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 regarding 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 Content 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.
