Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport returns this weekend.
The previous show held in Las Vegas during the week of WrestleMania featured talents from numerous promotions such as WWE, AEW, MLW, TNA/Impact Wrestling, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Big names such as Simon Gotch, Royce Isaacs, David Modzmanashvili, Natalya Heidhart, Gabe Kidd, Pete Dunne, Karrion Kross, Karmen Petrovic, Shayna Baszler, and Natalya Neidhart competed at the event.
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.
Thus far, several names have been confirmed for the upcoming show:
- Masha Slamovich
- Dominic Garrini
- Janai Kai
- Simon Gotch
- Nick Comoroto
- Jonathan Gresham
- Matt Mako
- Nattie Neidhart
- Slade
The latest names confirmed for the show are former NXT UK Champion Pete Dunne and Charlie Dempsey. Dunne and Dempsey are no strangers to Bloodsport as both athletes competed at Bloodsport XIII. Dunne fought Timothy Thatcher and Dempsey faced Shinya Aoki. Both WWE stars won their respective matches.
Dempsey has more experience at Bloodsport than any other WWE name announced so far. The 28-year-old made his debut at Bloodsport X and defeated Matt Makowski. Dempsey returned for Bloodsport XI and failed to get one over Royce Isaacs, but his latest appearance at Bloodsport XII did see Dempsey get the win over Tracy Williams. Though he didn’t start Bloodsport until his time in NXT, the second generation star did spend some time on the independent scene before joining the company in 2021.
Dunne has a storied history on the independent scene. Before his WWE career started in 2017, he competed all around the United Kingdom including PROGRESS Wrestling, FIGHT CLUB: PRO, and DEFY Wrestling. However, Dunne has done plenty of shows outside of the UK scene since he made his pro debut in 2008.
Thus far, only one match has been confirmed for the recent Bloodsport show: Nattie Neidhart vs. Masha Slamovich. Though given that there’s less than a week before the show, it shouldn’t be long before the matches are finalized.