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Josh Barnett to return to pro wrestling during WrestleMania weekend
TL;DR
Josh Barnett will return to professional wrestling during WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas. This event marks a continued connection between MMA and pro wrestling, especially following the WWE and UFC merger in 2023.
Key points
- Josh Barnett returns to pro wrestling during WrestleMania weekend
- WrestleMania takes place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas
- Brock Lesnar is also returning for this year's event
- WWE and UFC merged under the TKO banner in 2023
- Connection between MMA and pro wrestling spans decades
Mentioned in this story
Josh BarnettBrock LesnarWWEUFCLas VegasAllegiant Stadium
TKOWrestleMania
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
The connection between MMA and professional wrestling goes back decades, long before WWE and UFC officially merged under the TKO banner in 2023.
When Dana White appeared on the big screens at Allegiant Stadium during last year’s WrestleMania, the reaction from the crowd wasn’t exactly warm.
This year, WrestleMania is back in Vegas at the same venue, where Brock Lesnar is also set to make his return to action.
But Lesnar won’t be the only ex-UFC champion stepping into a WWE ring over the weekend.
Photo by Jack Gorman/Getty Images
Josh Barnett Set to Face Yuji Nagata at GCW Bloodsport During WrestleMania Weekend
Las Vegas will be buzzing with wrestling events around WrestleMania, giving fans plenty of shows to choose from outside the main event.
One of those is the latest edition of Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport, which takes place on April 17 at the Horseshoe, with the former UFC heavyweight champion headlining the event.
Dana White once wondered what Barnett might have accomplished if his title run hadn’t ended so soon after his win over Randy Couture at UFC 36.
Barnett will be stepping back into the ring for the first time since facing Fedor Emelianenko in London last September, this time against Japanese legend Yuji Nagata.
Also on tap is a match between former UFC and WWE star Shayna Baszler and current WWE roster member Nattie Neidhart.
The card includes other well-known names from both WWE and technical wrestling. Pete Dunne, Timothy Thatcher, Charlie Dempsey, and Zack Sabre Jr. are all set to appear. Over the years, Bloodsport has featured several fighters with MMA backgrounds, such as Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Matt Riddle, and Frank Mir.
Q&A
What is Josh Barnett's role in professional wrestling during WrestleMania weekend?
Josh Barnett is set to return to professional wrestling during WrestleMania weekend, although specific details about his role have not been disclosed.
How does the merger of WWE and UFC impact WrestleMania events?
The merger of WWE and UFC under the TKO banner in 2023 enhances the crossover appeal between MMA and professional wrestling, influencing events like WrestleMania.
Who else is making a return at WrestleMania in Las Vegas?
Brock Lesnar is also scheduled to make his return to action at WrestleMania in Las Vegas this year.
