Josh Barnett Defends WWE Involvement in Bloodsport

Josh Barnett isn’t here for the complaints. The GCW/Bloodsport mastermind had some strong words for critics after his April 17 Bloodsport event in Las Vegas, which featured a record number of WWE stars.

While speaking with Good Karma Wrestling, Barnett addressed online backlash about WWE’s presence and made it clear he’s not apologizing for the lineup—or his vision.

“This is a wrestlers show, which is so surprising when, you know, now I get a small amount of people pushing back, throwing a fit about WWE talent being on the show and this one having the most that we’ve had so far.”

Barnett explained that getting major stars from big companies isn’t easy, and it’s about trust—not just politics. He revealed that he’s been in talks with Triple H and William Regal for years, even back when Vince McMahon was still calling the shots.

“Everybody’s wrestler is a massive line item in the total value of a company and there’s a bunch of money put into every single person that goes under contract… That’s a ton of trust. I never really faulted ‘em for not necessarily having wrestlers work Bloodsport.”

While some fans want indie-only shows, Barnett made it clear his goal isn’t about labels—it’s about booking who fits the fight.

“It isn’t about it being indie or working with this group or that group. It’s about me trying to put the wrestlers in the ring that I think would flourish and make great matches and that I’d wanna work with.”

As for what’s next, Barnett confirmed that a long-planned one-night Bloodsport tournament is still very much on his radar. The idea was originally set for WrestleMania 36 week but was scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, he’s determined to make it happen.

“It’s something that we were supposed to do… A Bloodsport during WrestleMania week but then COVID screwed everything up… We haven’t been able to go back to it since and that’s something that is still one of the highest priorities.”

The next Bloodsport show will take place this September in London at the Electric Ballroom, and Barnett isn’t slowing down. He’s ready to bring his vision to new audiences—and that includes whoever he believes can deliver, no matter the logo on their contract.

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