Josh Barnett Fires Back at Matt Riddle Over Bloodsport
“Let’s go with conversations that never happened for $500 Alex— Josh Barnett
Josh Barnett was not consulted about the upcoming Bloodsport Reborn event. The announcement came after Barnett had run Bloodsport since taking it over from Matt Riddle in 2019. At Bloodsport XV in April Barnett declared that the concept would stop for the foreseeable future.
He stated he would not bury it for good but confirmed it was done for now. Bloodsport operated as part of GCW The Collective during WrestleMania weekends and carried GCW branding even when events traveled to Europe and Japan. Barnett revealed in a Monday interview that he has been shopping the event around and has received interest from potential backers.
He explained that to reach the level he wanted Bloodsport required more financial capital more employees and an office which it could not achieve on his timeline. Barnett said during his appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. Barnett added that the project is not insanely expensive when viewed as produced content for streaming or television but still needs an investor or group to provide the money.
He remains open to reviving Bloodsport if the right opportunity with proper backing materializes and would prefer it stay inactive rather than proceed with anything less.
Story timeline · 19 reports
- Josh Barnett Responds To GCW Bloodsport RebornGCW announced Bloodsport Reborn this week, marking their return to the concept they first used with Matt Riddle in 2018.
- Josh Barnett And Matt Riddle Clash Over Bloodsport OriginsFormer WWE star Matt Riddle and ex-MMA fighter Josh Barnett have offered differing accounts of how the Bloodsport event started.
- Josh Barnett seeks investors to expand BloodsportJosh Barnett appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show and revealed he is seeking investors to elevate the Bloodsport series to the next level.
- Matt Riddle Responds to Josh Barnett in GCW Bloodsport DisputeGCW announced the return of its Bloodsport event as Bloodsport Reborn, sparking controversy over the name.
- Matt Riddle Claims Josh Barnett Tried to Claim BloodsportMatt Riddle stated that he created the Bloodsport concept, rules and name for the first event held on April 5, 2018 under the GCW banner.
- Matt Riddle Accuses Josh Barnett of Stealing Bloodsport After Claiming He Created ItRiddle took to Instagram on November 11, 2026, and posted a promotional graphic for the original 2018 Bloodsport event.
- Josh Barnett Disputes GCW's Claim That Bloodsport Was Their ConceptNew details are emerging on this story from SEScoops: Josh Barnett Disputes GCW's Claim That Bloodsport Was Their Concept.
- GCW Announces Bloodsport Reborn, Josh Barnett Says He Wasn’t ConsultedThe promotion revealed the revival Monday night, and Josh Barnett explained Tuesday morning that he hadn’t been consulted.
- Josh Barnett Surprised By GCW Bloodsport RevivalJosh Barnett expressed surprise at Game Changer Wrestling's announcement to revive the Bloodsport concept, stating he was not consulted about the decision.
- GCW Teases Bloodsport RebornGCW posted on X announcing Bloodsport Reborn and stating the concept is coming soon while continuing its legacy.
- GCW Teases Bloodsport Reborn Amid Barnett CommentsGCW posted a teaser for Bloodsport Reborn coming soon on Monday night, hours after Josh Barnett appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show discussing shopping the…
- Josh Barnett Not Consulted On Bloodsport RebornJosh Barnett revealed he was not consulted about the revival of Bloodsport Reborn.
- Comeback Watch: GCW Teases Return Of Bloodsport With “Reborn” AnnouncementPer PWMania: GCW recently revealed on its Twitter account that the Bloodsport event is being revived with its forthcoming Bloodsport Reborn show.
- GCW Announces Bloodsport RebornGame Changer Wrestling has officially announced the return of Bloodsport with an event called Bloodsport Reborn.
- GCW Revives Bloodsport With Reborn EventGCW announced Bloodsport Reborn on Monday via a banner posted to Twitter.
- GCW Revives Bloodsport BrandGCW announced the return of Bloodsport under its banner with an event called Bloodsport Reborn.
- GCW Announces Bloodsport RebornGame Changer Wrestling has revealed plans for Bloodsport Reborn after Josh Barnett previously declared the concept finished for the foreseeable future at…
- Josh Barnett Open to Reviving BloodsportJosh Barnett ended his involvement with the Bloodsport events he co-produced with Game Changer Wrestling since 2019 after taking over the concept from Matt…
Sources: Wrestling Observer · Fightful · Wrestling Inc · Cageside Seats · bodyslam.net · Ringside News