Every year for the past six years, Josh Barnett and GCW have brought indie wrestling fans together for what I believe is one of the most important shows of the year. If you haven’t had the chance to catch a Bloodsport show, it’s a hybrid of early mixed martial arts and pro wrestling.
This year’s show was tremendous.
For the first time ever, World Wrestling Entertainment allowed one of their own to participate in the tenth Bloodsport show, sending Shayna Baszler into action.
Personally, the thing I love most about Bloodsport is how you can feel the nostalgia of the past within the matches, how wrestling is showcased instead of the more Hollywood version it’s become. It’s like the past is gently reminding us what used to be, and in some ways, what still could be.
It also feels like a middle finger to “wrestling wars,” that seem to be more popular on social media than the actual wrestling, the “stan” culture that doesn’t really need to be. On this card alone, talent from WWE, AEW, TNA, NXT, and NJPW were all involved.
It’s almost as if that’s the point of the ropeless ring: Everyone is welcome as long as you have war in your heart and pain on your mind.
Baszler faced a formidable challenge against none other than former GCW Champion and ex-TNA titleholder Masha Slamovich, promising an intense clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The atmosphere at the Philadelphia venue crackled with energy as the crowd eagerly awaited the action. Ring announcer Emil Jay meticulously outlined the Bloodsport rules before introducing each fighter, accompanied by a resounding chorus of “BLOODSPORT” chants that echoed throughout the venue.
He then announced each competitor, one by one – I really like the grandiosity, the pomp, and circumstance of the whole thing.
In the opening bout, Viktor Benjamin emerged victorious over Akira Way via TKO, captivating the audience with a display of skill and resilience. The crowd’s fervent support for Akira added an extra layer of intensity to the proceedings, making it a memorable opener.
Nic Nemeth secured a TKO victory over “Speedball” Mike Bailey.
In the Women’s Tournament, Lindsay Snow clinched a submission victory over Lady Frost, advancing to the next round with an impressive display of technique and determination. Marina Shafir also emerged triumphant in her match against Janai Kai, showcasing her grappling expertise and securing a spot in the tournament finals. She did leave the match limping, leaving some doubt in the air that she’d be able to overcome Snow.
The action continued with a surprise. NXT’s Charlie Dempsey, not advertised for the show, earned a submission victory over Matt Makowski in a hard-fought battle that captivated the audience with its intensity.
In a thrilling showdown, Takuya Nomura emerged victorious over Fuminori Abe via TKO.
Erik Hammer’s submission victory over Lou Nixon followed.
In a highly anticipated bout, Minoru Suzuki emerged victorious over Royce Isaacs via TKO, delivering a masterful performance that underscored his status as one of Bloodsport’s most formidable competitors. Suzuki showed his “fun” side throughout the match and afterwards, sitting on spectators’ laps and faking handshakes.
The event reached its climax with Shayna Baszler’s TKO victory over Masha Slamovich, a hard-fought battle that solidified her place in the Bloodsport universe, while Slamovich showed why many feel she’s the best wrestler on planet earth. Okay, so that’s my theory. You’d be insane not to agree.
In the Women’s Tournament finals, Marina Shafir secured a TKO victory over Lindsay Snow, claiming victory.
The night concluded with Josh Barnett’s TKO victory over Johnny Bloodsport, a fitting end to an unforgettable evening of action-packed matches and thrilling moments.
In a post-match address, Josh Barnett expressed his gratitude to the participants and fans, announcing the upcoming Bloodsport Bushido event in Tokyo, Japan. Scheduled to take place at Ryogoku Sumo Hall on June 22nd, the event promises to feature an exciting lineup of MMA legends, including Minoru Suzuki, Masakatsu Funaki, Kazushi Sakuraba, Quentin “Rampage” Jackson, and more, ensuring that the legacy of Bloodsport continues to thrive on the global stage.
