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 make an appearance at GCW Bloodsport X during WrestleMania 40 weekend. This collaboration between WWE and an independent wrestling promotion is a rare occurrence, as WWE typically does not allow its contracted wrestlers to work outside events. However, this is not the first time that GCW promoter Josh Barnett has approached WWE about a potential partnership.
Several years ago, Barnett had approached WWE about using Jessamyn Duke, who was a part of NXT at the time, to work for Bloodsport. Duke, who had trained with Barnett and had UFC experience, was open to the idea. However, WWE declined the offer during the Vince McMahon-era. Since her release from WWE in 2021, Duke has not competed in MMA or wrestling and has been focusing on her streaming platform called “Okay Gamer.”
Barnett has a longstanding relationship with WWE Chief Creative Officer Triple H, and he personally reached out to him to request Baszler’s participation in Bloodsport X. This collaboration marks the first time that GCW and WWE have worked together, despite rumors of a potential partnership in the past.
Interestingly, there was a photo circulating years ago showing GCW owner Brett Lauderdale, Stephanie McMahon, and GCW talent and staff in a suite at WrestleMania. However, WWE later clarified that it was a rib and denied any collaboration between the two companies. The suite actually belonged to Orange Crush, a co-owner of Jersey Championship Wrestling, and Stephanie was present to greet suite holders.
According to reports from Dave Meltzer, Triple H has a different perspective on WWE Superstars working independent shows compared to Vince McMahon. Triple H has allowed Baszler to participate in Bloodsport X, along with other WWE talent working indie event dates.
Fans can look forward to seeing Shayna Baszler in action at Bloodsport X on Thursday, April 4. This unexpected collaboration between WWE and GCW has created a buzz within the wrestling community, and it will be interesting to see if more opportunities for cross-promotion arise in the future.