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#TheCollective: GCW – Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 3 (10/11/20)

Josh Barnett's Bloodsport 3

Since April of 2018, Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport has been the most ass-kicking event in Game Changer Wrestling. The event was originally hosted by Matt Riddle, but in 2019, the role shifted to NJPW alumni and former UFC Heavyweight Champion, Josh Barnett. Unlike other wrestling events, the rules regarding matches are different in GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 3. Specifically, pinfalls are prohibited; the only ways that matches conclude are submission or knockout. In other words, competitors are more motivated than ever to punish their opponents. Without further delay, let’s get into the confirmed matches for what’s sure to be a brutal affair.

Simon Grimm vs. Matt Makowski

The first match announced for Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 3 will pit Simon Grimm against Matt Makowski. Most wrestling fans will be familiar with Grimm’s work in World Wrestling Entertainment and Major League Wrestling, the latter of which he works as a member of Contra Unit. However, this former NXT Tag Team Champion boasts strength-based offense and martial arts ability. Furthermore, he’s a two-time Bloodsport competitor, so he has the experience that should take him to victory. Looking at his opponent, however, victory won’t come easy.

Matt Makowski excelled in mixed martial arts, Bellator being the most prominent organization he worked with, before eventually transitioning to professional wrestling full-time. Makowski became a star in CHIKARA, working with the likes of Ophidian, who helped train him. Not unlike Grimm, Makowski has Bloodsport experience on his side. Last year, in September, he defeated Rory Gulak at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 2. Can Makowski utilize his MMA and wrestling training to secure another victory or will this opportunity meet a “Grimm” fate?

Erik Hammer vs. “Grizzly” Kal Jak

The same day the previous match was announced, it was confirmed that Erik Hammer would take on “Grizzly” Kal Jak in a battle of behemoths. Hammer spent most of his time in wrestling at the Inoki Genome Federation, founded by Antonio Inoki. Not only would he secure victories over Atushi Sawada and Daniel Puder, just to name a few, but he even competed for the IGF Championship. Additionally, at the second Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport, he secured a victory over JR Kratos. Needless to say, this catch wrestler is looking to stay undefeated at Bloodsport events.

This may be easier said than done, however, if Hammer’s opponent is any indication. “Grizzly” Kal Jak spent a period of time in WWE, working on the NXT brand, before devoting himself to the independent scene. He saw success and won titles in organizations including Pro Championship Wrestling and East Bay Pro Wrestling. Unlike Hammer, however, Jak boasts no prior Bloodsport experience. As he makes his Bloodsport debut at this event, he will be prepared for the tall challenge that waits ahead. Simply put, this will be a clash of the powerhouses.

Davey Boy Smith Jr. Josh Alexander

Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Josh Alexander

Davey Boy Smith Jr.’s inclusion in Bloodsport brings dynasty to this blood-letting affair. As the son of Davey Boy Smith, aka The British Bulldog, the former two-time WWE Tag Team Champion and one-time Opera Cup winner boasts power and technical offense alike. Furthermore, Smith boasts a record as a two-time Bloodsport winner. At these events, he tapped out Killer Kross and “Filthy” Tom Lawlor. However, at this upcoming event, he will face a different challenge in the form of Josh Alexander.

Known as “The Walking Weapon,” Josh Alexander is a technical wrestler who isn’t afraid to hit hard. Currently, he is finding success in IMPACT Wrestling as one-half of The North, teaming with Ethan Page. Together, they won tag team gold in not only IMPACT, but The Wrestling Revolver and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, and elsewhere. Unlike his opponent for Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 3, Alexander has no prior Bloodsport experience. However, with his particular wrestling style, Alexander is only a strong fit for Bloodsport but a formidable opponent for “The Canadian Bulldog.”

Josh Barnett's Bloodsport 3 Calvin Tankman Alexander James

Calvin Tankman vs. Alexander James

“Heavyweight Hustle” is the name of game for Calvin Tankman and to say that it’s apt would be an understatement. Tankman is nothing short of a powerhouse, able to utilize his size and strength to overcome his opponents. However, he can hit just as fast as he can strong. This combination of offense has led him to success in locations such as IWA Mid-South and Black Label Pro. Furthermore, while Tankman has experience in GCW events in the past, this will be his first-ever Bloodsport showing.

From Hereford, Maryland, Alexander James has been wrestling since 2010. The promotion where independent wrestling fans may know him best from is Westside Xtreme Wrestling. It was here he became a consistent presence, even competing in the promotion’s various tournaments. Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 3 marks James’ GCW debut, and what a first impression he’ll make if he can overcome Tankman. Expect power moves to be executed and grueling submissions to be applied in this battle.

Homicide

Homicide vs. “Filthy” Tom Lawlor

Best known for his time in the Latin American Exchange, Homicide is a seasoned pro out of New York. Though he began his career in the Northeast, it wasn’t long until he made his rounds in IMPACT Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and the like. He held singles and tag team gold alike since 1998, which speaks volumes about his experience. Homicide is no stranger to GCW, either, though Bloodsport will be something of a unique challenge for him. Given his opponent, the challenge couldn’t be greater.

“Filthy” Tom Lawlor spent years toiling in the mixed martial arts scene, competing on The Ultimate Fighter, in The Ultimate Fighting Championship, and the like. From there, Lawlor devoted more time to professional wrestling. He won heavyweight title gold in organizations such as Black Label Pro and Major League Wrestling, showcasing his gritty style of offense. This event marks Lawlor’s third-ever Bloodsport event, and if there’s any one fighter that will pose the greatest challenge, it may be the leader of Team Filthy himself.

Women’s Tournament First-Round Match: Lindsay Snow vs. “Legit” Leyla Hirsch (Winner Advances to the Finals Later in the Night)

At Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 3, the women’s competitors will take part in a special tournament. The winners of both matches will meet later in the night in the finals. One of the matches scheduled features Lindsay Snow, the war-painted martial artist from Jacksonville, Florida. Since 2016, she has been prominently featured in promotions including SHINE Wrestling, RISE Wrestling, and Full Throttle Pro Wrestling, the latter where she became the second-ever FTPW Ladies Champion. Due to her experience in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, she is tailor-made for Bloodsport.

Despite said experience, Snow will have to overcome a considerable challenge to advance to the finals. Her first-round opponent is “Legit” Leyla Hirsch, who has an interesting story. She is a Russian immigrant who, at the age of eight, was adopted by an American couple. Hirsch became involved in amateur wrestling in high school and college before transitioning into pro wrestling in 2017. She started in the Combat Wrestling Zone Dojo before making her way to wXw, Queens of Combat, and other promotions. Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 3 marks Hirsch’s first match on American soil in 2020, as she spent the first few months working in Japan.

Women’s Tournament First-Round Match: Killer Kelly vs. Allysin Kay (Winner Advances to the Finals Later in the Night)

Meanwhile, the women’s action continues in this first-round tournament match-up. On one side of the equation stands Killer Kelly, the devastating fighter from Lisbon, Portugal. She became known for her time in wXw, eventually becoming the promotion’s first Women’s Champion. Kelly went on to make her mark in other promotions, including Pro Wrestling: EVE and even WWE, competing in the latter’s second Mae Young Classic. Her experience will serve her well as, at Bloodsport, she competes against a decorated star in her own right.

Allysin may be known as the former NWA World Women’s Champion, but her track record is nothing short of extensive. This powerhouse from Detroit, Michigan started her pro wrestling endeavors in 2008. Since then, she’s been successful in various organizations, even including the IMPACT Knockouts Championship on two occasions. Not unlike her opponent, Kay was also a competitor in the second Mae Young Classic. Now that these two are set to compete at Bloodsport, expect neither to hold back en route to the finals.

Josh Barnett's Bloodsport 3 Jon Moxley Chris Dickinson

Jon Moxley vs. Chris Dickinson

Hailing from New York, “Dirty Daddy” Chris Dickinson’s wrestling style can best be described as a hybrid. Dickinson is a powerhouse, to be certain, but his ability to transition to strikes and technical maneuvers makes him that much more of a threat. Furthermore, he’s one of the more experienced stars set for Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 3, having wrestled since 2002. Throw in the fact that he’s competed in multiple Bloodsport events in the past, facing the likes of Barnett and Dan Severn, and it’s easy to see why this two-time EVOLVE Tag Team Champion is a threat.

Dickinson will have his work cut out for him, however, as he is set to face current AEW World Champion Jon Moxley. Interestingly, Moxley was scheduled for Bloodsport in the past, but due to circumstances involving his health and the COVID-19 pandemic, his GCW debut has been routinely postponed. Nonetheless, in terms of sheer star power, few can touch the gritty AEW star. He’s been a world champion in multiple organizations, CZW and WWE included. If Dickinson can overcome Moxley, needless to say, it would be arguably the biggest victory of his career.

GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 3 will take place at Marion County Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 11th, 2020.

Tickets for the events are on sale now. For those that are unable to attend live, Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport will air live on FITE.tv; further details can be found below. GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport 3 is part of a larger project known as The Collective. Be sure to check out other events during this block and support independent wrestling!

Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. GCW Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport airs on Sunday night at 8:00 PM EST live on FITE.tv. Looking to talk wrestling, pro football, or any number of sports? Head on over to the LWOS Boards to engage in conversation with fellow fans!

Robbie Sutter

Robbie Sutter

As a fan for over 20 years, I strongly believe there's no sport better than professional wrestling. Whether it's writing about the sport I love or meeting those that have impacted it in a major way, I always enjoy myself. Outside of wrestling, I'm into writing, gaming, and tokusatsu.

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