As we previously reported here on eWn, WWE Superstar Shayna Baszler will work GCW Bloodsport X during WrestleMania 40 weekend, with other WWE talent rumored to join her for the GCW event.
WWE allowing its contracted wrestlers to work independent events is a very rare occurrence, and Fightful Select is reporting that this is not the first time that Josh Barnett has asked WWE about possibly working together for the event.
Several years ago, Barnett approached WWE about using Jessamyn Duke, who was in NXT at the time, working for Bloodsport. While Duke was open to the idea, WWE was not. This was during the Vince McMahon-era. Duke previously trained with Barnett and boasts UFC experience.
Duke hasn’t competed in MMA or wrestling since her WWE release in 2021. Instead, she has been busy with her “Okay Gamer” streaming platform.
Barnett has known WWE Chief Creative Officer Triple H for years, and he personally called Triple H to request Baszler for Bloodsport X.
While there had been rumors about GCW and WWE potentially working together in the past, this is the first time that both companies have collaborated.
Years ago, a photo of GCW owner Brett Lauderdale, Stephanie McMahon, and GCW talent and staff in a suite at WrestleMania was circulated. This was a rib and WWE later denied that rumor.
WWE said there were no issues between the companies and both had a “good laugh” out of the rumors at the time, dubbing it “harmless.” The suite belonged to Orange Crush, a co-owner of Jersey Championship Wrestling. Stephanie was there to greet everyone who bought suites.
According to a report from Dave Meltzer, Triple H allowed Baszler to work Bloodsport X, including other WWE talent working indie event dates.
Triple H reportedly has a different view of WWE Superstars working indie shows than Vince McMahon did.
Baszler will be working Bloodsport X on Thursday, April 4.
In a surprising turn of events, WWE Superstar Shayna Baszler is set to participate in the GCW Bloodsport X event during WrestleMania 40 weekend. This collaboration between WWE and an independent wrestling promotion is a rare occurrence, and it has sparked interest among fans and industry insiders alike.
Fightful Select has reported that this is not the first time that Josh Barnett, the organizer of Bloodsport, has approached WWE about working together for the event. Several years ago, Barnett had requested the participation of Jessamyn Duke, who was then a part of WWE’s NXT roster. While Duke was open to the idea, WWE declined the offer. It is worth noting that Duke had trained with Barnett and had previous experience in the UFC.
Since her release from WWE in 2021, Duke has not competed in either MMA or wrestling. Instead, she has been focusing on her “Okay Gamer” streaming platform. However, Barnett’s connection with WWE Chief Creative Officer Triple H led him to personally call Triple H and request Baszler’s involvement in Bloodsport X.
Rumors of a potential collaboration between GCW and WWE have circulated in the past, but this is the first time that both companies have officially worked together. Years ago, a photo of GCW owner Brett Lauderdale, Stephanie McMahon, and GCW talent and staff in a suite at WrestleMania sparked speculation about a partnership. However, WWE later clarified that it was a harmless rib and denied any official collaboration.
According to Dave Meltzer’s report, Triple H has taken a different stance on WWE Superstars working independent shows compared to Vince McMahon. Triple H has allowed Baszler to participate in Bloodsport X, as well as other WWE talent to work indie event dates. This marks a shift in WWE’s approach to allowing contracted wrestlers to explore opportunities outside of the company.
Fans can look forward to seeing Shayna Baszler in action at Bloodsport X on Thursday, April 4. This event promises to be an exciting crossover between WWE and the independent wrestling scene, showcasing the talent and versatility of Baszler and potentially other WWE Superstars.
Overall, this collaboration between WWE and GCW has generated significant buzz within the wrestling community. It highlights the evolving landscape of professional wrestling and the increasing willingness of major promotions to work together. As fans eagerly anticipate Bloodsport X, it remains to be seen if this partnership will pave the way for future collaborations between WWE and independent promotions.