Game Changer Wrestling
 | |
| Acronym | GCW |
|---|---|
| Founded |
|
| Style | |
| Headquarters | New Jersey,U.S. |
| Founder(s) | Ricky Otazu |
| Owner(s) | Ricky Otazu (1999–2004, 2013–2015) Brett Lauderdale and Danny Demanto (2015–2019) Brett Lauderdale (2019–present) |
| Formerly | Jersey Championship Wrestling (1999–2015) |
| Website | GCWMerch.com |
Game Changer Wrestling(GCW), formerly known asJersey Championship Wrestling(JCW),[a]is an Americanindependentprofessional wrestlingpromotionbased inNew Jersey.The promotion was originally founded by Ricky Otazu in 1999; it was rebranded under its current name in 2015, after a sale to Danny Demanto and current owner Brett Lauderdale. The promotion specializes inhardcore wrestling,as well asmixed martial arts–inspiredshoot stylematches.
GCW has grown from running shows based in New Jersey, to holding events across the United States, as well as internationally in Japan and Mexico. Annual GCW events include Backyard Wrestling,Bloodsport,Joey Janela's Spring Break,the Nick Gage Invitational, and the Tournament of Survival.
History
[edit]As Jersey Championship Wrestling
[edit]Jersey Championship Wrestling (JCW) was founded by independent wrestler Ricky Otazu, also known by hisring nameof Ricky O,[1]in January 1999 inNew Jersey.[2][3]JCW ran their first show on January 29, 2000, inLyndhurst, New Jersey.[4]Later that year, JCW hosted the inauguralJersey J-Cup,which featured many of the top independent wrestlers of that period.[5]They would continue to host the tournament until 2004, when JCW was sold to rival company National Wrestling Superstars (NWS).[6]
The promotion would remain dormant for nearly a decade until September 2013 when, after the closure of National Wrestling Superstars,[7]Otazu reclaimed the rights to JCW and reopened the promotion.[6]In April 2014, JCW opened its own training school inNorth Bergen.[8]Later that year, JCW would return to hosting the Jersey J-Cup.[9]
2015–present: Rebranding as Game Changer Wrestling
[edit]In June 2015, Jersey Championship Wrestling rebranded itself to Game Changer Wrestling (GCW)[3]after being purchased by Brett Lauderdale and Danny Demanto.[10]Since the buyout, GCW began to predominantly featurehardcore wrestlingand continued to enjoy success in the New Jersey wrestling scene. GCW became known for producing several tournaments featuring independent wrestlers; including the Nick Gage Invitational Ultraviolent Tournament,[11]the Tournament of Survival[12]and the Acid Cup.[13]
In March 2017, GCW producedJoey Janela'sSpring Break showinFern Park, Florida.[14]This would become an annual tradition for the company.[15]GCW would begin to expand throughout the United States and hosted its first show inLos Angelesin November 2018, titled To Live and Die in LA.[16]In April 2018, GCW partnered withMatt Riddleto produceMatt Riddle's Bloodsport,a show that fused professional wrestling andmixed martial arts.[17]Bloodsport would take place twice more in 2019, this time with the partnership ofJosh Barnett.[18][19][20][21]In August 2019, GCW embarked on a two-day tour of Japan.[22]
In December 2020, GCW attempted to end their partnership with streaming platform Independent Wrestling TV (IWTV), later moving their content toFITE TV.In 2021, IWTV sued GCW for breach of contract.[23][24]
On January 23, 2022, GCW held the sold outThe Wrld on GCWevent, their debut at theHammerstein Ballroom.The event marked the first GCW event to air on traditional pay-per-view outlets.[25][26]
On February 7, 2022, GCW signed Nick Gage to a contract, which was referred to as "the first and only contract that GCW will offer". GCW owner Brett Lauderdale said of the contract, "This is a major milestone moment for both Nick and GCW. I have always been against the idea of contracts in GCW but there are exceptions to every rule. From day 1, Nick has put his body, and literally his life on the line for the fans inside the squared circle. He deserves, and has earned the right to be rewarded for 20+ years of hard work and sacrifice. This historic contract will do just that, allowing him to continue his in-ring career at a pace that is beneficial to his health, while beginning to focus on opportunities that take him towards the next phase of his career. GCW would not have achieved the level of success it has without Nick F'N Gage, and we are proud to be able to say that GCW will remain Nick's home for the rest of his career".[27]
On April 12, 2023, GCW announced a working relationship withWestside Xtreme Wrestling(wXw), which saw GCW hold their inaugural events in Germany as part of wXw's 2023 World Tag Team Festival weekend.[28]
Roster
[edit]
Game Changer Wrestling's roster consists mainly of independentfreelancersand wrestlers contracted to promotions likeTotal Nonstop Action Wrestling,Major League Wrestling,andWWE.
Wrestlers
[edit]| Ring name | Real name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Called Manders | Steve Manders | |
| Alec Price | Alan Parnell | |
| Alex Zayne | Alex Brandenburg | |
| Allie Katch | Allison Woodard | |
| Arez | Jonathan González | |
| August Matthews | Unknown | |
| Bam Sullivan | Unknown | |
| Blake Christian | Christian Hubble | |
| Bobby Flaco | Unknown | |
| Bodhi Young Prodigy | Unknown | |
| Brayden Toon | Unknown | |
| Brandon Kirk | Unknown | |
| Brooke Havok | Unknown | |
| Charles Mason | Unknown | |
| Charlie Tiger | Unknown | |
| Ciclope | Jhonny Serrano Yedra | |
| Cole Radrick | Joey Hodge | |
| CPA | Unknown | |
| Dan The Dad | Unknown | |
| Dante Leon | Marcos Meza | |
| Dark Sheik | Sam Khandaghabadi | |
| Davey Bang | Unknown | |
| Dominic Garrini | Dominic Garrini | Tag Team Champion |
| Dyln McKay | Unknown | |
| Effy | Taylor Gibson | |
| Fuego Del Sol | Unknown | |
| Grim Reefer | Kevin Corcoran | |
| Gringo Loco | Charles Santos | |
| Homicide | Nelson Erazo | Indie Wrestling Hall of Famer |
| Hunter Drake | Unknown | |
| Jack Cartwheel | Jack Cartwright | |
| Jeffrey John | Unknown | |
| Jimmy Lloyd | James Marchese | Performs under thering name"Broski" Jimmy Lloyd |
| Joey Janela | Joseph Janela | |
| John Wayne Murdoch | Unknown | |
| Jordan Oliver | Jordan Oliver, Jr. | |
| Josh Barnett | Joshua Lawrence Barnett | |
| Kevin Ku | Kevin Ku | Tag Team Champion |
| Látigo | Unknown | |
| LuFisto | Genevieve Goulet | |
| Maki Itoh | Maki Itoh | Extreme Champion |
| Mance Warner | Unknown | World Champion |
| Marcus Mathers | Unknown | |
| Masha Slamovich | Ann Khozine | JCW World Champion |
| Matt Cardona | Matthew Cardona | General Manager |
| Matt Makowski | Unknown | |
| Matt Tremont | Matthew Tremont | Deathmatch Hall of Famer |
| Microman | Unknown | |
| Miedo Extremo | Jonathan Uriel Gijon Perez | |
| Mr. Danger | Unknown | |
| Myron Reed | Myron Reed | |
| Nick Gage[29] | Nicholas W. Wilson | Contracted wrestler |
| Parrow | Mike Parrow | |
| Reed Bentley | Unknown | |
| Richard Holliday | Joe Zimbardi | |
| Rico Gonzalez | Unknown | |
| Rina Yamashita | Rina Yamashita | Ultraviolent Champion |
| Sam Stackhouse | Unknown | |
| Santana Jackson | Unknown | |
| Sawyer Wreck | Unknown | |
| Sidney Akeem | Sidney Bateman | |
| Shane Mercer | Shane Goode | |
| "Speedball" Mike Bailey | Émile Baillargeon-Laberge | Signed withTNA Wrestling |
| Starboy Charlie | Charlie Hilder | |
| Steph De Lander | Stephanie De Landre | |
| Titus Alexander | Titus Jimenez | |
| Tony Deppen | Anthony Deppen | |
| Yoya | Unknown |
Other personnel
[edit]| Ring name | Real name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Gault | Adam Gault | Referee |
| Brett Lauderdale | Brett Hoffman | Owner/booker |
| Chad Rico | Chad Rico | Referee |
| Dan Perch | Dan Perch | Referee |
| Dave Prazak | Dave Prazak | Commentator Indie Wrestling Hall of Famer |
| Emil Jay | Emil Hibian | Commentator Ring announcer |
| Johnathan Ashe | Johnathan Ashe | Video producer |
| Jordan Castle | Jordan Cassel | Commentator |
| Max Recon | AJ Kissinger | Referee |
| Scarlette Donovan | Scarlette Donovan | Referee |
| Veda Scott | Veda Scott | Commentator Occasional wrestler |
Halls of fame
[edit]Indie Wrestling Hall of Fame
[edit]Deathmatch Hall of Fame
[edit]| Year | Ring name |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Mad Man Pondo |
| Nate Hatred | |
| Danny Havoc | |
| Matt Tremont | |
| 2021 | Supreme |
| Eugene | |
| Nick Mondo | |
| 2022 | Wifebeater |
| Toby Klein | |
| Dewey Donovan | |
| J. C. Bailey | |
| 2023 | Mike "Piss Jug Mike" Bieszck |
| Lowlife Louie | |
| John Zandig | |
| Brain Damage | |
| 2024 | Abdullah the Butcher |
| Markus Crane | |
| Gary Walter |
Championships and accomplishments
[edit]Current championships
[edit]As of October 4, 2024
| Championship | Current champion(s) | Reign | Date won | Days held |
Location | Notes | Ref. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCW World Championship |
|
Mance Warner | 1 | June 2, 2024 | 124 | Atlantic City, NJ | DefeatedJoey Janelaat Cage of Survival 3 after cashing in his Do or Die championship contract. | [30] |
| JCW World Championship | 
|
Masha Slamovich | 1 | February 10, 2024 | 237 | Jersey City, NJ | DefeatedJordan Oliverat Jersey J-Cup. | |
| GCW Ultraviolent Championship |
|
Rina Yamashita | 1 | August 13, 2022 | 783 | Atlantic City, NJ | Defeated Alex Colon at Homecoming: Part 1. | [31] |
| GCW Extreme Championship | 
|
Maki Itoh | 1 | March 9, 2024 | 209 | Atlantic City, NJ | Defeated championJoey Janelaat Ashes To Ashes in asix-way scramble matchalso includingAlex Zayne,Broski Jimmy, Jack Cartwheel, and Marcus Mathers. | [32] |
| GCW Tag Team Championship |
|
Violence Is Forever (Dominic Garrini andKevin Ku(pictured)) |
1 (1, 1) |
November 4, 2023 | 335 | Atlanta, GA | DefeatedLos Macizos (Ciclope and Miedo Extremo)at ¿Sí Or No?. | [33] |
Former championships
[edit]| Championship | Date of entry | First champion(s) | Date retired | Final champion(s) | Years active | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GCW Women's Championship | November 23, 2003 | April Hunter | June 3, 2016 | Deonna Purrazzo | 13 | Live event |
| JCW Light Heavyweight Championship | April 14, 2000 | Judas Young | April 10, 2004 | Kahagas | 4 | Live event |
| JCW Television Championship | April 14, 2000 | Kevin Knight | February 22, 2004 | Moondog Wenzel | 4 | Live event |
| JCW Six Man Tag Team Championship | November 4, 2000 | CJ Brock, Crazy Ivan, and Dave Greco | November 4, 2001 | CJ Brock, Crazy Ivan, and Dave Greco | 1 | Payback Time |
Notes
[edit]- ^The Jersey Championship Wrestling (JCW) name is currently utilized by GCW as the name of theirdevelopmental promotion.The modern JCW promotion runs a series of streaming events onYouTube.
References
[edit]- ^"Ricky O".January 6, 2020.
- ^"Jersey Championship Wrestling - History".Jersey Championship Wrestling.RetrievedJanuary 6,2020– viaWix.com.
- ^ab"Game Changer Wrestling (GCW)".Cagematch.net.RetrievedJanuary 6,2020.
- ^"JCW @ Lyndhurst - January 29, 2000".Wrestlingdata.RetrievedJanuary 6,2020.
- ^Tanabe, Hisaharu."2000 Jersey J-Cup".NYProWrestling.com.RetrievedJanuary 6,2020.
- ^ab"Jersey Championship Wrestling is back!".Jersey Championship Wrestling. September 14, 2013.RetrievedJanuary 6,2020– viaWix.com.[permanent dead link]
- ^"National Wrestling Superstars".Cagematch.net.RetrievedJanuary 6,2020.
- ^"JCW Wrestling school opens in April".Jersey Championship Wrestling. March 14, 2013.RetrievedJanuary 6,2020– viaWix.com.[permanent dead link]
- ^"2014 Jersey J-Cup".Cagematch.net.RetrievedJanuary 6,2020.
- ^Greer, Jamie (August 11, 2018)."Game Changer Wrestling Continues to Change The Game".Last Word on Pro Wrestling.RetrievedJanuary 6,2020.
- ^"Nick Gage Invitational Ultraviolent Tournament".Cagematch.net.RetrievedJanuary 6,2020.
- ^"Tournament of Survival".Cagematch.net.RetrievedJanuary 6,2020.
- ^"Acid Cup".Cagematch.net.RetrievedJanuary 6,2020.
- ^"GCW Joey Janela's Spring Break".Cagematch.net.RetrievedJanuary 6,2020.
- ^Peeples, Jeremy (April 5, 2019)."JOEY JANELA'S SPRING BREAK 3, PT. 1 LIVE RESULTS".Figure Four Online.RetrievedApril 8,2019.
- ^Andrew (February 9, 2018)."Game Changer Wrestling to debut in Los Angeles in November".SoCalUncensored.com.RetrievedJanuary 6,2020.
- ^"Matt Riddle's Bloodsport results: Matt Riddle vs. Minoru Suzuki".WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results.April 5, 2018.
- ^"Josh Barnett's Bloodsport results: Minoru Suzuki vs. Barnett".WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results.April 4, 2019.
- ^Benjamin, Andrew (April 2, 2019)."Josh Barnett's Bloodsport Preview and Predictions".Mma Sucka.
- ^"Frank Mir making pro wrestling debut at Josh Barnett's Bloodsport".WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, UFC News, UFC results.January 11, 2019.
- ^"GCW Josh Barnett's Bloodsport 2".Cagematch.net. September 9, 2019.
- ^"GCW Worst Behavior 2019".Cagematch.net.RetrievedJanuary 6,2020.
- ^"GCW Requests To Be Released From IWTV Contract, Promoter Brett Lauderdale Comments".Mandatory. December 27, 2020.RetrievedJanuary 9,2022.
- ^"GCW's Brett Lauderdale Explains Why They Moved To FITE Rather Than Stay With IWTV".Mandatory. June 8, 2021.RetrievedJanuary 9,2022.
- ^Currier, Joseph (November 26, 2021)."GCW sells out tickets for Hammerstein Ballroom show".Wrestling Observer Newsletter.RetrievedJanuary 23,2022.
- ^Lambert, Jeremy (January 12, 2021)."The WRLD On GCW To Air On Traditional PPV".Fightful.RetrievedJanuary 23,2021.
- ^Ross Sapp, Sean (February 7, 2022)."Game Changer Wrestling Signs Nick Gage To Exclusive, Multi-Year Contract".Fightful.Sean Ross Sapp.RetrievedAugust 18,2022.
- ^Tessier, Colin (April 12, 2023)."GCW Announces Germany Debut, Teams Up With wXw For World Tag Team Festival Weekend 2023".Fightful.RetrievedApril 13,2023.
- ^Nason, Josh (February 7, 2022)."Nick Gage signs exclusive, multi-year contract with GCW".Wrestling Observer Newsletter.RetrievedJanuary 9,2023.
- ^Rose, Brian (June 2, 2024)."Mance Warner wins GCW title at Cage of Survival 3".Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online.RetrievedJune 3,2024.
- ^Defelice, Robert (August 13, 2022)."New GCW Ultraviolent Champion Crowned At GCW Homecoming Part 1".Fightful.RetrievedAugust 14,2022.
- ^"GCW Ashes To Ashes 2024".
- ^Brennan, Corey (November 4, 2023)."GCW ¿Sí Or No? Results (11/4/23): Brogan Finlay Says Goodbye To GCW, Santanta Jackson vs Mike Bailey".Fightful.RetrievedNovember 5,2023.
External links
[edit]- GCWMerch
- Game Changer WrestlingonTwitter
- Game Changer Wrestling on YouTube
- Triller TV page
- GCWFans message board
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