WWE’s Pete Dunne and NXT’s Charlie Dempsey Join the Stacked Card for Bloodsport XIV

As the anticipation builds for the fourteenth edition of Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport, two more familiar faces from WWE programming have been confirmed for the hard-hitting GCW event set to take place on August 2 in Rutherford, New Jersey. This time, fans can expect to see Pete Dunne and Charlie Dempsey step into the no-ropes ring, bringing added prestige and firepower to the already compelling lineup.

Josh Barnett, the mind behind Bloodsport’s hybrid combat concept that blends MMA realism with pro wrestling physicality, took to social media to reveal that Dunne and Dempsey would be making their return to the unique platform. For those unfamiliar, Bloodsport is not a traditional wrestling show. It removes the ropes, focuses on strikes and submissions, and strips back the spectacle in favor of gritty realism. The inclusion of top-tier WWE talent underscores the credibility the brand has built since its inception.

Pete Dunne, a standout of WWE’s New Catch Republic tag team alongside Tyler Bate, is returning to the Bloodsport arena for just the second time. His debut came earlier this year when he secured a tough victory over Timothy Thatcher, a longtime favorite of the promotion. Despite being a regular presence on WWE Main Event rather than its flagship shows recently, Dunne remains one of the most technically gifted and hard-nosed grapplers in the sport. His reappearance in Bloodsport is a welcome reminder of the edge and tenacity that made him a fan favorite in NXT UK and beyond.

Meanwhile, Charlie Dempsey, son of wrestling legend William Regal, continues to carve his own path through Bloodsport’s unforgiving landscape. This will mark Dempsey’s fifth appearance under Barnett’s banner. With a current record of three wins and one loss in the format, he’s coming off back-to-back victories over respected names like Tracy Williams and Japanese MMA legend Shinya Aoki. His only setback came in July 2024 in a hard-fought bout against Royce Isaacs, but Dempsey has since bounced back with renewed intensity.

Also added to the event is GCW mainstay Slade, whose last Bloodsport appearance dates back to March 2022. Known for his raw intensity and unhinged brawling style, Slade may not have the televised exposure of his fellow additions, but he brings a level of chaos that fits perfectly within the Bloodsport ethos.

The card, which will be broadcast live via Triller+, is shaping up to be one of the most stacked in the series’ history. Already confirmed are marquee matchups like Natalya taking on Masha Slamovich and Janai Kai facing Jordan Blade, both matches sure to showcase the growing women’s presence in this traditionally male-dominated environment.

Returning veterans like Timothy Thatcher, Jonathan Gresham, and Simon Gotch will also compete, alongside rising forces like Matt Mako, Nick Comoroto, and Dominic Garrini.

With just over a week to go, Bloodsport XIV is quickly becoming a must-watch for fans who crave the kind of raw, unfiltered combat that blends the storytelling of professional wrestling with the grit of real fighting. Whether you’re tuning in for familiar names like Dunne and Dempsey or to discover new standouts from the independent circuit, this event promises to deliver action that’s as real as it gets.