Tagged: Zilla Fatu.
WWE Hall of Famer Kurt Angle is set to make an appearance on an upcoming Game Change Wrestling (GCW) show.
The promotion has announced on social media that ‘The Olympic Gold Medalists’ has been booked for an appearance at the promotion’s Dream On event on Saturday, November 23. The show will take place at American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Tickets will go on sale this Friday at 10:00 am ET.
*AMERICAN DREAM UPDATE*
GCW comes to The American Dream Mall on Saturday, November 23rd!
Just Signed:
WWE Hall of Famer KURT ANGLE comes to GCW for the first time on 11/23 at #GCWDream!
Angle will be a part of the show which is set to feature the likes of Ricky Morton, Matt Cardona, Mance Warner, Masha Slamovich, Effy, Gringo Loco, and Sonny Kiss.
The former World Champion has not been advertised to wrestle for the event. Kurt Angle retired following his “farewell match” against Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35 in 2019. Since then he has maintained that way and has not wrestled.
Most recently, another WWE Hall of Famer John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield shocked fans when he made an appearance at GCW’s Homecoming event. Earlier this month, JBL was at AAA TripleMania XXXII: Mexico City. The former World Champion was accompanied by fellow former WWE star Nic Nemeth for his AAA Mega Championship match against Alberto El Patron.
Earlier this year, Angle revealed that he was still under contract to WWE. It is not clear whether that is still the case given the GCW booking. However, a handful of WWE stars who are under their contract have stepped through the ‘forbidden door.’ It includes Shayna Baszler and WWE NXT’s Charlie Dempsey who competed at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport X. This possibly indicates that WWE might have also allowed Kurt Angle to step through the ‘forbidden door.’
WWE Hall of Famer John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield shocked fans by appearing for Game Changer Wrestling at the promotion’s Homecoming event. In the main event, Mance Warner retained the GCW World Heavyweight Championship in a triple-threat ladder match with former champion Joey Janela and Blake Christian.
The finish of the match saw Matt Cardona, GCW’s General Manager, try to insert himself in the match but he was taken out by 1 Called Manders. When Effy arrived to try and stop Warner from winning, JBL emerged from the crowd to take him out. Bradshaw took down Effy with a punch before delivering a duo of Clotheslines from Hell.
With Effy disposed of, Warner was able to capture the GCW World Heavyweight Championship. Warner has held the gold since June of this year after cashing in his Do or Die contract, guaranteeing him a title match with Janela.
This is just the latest promotion outside of WWE that the former WWE World Champion has appeared for. Earlier this month, JBL was at AAA TripleMania XXXII: Mexico City. JBL accompanied fellow WWE alum Nic Nemeth for his AAA Mega Championship match with Alberto El Patron.
Although his days competing are very much in the past, John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield remains a huge name in the world of professional wrestling, as seen at GCW Homecoming. Stay tuned to SE Scoops for all the latest on JBL and where the self-professed Wrestling Gold appears next in the industry.
Game Changer Wrestling has announced that Nick Gage is set to face Matt Hardy at the GCW Now And Forever event on August 2.
This will be the first time the two would go against each other in the ring:
“*BREAKING* NICK GAGE returns and takes on the debuting MATT HARDY in a first time ever Dream Match THIS FRIDAY in CLEVELAND!” the announcement on GCW’s X/Twitter page reads.
“Im gonna cause matt hardy to feel physical pain when i fight him in Cleveland,” the 43-year-old wrestler wrote on X regarding the match.
Im gonna cause matt hardy to feel physical pain when i fight him in cleveland https://t.co/ZKemGYU90f
Gage notably wasn’t able to appear on the GCW Worst Behavior on July 5, because of injury. He was subsequently advertised for events taking place on July 18 and 20, but he was still unable to make appearances due to the injury. He last competed on the June 14 event of GCW Lights Out, where he defeated Orin Veidt.
Nick Gage has made a name for himself with his hardcore matches, after competing in GCW and on other indie promotions. Gage also made appearances for AEW in 2021, when he was involved in the feud between MJF and Chris Jericho.
Meanwhile, this would be Matt Hardy’s debut in GCW. His last televised match at the time of writing was at TNA iMPACT on July 21, where he teamed up with ABC (Ace Austin and Chris Bey) to defeat JDC and The System (Brian Myers and Eddie Edwards).
Hardy recently talked about his experience wrestling in Saudi Arabia for WWE, noting that he had a great time there with the people. However, he came back appreciating the freedoms of life in the US.
Raj Dhesi (formerly Jinder Mahal in WWE) is set to make his in-ring debut for GCW next month. On Sunday, GCW announced that Dhesi will face Effy in a singles match on August 2 at the promotion’s Now and Forever event in Cleveland, Ohio.
Mahal was let go from WWE back in April and he spoke about his release in detail. Following his release, several promotions were reportedly eager to work with him and the list included GCW.
Dhesi entered the ring wearing a mask and attacked Effy. He performed his finisher Khallas before unmasking himself.
Dhesi recently said that he would raise GCW to his standards and become their champion. He also bashed GCW General Manager Matt Cardona for doing a terrible job in his role.
“The Maharaja” Raj Dhesi has revealed the tour dates for his ‘Unhindered Tour.’ The former World Champion will be making appearances in various locations across North America.
Charlie Dempsey is a busy man and he may get his newly announced opponent bloodly in Brooklyn for Bloodsport XI.
The pugilist proprietor of Bloodsport Josh Barnett recently revealed that Dempsey would be partaking in the action, and now we know who the NXT star will be facing.
Dempsey is set to face Royce Isaacs in singles action who already has a resume on the event. Barnett provided further details on the forthcoming fight.
“Two mat grapplers set to lock up and go hold for hold, submission to submission, catch to catch. Dempsey proved he belonged in Bloodsport in his last outing, capturing victory in a hard fought match with Matt Makowski. Isaacs has been a staple of Bloodsport and was trading hold for hold with submission wizard Minoru Suzuki last time. Both are on the rise and both want a souvenir to hang on the wall – a limb taken from a defeated opponent. Charlie Dempsey vs Royce Isaacs at Josh Barnett’s: Bloodsport XI.”
Two mat grapplers set to lock up and go hold for hold, submission to submission, catch to catch.
Dempsey proved he belonged in Bloodsport in his last outing, capturing victory in a hard fought match with Matt Makowski.
Royce Isaacs has previous experience both in AEW and the NWA and should compliment the “catch style” of Charlie Dempsey. Isaacs already expressed his excitement on social media, stating, “This is Bloodsport, This is what I live for, Nos vamos!”
The son of William Regal, Dempsey has been a notable force for the No Catch Crew and is already well-traveled. In December of 2023, Dempsey competed under the All-Japan banner representing NXT. Saturday night, the No Catch Crew will challenge for the TNA Tag Team Championships.
During the NXT Heatwave media call, Shawn Michaels praised the ability of Charlie Dempsey and commended him for personality and adaptability.
Dempsey will be joining Shayna Baszler and The Creed Brothers for the GCW event on July 28 in Brooklyn, NY.
Ex-WWE Superstar Jinder Mahal wasted no time in making an impact after his non-compete clause expired when he showed up in Game Change Wrestling. At last night’s GCW So High event, Effy was attacked from behind by a masked figure who hit him with the Khallas. This attacker was revealed to be Mahal, who is now working as Rah Dhesi.
Mahal’s debut for Game Changer Wrestling comes shortly after his 90-day mon compete clause with WWE expired. The former World Champion was one of seven ex-Superstars who entered free agency this week and on Twitter, he made clear he can work and sign anywhere he chooses.
It’s hardly a surprise that Mahal has made an impact in wrestling so soon after his non-compete clause with WWE expired. After his release, promotions were said to be heavily interested in the Modern-Day Maharajah and GCW was ‘foaming at the mouth’ to work with him.
Fightful’s very own Sean Ross Sapp will be stepping in the ring later this month to take on Effy as part of Game Changer Wrestling’s Believe Me event.
The match was made official on Twitter and will take place on July 18, from Louisville, Kentucky. The show will begin at 7:30 PM local time and will be available to watch live on FITE TV+. Tickets for the show can be found here.
Sean Ross Sapp In The Ring
Though best known for being a leading voice in professional wrestling journalism, Sapp already has a number of matches under his belt. Sapp competed in the Clusterf**k Battle Royal at GCW Joey Janela’s Spring Break in April 2022 but came up short. His first singles match saw him lose to Shazza McKenzie in December 2023 for Black Label Pro and Sapp’s return to the promotion in March 2024 saw him lose a battle royal.
The Card
Sapp Vs. Effy is just one match announced for GCW Believe Me. The current card is as follows:
Sean Ross Sapp Vs. Effy
Mance Warner (c) Vs. Myron Reed (GCW World Heavyweight Championship)
Billie Starkz Vs. Rachel Armstrong
Nick Gage & 2 Tuff Tony Vs. The Rejects (John Wayne Murdoch & Reed Bentley)
Brosky Jimmy Vs. Hoodfoot
Masha Slamovich had been scheduled to face Jordan Oliver at the event. However, Oliver recently shared that he has suffered a torn ACL that could keep him out of action for up to a year. An update regarding Slamovich’s match at the event has not been made public yet.
