Josh Barnett has shared new insights into the unique process of incorporating WWE stars such as Shayna Baszler into his acclaimed Bloodsport events, highlighting the remarkable trust WWE places in him to showcase their talent in a fresh, high-stakes environment. Speaking on podcasts like Under the Ring and interviews with outlets such as Fightful and Wrestling Inc., Barnett emphasized the strong relationships and mutual respect between him and WWE as critical factors enabling this unprecedented collaboration[1][4][5].

Bloodsport, Barnett’s hybrid professional wrestling and MMA-inspired event, has long been celebrated for its realistic and intense style that puts wrestlers’ pure fighting skills front and center. With the addition of active WWE talent, Bloodsport has reached new heights of crossover appeal—including the notable appearance of Baszler, who not only trained under Barnett but was also granted special permission by WWE’s leadership, including Triple H, to compete at Bloodsport X during WrestleMania weekend[1].

Barnett explained to Under the Ring podcast how his personal history with Baszler and others helps bridge the gap between WWE and independent promotions:

“I guess the easiest way to describe it is just through my relationships with people there. When speaking of a promotion, you want a certain level of trust and consideration given to you. It’s hard to lend your toys out when there’s so much money and value tied into the talent and the product itself.”[1]

This “trust” factor is significant because WWE considers their wrestlers major assets. As Barnett explained in an interview with Good Karma Wrestling and reported by 411mania, letting talents under WWE contracts appear at Bloodsport is a substantial gamble due to their value and the high investment WWE makes in each performer:

“To let me have someone that’s worth a million bucks or something come work on my show, uh, that’s a big ask. That’s a ton of trust.”[2]

Barnett further addressed online critiques and fan skepticism over WWE stars appearing en masse in Bloodsport events, rejecting the notion that this cross-promotion dilutes Bloodsport’s independent spirit. Instead, he framed these collaborations as opportunities for wrestlers to express a different side of their skill set:

“This is a wrestler’s show, and we want to develop bouts that showcase the spirit and overall identity of Bloodsport.” He cited John Hennigan as an example, who competes in many places under various personas, but as “Johnny Bloodsport” presents an entirely unique style shaped by boxing and catch wrestling training under Barnett himself[4].

According to sources close to WWE and Bloodsport production, the company’s openness to allowing talent like Baszler to join Bloodsport is not just a nod to Barnett’s longstanding mentorship and track record but also a strategic move to highlight the diverse skill sets of WWE performers beyond scripted pro wrestling. Baszler’s history as a former MMA competitor and her nickname “Queen of Spades,” given by Barnett, underscore the authenticity she brings to the high-intensity Bloodsport format[1][6].

Beyond Baszler, Barnett’s booking philosophy for Bloodsport maintains a delicate balance—presenting top-caliber matchups that can only be seen in this highly specialized arena while preserving the aesthetic and raw competition vibe that fans expect. He carefully curates fights that push wrestlers outside their usual personas and comfort zones, thus enhancing their development and fan appeal:

“The biggest challenge is trying to create matchups that embody Bloodsport’s spirit, delivering top-quality fights you won’t find anywhere else.”[4]

This innovative approach continues to build momentum as Bloodsport gains recognition as a proving ground for wrestlers who are not only performers but athletes steeped in various combat disciplines. The synergy between Barnett’s vision and WWE’s willingness to endorse such projects signals a shift toward more complex and authentic portrayals of wrestling talent.

In summary, Barnett’s reflections reveal that the process behind booking WWE talent like Shayna Baszler for Bloodsport involves deep-rooted trust, respect, and shared goals between him and WWE executives. It represents a unique melding of pro wrestling’s scripted art and real martial arts competition, with Barnett serving as a trusted bridge who can navigate the delicate business and creative challenges. As Bloodsport events continue to feature top WWE stars, fans can expect electrifying, technically superb matchups that honor both wrestling tradition and modern combat sport.

Sources: Interviews on Under the Ring Podcast, Fightful, Wrestling Inc., 411mania, Good Karma Wrestling, and direct statements from Josh Barnett[1][2][4][5][6].