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GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport is a welcome addition to pro wrestling

By Raphael Garcia

SAITAMA, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 27: Josh Barnett of USA celebrates with fans after win over Roy Nelson of USA in their heavyweight bought during UFC Fight Night at Saitama Super Arena on September 27, 2015 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images)
SAITAMA, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 27: Josh Barnett of USA celebrates with fans after win over Roy Nelson of USA in their heavyweight bought during UFC Fight Night at Saitama Super Arena on September 27, 2015 in Saitama, Japan. (Photo by Ken Ishii/Getty Images) /
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Finding new ways to present professional wrestling is an appeal that is often lost in the industry. This is why new matches, personalities, angles, and more are often embraced by fans. GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport is one of those fresh looks at pro wrestling, taking the love of a cult classic martial arts movie to the next level.

Any martial arts movie fan worth their weight knows the film, Bloodsport. The 1988 film starring Jean-Claude Van Damme brought everything to life that made video games like Street Fighter and comic books popular during its time. The movie still ranks among the best combat sports entries in that industry. In many ways, it’s surprising that it took so long for someone to reimagine it into the world of professional wrestling, but Josh Barnett is the perfect frontman to do so.

GCW Bloodsport brings the movie to life and infuses it with the attractive portions of professional wrestling. The stage setup is the same, with matches occurring on a raised platform that transforms as the main event matchups begin. Without ring posts and ropes, this gives this promotion a feel that fits within the early days of mixed martial arts; an underground fight feeling that can get the blood pumping.

Then, GCW has done an excellent job bringing in the right performers to participate. MMA and pro wrestling are odd bedfellows and many try to deny their similarities. With former UFC Champion, Barnett at the top, the promotion has featured wrestlers who have either participated in MMA or blurred the line very well. Tom Lawlor, Marina Shafir, Zeda Zhang, and Minoru Suzuki are examples of some of the names with actual fights on their ledger. When adding them to names like Jonathan Gresham, Masha Slamovich, John Hennigan, and others this mix gives wrestling fans their fix for hard-hitting contests.

Game Changer Wrestling is carving out a space that deserves to be recognized throughout professional wrestling. Changing with the times is an important part of success in the industry. GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport brings a fresh look to the industry that should be welcomed and embraced.

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