Josh Barnett Announces He’s Shutting The Door On Bloodsport Events For The Foreseeable Future
Josh Barnett addresses the future of Bloodsport.
After defeating Yuji Nagata in the main event of Bloodsport XV, Barnett announced that the event will be the last Bloodsport for the foreseeable future.
Josh Barnett announces that Bloodsport is taking a hiatus. pic.twitter.com/gBGFo5mETv
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) April 18, 2026
Bloodsport started in 2018 by Matt Riddle, but Barnett took over the event in 2019 after Riddle signed with WWE. Bloodsport has become a WrestleMania weekend staple with AEW, NJPW and WWE talent competing at the event over the years.
Josh Barnett has also taken the event to Japan and England.
He thanked Brett Lauderdale for all he’s done for the event and said it was okay to “boo” his decision. He said he has his reasons, but he wouldn’t go into them.
Bloodsport is a no roped event that is a hybrid of wrestling and MMA.
Fans can find results from Bloodsport XV here.
