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 Loses Debut 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.

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 NXT Superstars In Action

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.

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.

MVP surprised fans with his appearance at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XI where he spoke about his plans for WWE and outside the company. At the show, MVP, a former U.S. Champion made a surprise appearance following Barnett’s fight with Bad Dude Tito.

MVP spoke of his friendship with Barnett and how his start in submission wrestling training began with Josh eleven years ago. MVP then confirmed that the contract “with the company who I won’t mention” [WWE] is about to expire and shared that “I’m not going back.”

Though his WWE career is ending, MVP isn’t ready to retire and challenged Barnett to a fight at a future Bloodsport event. Barnett was in favor of the idea and shared that Bloodsport is “the land where the Hurt Business cashes the most checks.”

WWE & Bloodsport

MVP wasn’t the only WWE name at Bloodsport XI. Both Creed Brothers were victorious in their Bloodsport debuts with Brutus and Julius defeating Tom Lawlor and Matt Makowski respectively. Charlie Dempsey came up short against Royce Isaacs while Shayna Baszelr defeated Miyu Yamashita in the show’s main event.

Now, fans can expect MVP at a future event against Barnett, and his comment about the Hurt Business shouldn’t be ignored. In addition to MVP, it’s been reported that Bobby Lashley’s WWE deal is set to expire soon. WWE is reportedly under the belief that both men are gone with speculation regarding a potential move to AEW.

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.”

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!”

RELATED: Shayna Baszler & WWE NXT’s Charlie Dempsey Triumphant At Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport X

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.

RELATED: Shayna Baszler Returns To GCW For Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XI

Shayna Baszler’s step through the ‘forbidden door’ was a successful one for the Queen of Spades, who earned a big win at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport X. 

At the event, Baszler made a rare non-WWE appearance to take on TNA Wrestling’s Masha Slamovich. Both women had back-up as Baszler was accompanied by Zoey Stark while Slamovich arrived alongside reigning TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace. 

The crowd was at a fever pitch, delivering a “Holy S**t” chant before things for underway. The two combatants traded leg locks and fought to a stalemate to get things started. The crowd was noticeably pro-Slamovich and anti-Baszler, though this could have been more pro-GCW and anti-WWE. 

Baszler took control with jabs to the ribcage while Slamovich fought back with strikes and a flying armbar. Baszler tried to lock in an armbar of her own before Slamovich reversed the attempt. 

The finish saw Baszler slip out of an armbar and lock in an ankle lock. Slamovich tried to escape but Baszler released the hold and hit a flurry of stomps so brutal the ref called for the bell. There were loud boos and “F**k You Shayna” chants as she was declared the winner.

https://twitter.com/PuroresuFlow/status/1776008128502390847

Charlie Dempsey in Action

Baszler wasn’t the only WWE name in action at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport X. Earlier in the show, Charlie Dempsey got a submission victory over Matt Makowsi. The finish of the fight saw Dempsey hit a stiff European uppercut on the BJJ Black belt and follow with a German Suplex and double wrist-lock to get the submission victory. 

Charlie Dempsey killing it!#Bloodsport #GCW #JBBSX
https://t.co/2O4TzqL4MF

— ?????? (@WrestlingCovers) April 4, 2024

Last week, Josh Barnett revealed that, in a rare GCW-WWE crossover, Shayna Baszler will be in action at the upcoming Bloodsport X showcase on April 4. Per usual, this event will once again take place in the midst of the WrestleMania 40 festivities, specifically as a part of the GCW Collective.

Coming off this major announcement, several GCW talents raised interest in facing Baszler. Ultimately, only one would be offered this opportunity. And after delivering a compelling pitch, we now know that the lucky talent is none other than “The Russian Dynamite” Masha Slamovich.

‘The Russian Dynamite’ Prepares To Meet ‘The Queen of Spades’

Upon confirming Slamovich as Baszler’s Bloodsport opponent, Josh Barnett also released footage of Slamovich’s impassioned message to her on X.

While Baszler may be in a different company right now, Slamovich asserted that they both have been seeking out the same thing — fresh competition (or prey, rather). As such, Slamovich believes it only fitting that they fulfill their hunger in a one-on-one matchup at Bloodsport. 

“I know that you are the Disciple of the Warmaster, that you are the Queen of Spades, but guess what? You have never seen a competitor so hungry,”  Slamovich said to Baszler. “You’ve never ever been in the ring with somebody like the Russian Dynamite, somebody who’s clawed their way through Bloodsport, someone who’s clawed their way to the very heights of GCW, to the very height of the indies, holding gold around the world.”

“So while these days count down to Bloodsport, I hope you’re training. I hope you’re ready, because I’m hungry and there’s nothing, there’s no body who can stop me, not even you.”

In addition to Baszler, Bloodsport X will also mark the GCW of Nic Nemeth (formerly Dolph Ziggler), who is slated to take on “Speedball” Mike Bailey in a first-time matchup. Josh Barnett will be in action as well as he battles Johnny Bloodsport (John Morrison).

Fans excited to see WWE Superstars make appearances outside the promotion know who exactly who to thank for this huge deal. 

Earlier this week, it was reported that WWE Superstars would be competing at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport, which will be part of the GCW Collective during WrestleMania 40 week. GCW themselves wasted little time in confirming the report by announcing that Shayna Baszler will be part of their Bloodsport show. 

WWE’s Decision Maker

WWE talent working the GCW Collective is a huge deal given the Sports Entertainment juggernauts historic reluctance to work with others. In his Figure-Four daily update, Dave Meltzer revealed that the call for WWE talent to take indie dates around WrestleMania week came from none other than Paul ‘Triple H’ Levesque himself. Meltzer added that the Game has a “different view on these things” compared to his father-in-law Vince McMahon. 

Playing Well with Others

While this is a historic move by WWE, it isn’t the first time that Triple H has shown a willingness to work with other promotions. In 2020, WWE brought in then-IMPACT Knockouts Champion Mickie James for that year’s Women’s Royal Rumble. This year’s match saw TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace compete in the match. 

On the men’s side of things, Shinsuke Nakamura was able to compete for Pro Wrestling NOAH last year as part of The Great Muta’s retirement tour. More recently, WWE NXT Superstar Charlie Dempsey challenged for the AJPW Triple Crown Championship this past January. 

WWE reportedly will not be the only promotion playing host to its roster WrestleMania 40 weekend in Philadelphia as Shayna Baszler breaks down a wall.

There’s big news on the forefront when it comes to the relationship of WWE and GCW. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful is reporting that Josh Barnett’s ever-popular Bloodsport event that takes place every WrestleMania will indeed feature multiple talents from WWE. 

One name who has been revealed to participating is Shayna Baszler as Josh Barnett made the announcement Friday afternoon.

“What does it mean when a Queen takes up the sword and marches to war? Blood. Victory. Glory. From battlefields all over the world – MMA & the UFC, WWE NXT, WWE, Stardom, and more – to now step into a ring she was made for from the beginning. The Warmaster’s disciple, “The Queen of Spades” Shayna Baszler, comes to Josh Barnett’s: Bloodsport X.”

What does it mean when a Queen takes up the sword and marches to war?

Blood. Victory. Glory.

From battlefields all over the world – MMA & the @ufc , @WWENXT , @WWE , @wwr_stardom , and more – to now step into a ring she was made for from the beginning.

The Warmaster's… pic.twitter.com/DKBbW2VTh8

— 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖂𝖆𝖗𝖒𝖆𝖘𝖙𝖊𝖗 (@JoshLBarnett) March 15, 2024

The collaboration is significant, considering in the past WWE has been very protective of its territory surrounding WrestleMania and other tentpole PLE events. 

A report and reveal like this further indicates WWE’s willingness to extend an olive branch out to other promotions not under their banner. Triple H and WWE did the same courtesy to TNA in January when they had TNA World Knockouts Champion, Jordynne Grace become a surprise entrant in the women’s Royal Rumble match.

Wildly enough, last year’s Bloodsport featured AEW star Jon Moxley in a featured match against Alex Coughlin.

Keep your eyes out for more potential WWE names being announced for Bloodsport X as we draw closer to WrestleMania weekend.

Jon Moxley isn’t done with GCW after all. He will be returning to GCW’s The Collective 2023. Moxley will be returning to Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 9.

Jon Moxley Isn’t Done with GCW

Last October, Moxley signed an extension with AEW. The announcement said that the former AEW World Champion would be exclusive to AEW and its international partners. The announcement came one day before Moxley was set to face Nick Gage for the GCW Championship.

Mox was the champion at the time and the press release seemed to say that he wasn’t allowed to wrestle for GCW. The Firm’s Stokely Hathaway and Big Bill showed up and cost Moxley the title, in a move that was never explained. Gage said after the match that the other company told Moxley he couldn’t wrestle there and Moxley said he wrestles where he wants.

• Jon Moxley Will “Ride or Die” With AEW

Many were under the impression that Moxley wasn’t allowed to wrestle for GCW. GCW’s Brett Lauderdale said in an interview,  “to be honest, I don’t know what our relationship is with GCW. And I don’t mean that in a bad way or a good way. But again, I have very little interaction with AEW. So, I don’t know. In terms of AEW people being banned or barred from wrestling for GCW, I’m not sure that such an edicts exists and I would think that if that was a rule, I think I would know. But again, they don’t send me a weekly email or an update. So, I’m not sure. Everything is on a case-by-case basis. So, we’ll see.”

Lauderdale also said that he didn’t think Moxley was done with GCW. “So, I wouldn’t be surprised if I hear from him again in a few months or six months or whatever. Sometime in the next year. I wouldn’t be surprised if he came back again and stops in for another event.”

Bloodsport 9 is on Thursday, March 30 at 4 PM PT on FITE+.

GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport returned this weekend for the fifth instalment of the event. The main event of the show saw two former WWE Superstars face off, as Jon Moxley took on Davey Boy Smith Jr.

Here’s the full results from the card that took place on FITE TV. The replay of the show is available to purchase here.

• Calder McColl vs Bad Dude Tito – McColl took the win via submission

• Calvin Tankman vs Nolan Edward – Calvin Tankman took the win via TKO

• Kal Jack vs Superbeast – Kal Jack took the win via submission

• Royce Isaacs vs Alex Coughlin – Royce Isaacs took the win via submission

• Rocky Romero vs Simon Grimm – Rocky Romero took the win via submission

• Chris Dickinson vs JR Kratos – Chris Dickinson took the win via submission

• Jeff Cobb vs Tom Lawlor – NJPW star Jeff Cobb took the win via submission

• Jon Moxley vs Davey Boy Smith Jr. – The former AEW Champion defeated Davey Boy Smith Jr via KO

Davey Boy Smith Jr. wrote the following about his loss to Jon Moxley:

Jon Moxley made his debut for Josh Burnett’s Bloodsport yesterday. The event was originally scheduled for April but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was part of The Collective series of independent wrestling events to take place this weekend in Indianapolis.

Moxley picked up the submission win over Chris Dickenson in the night’s main event. He transitioned from a rear-naked choke to a bulldog choke to get the win. He uses the same move in the movie Cagefighter: Worlds Collide, which was released on video-on-demand services recently.

Following the match, Moxley cut a promo asking fans to wear masks, social distance, and wash their hands.

MMA reporter, Marc Raimondi noted that Moxley was training at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas for the bout. Moxley is also said to have done a full training camp before entering last summer’s G1 Climax tournament with New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Replays of Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport III are available on FITE TV. The following matches also take place on the show:

• Simon Grimm vs. Matt Makowski
• Women’s Tournament Semi-Final
  Allysin Kay vs. Killer Kelly
• Women’s Tournament Semi-Final
  Lindsay Snow vs. Leyla Hirsch
• Alexander James vs. Calvin Tankman
• Erik Hammer vs. Kal Jak
• Homicide vs. Tom Lawlor
• Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Josh Alexander
• Women’s Tournament Final Match
  TBD vs TBD
• Jon Moxley vs Chris Dickenson

• Jon Moxley Talks Movie Career, His Love For Wrestling