Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport, featuring Shayna Baszler, represents a groundbreaking collaboration between WWE and the independent wrestling scene. The decision to include WWE talent in an event promoted by GCW raised eyebrows within the wrestling community, given WWE’s historical caution regarding independent shows.

In a recent interview on the Under The Ring podcast, Josh Barnett shed light on the process behind selecting Baszler for Bloodsport.

He attributed her participation to his relationships within WWE, emphasizing the importance of trust and consideration when dealing with valuable talents. Barnett acknowledged the rarity of cross-promotion in wrestling but expressed gratitude for the opportunity to showcase Baszler’s skills.

He highlighted his involvement in her training throughout her career and expressed confidence in her performance at Bloodsport. While there may not be an official collaboration between WWE and GCW, past instances of talent crossover have been met with goodwill.

This informal understanding between the promotions suggests a level of mutual respect and cooperation, paving the way for unique opportunities like Baszler’s appearance at Bloodsport.