Tag: Bloodport

Former WWE Tag Champs The War Raiders Set For Bloodsport XIV, Natalya vs. TNA’s Masha Slamovich, Plus a Few Other WWE Stars

While WWE gears up for its two-night SummerSlam extravaganza at MetLife Stadium this weekend, the underground fight scene in pro wrestling is heating up just a short drive away. Game Changer Wrestling’s Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIV is set to kick off Saturday afternoon in New Jersey, and a pair of former WWE World Tag Team Champions are officially stepping into the no-ropes ring for the very first time.

Josh Barnett took to social media to break the news himself, declaring: “WAR is coming to Bloodsport.” That’s right—Erik and Ivar, collectively known as The War Raiders, are making their long-awaited debut at the gritty hybrid shoot-style event.

Last seen on the July 10 episode of WWE Main Event, where they steamrolled LWO’s Joaquin Wilde and Cruz Del Toro, Erik and Ivar will now test their mettle in one of wrestling’s most unforgiving formats. True to Bloodsport tradition, their match will be contested in a ring stripped of ropes and turnbuckles, with a hard-hitting MMA-meets-pro-wrestling ruleset. Their opponents for the event have yet to be revealed.

They won’t be the only WWE talents on the card, either. Raw veteran Natalya is set to face off against TNA Wrestling’s dangerous and unpredictable Masha Slamovich, while SmackDown‘s Pete Dunne brings his brutal British strong style to a clash with Jonathan Gresham. Also announced: NXT’s Charlie Dempsey returns to Bloodsport following his loss to Tavion Heights earlier this month. His opponent remains under wraps for now.

WWE’s growing crossover with Bloodsport isn’t exactly new. Last year’s Bloodsport X featured Shayna Baszler and Charlie Dempsey, both of whom picked up big wins—Baszler over Slamovich (with Zoey Stark in her corner) and Dempsey over Matt Makowski. The appearances signaled a surprising but intriguing collaboration between WWE and GCW, one that seems to be gaining more momentum with each event.

Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIV kicks off Saturday at 1 PM ET, offering a violent, visceral counterpoint to the polished spectacle of SummerSlam. Whether it’s WWE talent, indie legends, or international heavy-hitters, expect no frills—just fights.

Natalya Set to Make Debut in Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport During WrestleMania 41 Weekend

WWE veteran Natalya is stepping into unfamiliar territory this April as she makes her debut at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport XIII, a hard-hitting, no-ropes event promoted by Game Changer Wrestling (GCW). The event will take place on April 17, 2025, just two days before WrestleMania 41, at the Pearl Concert Theater in Nevada.

A New Challenge for the Queen of Harts

Josh Barnett took to social media to announce Natalya’s participation, emphasizing her roots in the legendary Hart Dungeon, where she trained in the art of submission wrestling.

“The Queen of Harts. A member of the legacy-filled Hart family. She spent time in the Hart Dungeon learning how to crank, rip, and tear wrestlers apart. You could say she was BORN for this. Will she torture her opponent to the point of submission, or will it be her hung from the rack? What will Bloodsport bring out of this veteran wrestler?”

Natalya’s inclusion in the event is a historic one, as it marks her first match outside of WWE since 2007. Known for her technical prowess, submission skills, and resilience, she is set to bring a new dynamic to Bloodsport’s unique, no-pins, knockout-or-submission-only format.

WWE Stars Making Their Mark in Bloodsport

GCW’s Bloodsport has increasingly become a stage for WWE talent to showcase their skills in a different environment. In October 2024, Charlie Dempsey and Karmen Petrovic competed at Bloodsport XII, proving that WWE stars can thrive in the no-holds-barred setting.

Joining Natalya at Bloodsport XIII will be other notable names, including former WWE stars Timothy Thatcher and Simon Gotch, as well as NJPW’s Tom Lawlor.

With WrestleMania 41 weekend bringing the entire wrestling world to Las Vegas, Bloodsport XIII is shaping up to be a must-see event. How will Natalya adapt to the brutal, unforgiving nature of Bloodsport? Fans won’t have to wait long to find out.