Josh Barnett gives the NXT Underground match some credit but states that the true Bloodsport will prove why it's the best.
On the July 4 episode of WWE NXT, Eddy Thorpe defeated Damon Kemp in an NXT Underground match. The bout drew comparisons to Raw Underground, both given the name and the similar in-ring style. In both cases, the matches were contested in rings without ropes, and the contests could only be won by TKO, knockout, or submission.
This style is quite similar to that of GCW's Bloodsport events. Josh Barnett, who promotes the shows, events, previously shared his thoughts on the NXT Underground match and wrote that "fake Bloodsport" was back, and there was only one true Bloodsport.
In a tweet, Barnett responded to a post by the NXT Twitter account, which shared a clip of the NXT Underground match. He noted that there was no shame in the theft of Josh Barnett's Bloodsport, but he stated that the bout looked like "the best they've done so far." Barnett also admitted that he liked it. That being said, Barnett made it clear that the Bloodsport team would be back with another event, and despite having a fraction of the budget, they would show everyone who does it best.
Good lord. No shame at all in the theft of Josh Barnett's: Bloodsport.
— ------ ------------------ (@JoshLBarnett) July 17, 2023
But you know what, that looked like the best they've done so far. I like.
However, we will be back with another one and even with a fraction of the budget, we'll show them and the world who does it best and… https://t.co/ucocOqr4HY
Barnett has been involved with Bloodsport since 2019. Overall, GCW has held nine Bloodsport events. The most recent edition was held during The Collective 2023; in the main event, Timothy Thatcher defeated Barnett.
As previously announced, Barnett will make his Pro Wrestling NOAH debut in September. More information is available here.
