Summary

Josh Barnett says Bloodsport is heading into a hiatus after Bloodsport XV.

Barnett made the announcement after defeating Yuji Nagata in the main event of the show. He also thanked Brett Lauderdale for his work on the event and told the crowd it was fine to boo the decision, while adding that he had his reasons and would not get into them.

Bloodsport launched in 2018, and Barnett took over the brand in 2019 after Matt Riddle signed with WWE. Since then, the no-rope hybrid of pro wrestling and MMA has become a regular part of WrestleMania weekend, while also expanding to Japan and England.

What Barnett's hiatus means for Bloodsport

Barnett putting Bloodsport on hold takes one of WrestleMania weekend's most distinct cards off the table, at least for now. The event carved out its own lane by mixing wrestlers from promotions such as AEW, NJPW, and WWE into a stripped-down format that felt different from the rest of the week.

The other immediate takeaway is that Barnett's decision leaves the future of the brand unclear beyond this year's show. With no timeline offered for a return, Bloodsport XV now stands as the last event in the series for the foreseeable future.

Bloodsport's run under Barnett

Under Barnett's watch, Bloodsport grew from an offshoot concept into a recognizable independent event with an identity of its own. Its presentation, built around a no-rope ring and a combat sports tone, helped it stand out in a crowded wrestling calendar.

That consistency is a big part of why the hiatus lands as a notable independent wrestling story. Bloodsport was no longer a one-off curiosity, it was an established annual attraction.

Sources

As reported by Fightful.