In a monolithic announcement, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett will be taking on former WWE Champion Jon Moxley on September 14 for Game Changer Wrestling.
The former Dean Ambrose, now Jon Moxley, raised some eyebrows this past WrestleMania weekend when he was spotted in attendance at GCW’s Bloodsport event. Now it looks like Moxley might have been scouting out some future competition, as he has been announced for Bloodsport 3 this year.
Bloodsport is a rare type of wrestling show, though, as it falls under the category of shoot-style. Shoot-style wrestling is based around mat grappling and quick contests as the aim of the style is to present grappling in a very realistic way, with quick matches and MMA-style finishes.
Shoot-style has a rich history but only a handful of promotions continue practice it in the modern era of pro wrestling. Companies like WXW and GCW occasionally have run one-off shoot-style shows that have drawn well and are beloved in many circles of the pro wrestling fanbase.
GCW’s Bloodsport is the most popular shoot-style event nowadays and has drawn several big names in over the past two years. Wrestlers such as Matt Riddle, WALTER, Timothy Thatcher and Minoru Suzuki have taken part in the event alongside MMA stars like Tom Lawlor, Dan Severn and Josh Barnett.
Barnett has been the face of the event since the original ace of the show, Matt Riddle, was signed to NXT and after his hellacious 25-minute draw with Minoru Suzuki last year, “The Warmaster” will be looking for a win.
The only thing standing in his way … is the “Death Rider” Jon Moxley.
GCW’s social media accounts posted a video in which Moxley set fire to a building where Barnett appeared to be training, and Barnett squared up with him amongst the flames.
The reaction by the fans was one of shock and excitement. Many expressed their excitement to see Moxley be able to flex his technical abilities once again against a master of grappling like Barnett.
The match can only be described as a “dream match” and should be quite the showcase for both men. It’s set to go down on September 14 and will be aired live on Fite TV as a part of the Bloodsport iPPV.