Charlie Dempsey vs. Shinya Aoki was made official for Bloodsport.
This year’s show is scheduled for Las Vegas the week of WrestleMania. Talents from numerous promotions such as WWE, AEW, MLW, TNA/Impact Wrestling, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling are scheduled for this annual event. Thus far, Tom Lawlor, Timothy Thatcher, Simon Gotch, Royce Isaacs, David Modzmanashvili, Natalya Heidhart, Gabe Kidd, Pete Dunne and just recently, Charlie Dempsey are confirmed for the upcoming show.
Bloodsport has confirmed its next match that puts NXT star Charlie Dempsey against Shinya Aoki.
Shinya Aoki is a well known prospect in mixed martial arts. Aoki has fought in Bellator MMA and One Championship, with the 41-year-old being a former two-time One Lightweight World Champion. Aoki has been fighting in MMA for over 20 years. He expanded his skillset into professional wrestling in 2013 and has worked in Inoki Genome Federation, DDT Pro-Wrestling, and Pro Wrestling ZERO1. Aoki has won numerous titles such as the DDT Iron Man Heavy Metal Championship, DDT Extreme Championship, and the KO-D Openweight Championship.
This will be his first meeting against Charlie Dempsey, who has previously held the Heritage Cup Championship on two separate occasions. This is Dempsey’s fourth match in Bloodsport as his record stands at 2 - 1. Aoki is making his Bloodsport debut here.
Aoki vs. Dempsey joins Leyla Hirsch vs. Jordan Blade, Pete Dunne vs. Timothy Thatcher and Natayla Neidhart vs. Miyu Yamashita on the growing Bloodsport card that’s scheduled for April 17, 2024.
For those who don’t follow the unique format, Bloodsport started in 2018 under Matt Riddle’s name. Once Riddle signed to WWE, the event was turned over to former UFC fighter Josh Barnett. The rules are quite simple: every match will end either by knockout or submission. Instead of the traditional pro wrestling ring, the canvas has no ropes or turnbuckles.
We’re just a little over a month away from the annual Bloodsport and matches are finally starting to form. Which match will be announced next for Bloodsport?
Below are the confirmed names for Bloodsport XIII:
Josh Barnett's Bloodsport XIII (4/17)
- Miyu Yamashita vs. Natalya Neidhart
- Pete Dunne vs. Timothy Thatcher
- Leyla Hirsch vs. Jordan Blade
- Charlie Dempsey vs. Shinya Aoki
- David Modzmanashvili in action
- Tom Lawlor in action
- Simon Gotch in action
- Jonathan Gresham in action
- Royce Isaacs in action
- Maika in action
- Konami in action
- Gabe Kidd in action
- Karrion Kross in action
- Karmen Petrovic in action