Josh Barnett Says Top Stars Are Practically Begging to Join Bloodsport

Josh Barnett isn’t hunting down top talent for Bloodsport—according to him, they’re knocking on his door.

During a recent interview with Good Karma Wrestling, Barnett revealed that some of wrestling’s biggest names are practically begging for a spot on his no-ropes, no-nonsense fight card.

Barnett explained that many of the wrestlers fans see in Bloodsport aren’t recruited. Instead, they come to him directly—and in some cases, relentlessly.

“Well, it may surprise you, but a good portion of people that end up on the show beat the door down to be in it. And you—if I was to tell you everyone that was like in my ear for months on end, you would be shocked at these wrestlers. You would think, like, ‘Why would they ever need to ask for that?’”

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He made it clear he’s not leading them on—if it makes sense and the timing works, he’s open to it. But it’s all about the right fit for the Bloodsport environment.

“And no, I’m not sitting back being like, ‘Yo, I’m just going to pull on their strings and string them along.’ It’s all about what we can make work and what is possible.”

Barnett mentioned that Bloodsport isn’t about TV deals, brand labels, or what show someone is signed to. For him, it all comes down to one thing: whether the wrestler can thrive in the brutal, stripped-down world of Bloodsport.

“This is a wrestler’s show… not about where they’re from but who they are.”

He added that even mainstream stars want to break away from overly scripted formats and show fans something raw and real.

“They were all upset that no one would cross-promote… but now that it’s happening, they’re upset again. I don’t get it. I just want to make cool matches with great wrestlers.”

With Bloodsport expanding to London this September and Barnett still dreaming of launching a one-night tournament, it’s clear the brand continues to attract talent from every corner of the industry—whether fans expect it or not.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.