Game Changer Wrestling

Last updated
Game Changer Wrestling
AcronymGCW
Founded
  • January 1999 (original)
  • September 2013 (revival)
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)
FormerlyJersey Championship Wrestling (1999–2015)
Website GCWMerch.com

Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), formerly known as Jersey Championship Wrestling (JCW), [a] is an American independent professional wrestling promotion based in New 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 in hardcore wrestling, as well as mixed martial arts–inspired shoot style matches.

Contents

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 NGI, and the Tournament of Survival.

History

As Jersey Championship Wrestling

Jersey Championship Wrestling (JCW) was founded by independent wrestler Ricky Otazu, also known by his ring name of Ricky O, [1] in January 1999 in New Jersey. [2] [3] JCW ran their first show on January 29, 2000, in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. [4] Later that year, JCW hosted the inaugural Jersey 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 in North Bergen. [8] Later that year, JCW would return to hosting the Jersey J-Cup. [9]

2015–present: Rebranding as Game Changer Wrestling

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 feature hardcore wrestling and 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 produced Joey Janela's Spring Break show in Fern 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 in Los Angeles in November 2018, titled To Live and Die in LA. [16] In April 2018, GCW partnered with Matt Riddle to produce Matt Riddle's Bloodsport, a show that fused professional wrestling and mixed martial arts. [17] Bloodsport would take place twice more in 2019, this time with the partnership of Josh 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 to FITE TV. In 2021, IWTV sued GCW for breach of contract. [23] [24]

On January 23, 2022, GCW held the sold out The Wrld on GCW event, their debut at the Hammerstein 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 with Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw), which saw GCW hold their inaugural events in Germany as part of wXw's 2023 World Tag Team Festival weekend. [28]

On October 29, 2024, Nick Gage, GCW's sole contracted wrestler, announced that he was departing GCW. [29]

Roster

Mance Warner Mance Warner in February 2024.jpg
Mance Warner
Maki Itoh Yi Teng Ma Xi 2024.jpg
Maki Itoh
Kevin Ku Kevin Ku in February 2024.jpg
Kevin Ku

Wrestlers

Dante Leon

Ring name Real name Notes
1 Called Manders Steve Manders
Alec PriceAlan Parnell
Alex Zayne Alex Brandenburg
Allie Katch Allison Woodard
Arez Jonathan González
August MatthewsUnknown
Bam SullivanUnknown
Bobby FlacoUnknown
Bodhi Young ProdigyUnknown
Brayden ToonUnknown
Brooke HavokUnknown
Charles Mason Unknown
Charlie TigerUnknown
Ciclope Jhonny Serrano Yedra
Cole Radrick Joey Hodge
CPAUnknown
Dan The DadUnknown
Marcos Meza
Dark Sheik Sam Khandaghabadi
Davey BangUnknown
Dominic GarriniDominic Garrini Tag Team Champion
Dyln McKayUnknown
Effy Taylor Gibson
Fuego Del Sol Unknown
Grim ReeferKevin Corcoran
Gringo Loco Charles Santos
Homicide Nelson Erazo Indie Wrestling Hall of Famer
Hunter DrakeUnknown
Jack Cartwheel Jack Cartwright
Jeffrey JohnUnknown
Jimmy Lloyd James MarcheseAlso performs under the ring name "Broski Jimmy"
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 MathersUnknown
Masha Slamovich Ann Khozine JCW World Champion
Matt Cardona Matthew Cardona General Manager
Matt MakowskiUnknown
Matt Tremont Matthew TremontDeathmatch Hall of Famer
Microman Unknown
Miedo Extremo Jonathan Uriel Gijon Perez
Mr. DangerUnknown
Myron Reed Myron Reed
Parrow Mike Parrow
Reed BentleyUnknown
Richard Holliday Joe Zimbardi
Rico GonzalezUnknown
Rina Yamashita Rina Yamashita
Sam StackhouseUnknown
Santana JacksonUnknown
Sidney Akeem Sidney Bateman
Shane MercerShane Goode
"Speedball" Mike Bailey Émile Baillargeon-Laberge
Starboy CharlieCharlie Hilder
Steph De Lander Stephanie De Landre
Titus Alexander Titus Jimenez
Tony Deppen Anthony Deppen
YoyaUnknown

Other personnel

Ring nameReal nameNotes
Adam GaultAdam GaultReferee
Brett LauderdaleBrett HoffmanOwner/booker
Chad RicoChad RicoReferee
Dan PerchDan PerchReferee
Dave Prazak Dave PrazakCommentator
Indie Wrestling Hall of Famer
Emil JayEmil HibianCommentator
Ring announcer
Johnathan AsheJohnathan AsheVideo producer
Jordan CastleJordan CasselCommentator
Max ReconAJ KissingerReferee
Scarlette DonovanScarlette DonovanReferee
Veda Scott Veda ScottCommentator
Occasional wrestler

Halls of fame

Indie Wrestling Hall of Fame

Deathmatch Hall of Fame

YearRing name
2019 Mad Man Pondo
Nate Hatred
Danny Havoc
Matt Tremont
2021Supreme
Eugene
Nick Mondo
2022 Wifebeater
Toby Klein
Dewey Donovan
J. C. Bailey
2023Mike "Piss Jug Mike" Bieszck
Lowlife Louie
John Zandig
Brain Damage
2024 Abdullah the Butcher
Markus Crane
Gary Walter

Championships and accomplishments

Current championships

As of November21, 2024

ChampionshipCurrent champion(s)ReignDate wonDays
held		LocationNotesRef.
GCW World Championship Mance Warner in February 2024.jpg Mance Warner 1June 2, 2024172 Atlantic City, NJ Defeated Joey Janela at Cage of Survival 3 after cashing in his Do or Die championship contract. [30]
JCW World Championship Masha Slamovich, June 2023 (cropped).jpg Masha Slamovich 1February 10, 2024285 Jersey City, NJ Defeated Jordan Oliver at Jersey J-Cup.
GCW Ultraviolent Championship Sawyer Wreck 1November 16, 20245 Level 13 Event Center in Orlando, Florida Defeated Brandon Kirk at 9th Annual Nick Gage Invitational.
GCW Extreme Championship Yi Teng Ma Xi 2020.jpg Maki Itoh 1March 9, 2024257 Atlantic City, NJ Defeated champion Joey Janela at Ashes To Ashes in a six-way scramble match also including Alex Zayne, Broski Jimmy, Jack Cartwheel, and Marcus Mathers. [31]
GCW Tag Team Championship Kevin Ku in February 2024.jpg Violence Is Forever
(Dominic Garrini and Kevin Ku (pictured))		1
(1, 1)		November 4, 2023383 Atlanta, GA Defeated Los Macizos (Ciclope and Miedo Extremo) at ¿Sí Or No?. [32]

Former championships

ChampionshipDate of entryFirst champion(s)Date retiredFinal champion(s)Years activeEvent
GCW Women's ChampionshipNovember 23, 2003 April Hunter June 3, 2016 Deonna Purrazzo 13 Live event
JCW Light Heavyweight ChampionshipApril 14, 2000Judas YoungApril 10, 2004 Kahagas 4Live event
JCW Television ChampionshipApril 14, 2000Kevin KnightFebruary 22, 2004Moondog Wenzel4Live event
JCW Six Man Tag Team ChampionshipNovember 4, 2000CJ Brock, Crazy Ivan, and Dave GrecoNovember 4, 2001CJ Brock, Crazy Ivan, and Dave Greco1Payback Time

Notes

  1. ↑ The Jersey Championship Wrestling (JCW) name is currently utilized by GCW as the name of their developmental promotion. The modern JCW promotion runs a series of streaming events on YouTube.

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References

  1. ↑ "Ricky O". January 6, 2020.
  2. ↑ "Jersey Championship Wrestling - History". Jersey Championship Wrestling. Retrieved January 6, 2020– via Wix.com.
  3. 1 2 "Game Changer Wrestling (GCW)". Cagematch.net. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  4. ↑ "JCW @ Lyndhurst - January 29, 2000". Wrestlingdata. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  5. ↑ Tanabe, Hisaharu. "2000 Jersey J-Cup". NYProWrestling.com. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  6. 1 2 "Jersey Championship Wrestling is back!". Jersey Championship Wrestling. September 14, 2013. Retrieved January 6, 2020– via Wix.com.[ permanent dead link ]
  7. ↑ "National Wrestling Superstars". Cagematch.net. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  8. ↑ "JCW Wrestling school opens in April". Jersey Championship Wrestling. March 14, 2013. Retrieved January 6, 2020– via Wix.com.[ permanent dead link ]
  9. ↑ "2014 Jersey J-Cup". Cagematch.net. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  10. ↑ Greer, Jamie (August 11, 2018). "Game Changer Wrestling Continues to Change The Game". Last Word on Pro Wrestling. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  11. ↑ "Nick Gage Invitational Ultraviolent Tournament". Cagematch.net. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  12. ↑ "Tournament of Survival". Cagematch.net. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  13. ↑ "Acid Cup". Cagematch.net. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  14. ↑ "GCW Joey Janela's Spring Break". Cagematch.net. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  15. ↑ Peeples, Jeremy (April 5, 2019). "JOEY JANELA'S SPRING BREAK 3, PT. 1 LIVE RESULTS". Figure Four Online. Retrieved April 8, 2019.
  16. ↑ Andrew (February 9, 2018). "Game Changer Wrestling to debut in Los Angeles in November". SoCalUncensored.com. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  17. ↑ "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.
  18. ↑ "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.
  19. ↑ Benjamin, Andrew (April 2, 2019). "Josh Barnett's Bloodsport Preview and Predictions". Mma Sucka.
  20. ↑ "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.
  21. ↑ "GCW Josh Barnett's Bloodsport 2". Cagematch.net. September 9, 2019.
  22. ↑ "GCW Worst Behavior 2019". Cagematch.net. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  23. ↑ "GCW Requests To Be Released From IWTV Contract, Promoter Brett Lauderdale Comments". Mandatory. December 27, 2020. Retrieved January 9, 2022.
  24. ↑ "GCW's Brett Lauderdale Explains Why They Moved To FITE Rather Than Stay With IWTV". Mandatory. June 8, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2022.
  25. ↑ Currier, Joseph (November 26, 2021). "GCW sells out tickets for Hammerstein Ballroom show". Wrestling Observer Newsletter . Retrieved January 23, 2022.
  26. ↑ Lambert, Jeremy (January 12, 2021). "The WRLD On GCW To Air On Traditional PPV". Fightful. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  27. ↑ Ross Sapp, Sean (February 7, 2022). "Game Changer Wrestling Signs Nick Gage To Exclusive, Multi-Year Contract". Fightful. Sean Ross Sapp. Retrieved August 18, 2022.
  28. ↑ Tessier, Colin (April 12, 2023). "GCW Announces Germany Debut, Teams Up With wXw For World Tag Team Festival Weekend 2023". Fightful. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
  29. ↑ Lambert, Jeremy (October 29, 2024). "Nick Gage Confirms He Was In Rehab, Says He's Moved On From GCW". Fightful. Retrieved October 30, 2024.
  30. ↑ Rose, Brian (June 2, 2024). "Mance Warner wins GCW title at Cage of Survival 3". Wrestling Observer Figure Four Online . Retrieved June 3, 2024.
  31. ↑ "GCW Ashes To Ashes 2024".
  32. ↑ 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. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
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