GCW had a graphic ready to announce Chad Gable’s debut against Jonathan Gresham at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport X. According to promoter Brett Lauderdale, WWE changed plans with about an hour to go before fans would have seen it.

Writing on X on 5 November, Lauderdale revealed that he had booked the match for WrestleMania 40 weekend in Philadelphia in April 2024. Bloodsport’s ropeless ring and emphasis on submissions made it a natural fit for two wrestlers known for their work on the mat. Lauderdale had high hopes for the pairing.

“It was supposed to be Chad Gable vs Jonathan Gresham and it would have been one of the greatest matches of all time lol.”

Lauderdale said Gable wanted to give WrestleMania his full attention, a decision the promoter understood.

“But alas wwe changed course at the last minute because chad wanted to focus on wrestlemania (which i understand). It ended up being a landmark event regardless.”

Gable played a part in one of the weekend’s biggest title changes. He helped Sami Zayn prepare to challenge Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship, and Zayn went on to end Gunther’s record-setting reign.

WWE still had a presence at Bloodsport X. Shayna Baszler and Charlie Dempsey both competed, while CM Punk and WWE president Nick Khan were among those in attendance. In April 2026, Barnett announced that Bloodsport would be on hold for the foreseeable future.

If Gable and Gresham ever meet under Bloodsport rules, who would you back to get the submission? Let us know in the comments.