During an interview with Under the Ring, Josh Barnett discussed the wrestlers he had in mind for Bloodsport.
He revealed that he had conversations with AEW’s Malakai Black and WWE’s CM Punk.
WWE star Shayna Baszler will work this year’s event. He said,
“If given the chance to bring other guys in, of course, I’ve spoken with Malakai Black a few times about coming into Bloodsport. I’ve spoken to CM Punk. It would be great to have Chad Gable or Bron Breakker or any number of people with amateur backgrounds. Charlie Dempsey is out there showing catch-as-catch-can. He spent the time abroad training for quite some time and I’ve worked with him over distance for some years prior, just sending videos, going over techniques, and having conversations. The kid is doing all his own work because he really wants to be the type of wrestler that you think he is, it’s important to him. I can see it. There is a whole wealth of talent out there that could be great. Miro, from AEW, maybe someone like him would be a good fit. There is plenty of talent. At the end of the day, it’s not just what I would want or who I could get. Bill Goldberg is like family to me. Maybe he’ll want to get into Bloodsport, who knows. Whoever it is, they have to see this ring for what it is and what we’ve created and say, ‘That’s something I’ve got to do. That’s me. I want to show myself and shine myself in a place like this.’ When you put those two things together, who knows what can happen.”
Josh Barnett, the founder and promoter of the popular wrestling event Bloodsport, recently discussed the wrestlers he had in mind for this year’s edition. In an interview with Under the Ring, Barnett revealed that he had conversations with AEW’s Malakai Black and WWE’s CM Punk about potentially participating in the event.
Bloodsport is a unique wrestling event that combines elements of professional wrestling and mixed martial arts. The matches take place in a ring without ropes, and the competitors are encouraged to use a more realistic and hard-hitting style of wrestling. It has gained a dedicated following for its intense and gritty atmosphere.
Barnett expressed his interest in bringing in talented wrestlers with amateur backgrounds for Bloodsport. He mentioned Chad Gable and Bron Breakker as potential candidates who could bring their amateur wrestling skills to the event. Gable, a former Olympian, has already showcased his technical prowess in professional wrestling, while Breakker, a rising star in WWE’s developmental system, has a strong amateur background.
Barnett also mentioned Charlie Dempsey, who has been training in catch-as-catch-can wrestling abroad. Despite not being widely known, Dempsey has caught Barnett’s attention through their long-distance collaboration on techniques and training videos. This highlights the importance of dedication and hard work in the wrestling industry.
The former WWE star Miro, who is now a prominent figure in AEW, was another name mentioned by Barnett. Miro’s physicality and intensity could make him a good fit for the hard-hitting style of Bloodsport. However, Barnett emphasized that it’s not just about his personal preferences or connections; the wrestlers themselves need to see the unique appeal of Bloodsport and feel compelled to showcase their skills in that environment.
Barnett even hinted at the possibility of wrestling legend Bill Goldberg joining Bloodsport. He described Goldberg as family and left open the door for him to participate if he expresses interest. This shows that Bloodsport is open to welcoming established stars who are willing to embrace the event’s distinct style.
In conclusion, Josh Barnett’s interview shed light on the wrestlers he has in mind for Bloodsport. With conversations with top talents like Malakai Black and CM Punk, as well as a desire to bring in wrestlers with amateur backgrounds, Barnett is looking to create an exciting and diverse lineup for this year’s event. Whether it’s established stars or up-and-coming talents, the key is finding individuals who see the unique appeal of Bloodsport and are eager to showcase their skills in this intense and gritty environment. Only time will tell who will ultimately step into the Bloodsport ring and captivate audiences with their hard-hitting performances.