19 replies to this topic

[Darren Grett]

MMA fighter and Professional Wrestler Josh Barnett recently spoke with the UK Mirror concerning his upcoming final match for the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix. The former UFC World Heavyweight Champion, who has two fights left in his Strikeforce contract and a turbulent relationship with the UFC, noted the following on whether he would accept an offer similar to the one given to King Mo:

“Anything is an opportunity. I have a manager; they work out all the deals for me. I like being given a stage and being given the opportunity to go out there and shine, but I’m part of Showtime right now and Strikeforce and I’ve got another fight with them for sure and I’m really looking forward to doing great things here.”

Barnett on occasion does pro wrestling primarily in Japan. He most recently worked for Antonio Inoki's IGF.

[MR B]

404, on 18 May 2012 - 07:52 PM, said:

MMA and Professional Wrestler Josh Barnett recently spoke with the UK Mirror concerning his upcoming final match for the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix.

I didn't know that was still going on.

[Dizzy]

Oh and by the way, this MMA fighters to TNA thing is something Paul Heyman wanted to do if he was given control of the product.

If It doesn't work, I don't want anyone asking for him to join TNA because it was HIS idea.

[Zeppelin4]

I think it would be kind of cool to have another guy like King Mo that works with both Bellator and TNA. I don't know too much about MMA but I do know this would be another big signing by both companies. I mean all parties really can't lose if they sign him along with the already signed King Mo.

[EnigmaMinded]

I'm not a MMA person myself so it's hard for me to really say anything. However I hope this works for both companies.

[Zeppelin4]

Dizzy, on 18 May 2012 - 08:01 PM, said:

Oh and by the way, this MMA fighters to TNA thing is something Paul Heyman wanted to do if he was given control of the product.

If It doesn't work, I don't want anyone asking for him to join TNA because it was HIS idea.

It's not really "HIS" idea, MMA fighters have been going about Pro Wrestling and MMA for years. Guys like Dan Severn and Ken Shamrock have made a living out of it for the longest time.

[teambadazz]

the new Team Angle King Mo= shelton benjamin Josh Barnett= Charlie Haas lol jus kidding

[Minters]

Dizzy, on 18 May 2012 - 08:01 PM, said:

Oh and by the way, this MMA fighters to TNA thing is something Paul Heyman wanted to do if he was given control of the product.

If It doesn't work, I don't want anyone asking for him to join TNA because it was HIS idea.

And if it does?

BTW Bobby Lashley was in TNA and competing in MMA before Heyman was ever approached.

[Jackanape]

*shudder*

[pgi86]

Here's the thing. Almost since the very first TNA show they've been looking for three very specific types of people to sign and mold into TNA superstars: a latino star, a reality star and an MMA star. They've looked into multiple options over the years and have given a few people a shot in those roles but so far they haven't found the right people. I can specifically remember them trying to work out a deal with UFC for cross promotion even before UFC was on Spike (but Dana White wanted none of it). TNA going after MMA guys is not a new thing, nor is it something that they got from Paul Heyman. It's something that they've wanted to do since forever, even before MMA had mainstream popularity.

Josh Barnett's been wrestling in Japan for years now and is pretty decent at it. He's sort of a big name in MMA too and can talk. Personally, I wouldn't be opposed to him going the TNA/Bellator route but it's not something I specifically want to see.

Edited by pgi86, 18 May 2012 - 08:19 PM.

[Darren Grett]

Jackanape, on 18 May 2012 - 08:10 PM, said:

*shudder*

Josh Barnett has wrestled professionally on and off for years. Nobody should dare put Frank Trigg in his league. Barnett could be best described as Ken Shamrock, an MMA fighter that can incorporate MMA into pro wrestling and still make it look good. That is an acquired skill.

[Dizzy]

Zeppelin4, on 18 May 2012 - 08:05 PM, said:

It's not really "HIS" idea, MMA fighters have been going about Pro Wrestling and MMA for years. Guys like Dan Severn and Ken Shamrock have made a living out of it for the longest time.

Zeppelin4, on 18 May 2012 - 08:05 PM, said:

It's not really "HIS" idea, MMA fighters have been going about Pro Wrestling and MMA for years. Guys like Dan Severn and Ken Shamrock have made a living out of it for the longest time.

I mean It was his Idea to make a MMA/Wrestling hybrid product which is what TNA is trying.

[MickeyThyQueenBeck]

A lot of MMA guys go over to Japan and wrestle cause it's more Hard Hitting. TNA has that same style unlike wwe.

[Minters]

I used to absolutely love Frank Trigg, so I marked the fuck out when he showed up in TNA. Changed my mind after watching that match though.

[ILWyep]

Go Cormier!

[ILWyep]

And Cormier destroys Barnett.
Good news for TNA, if they want Josh.

[Incognito]

pgi86, on 18 May 2012 - 08:15 PM, said:

Here's the thing. Almost since the very first TNA show they've been looking for three very specific types of people to sign and mold into TNA superstars: a latino star, a reality star and an MMA star. They've looked into multiple options over the years and have given a few people a shot in those roles but so far they haven't found the right people. I can specifically remember them trying to work out a deal with UFC for cross promotion even before UFC was on Spike (but Dana White wanted none of it). TNA going after MMA guys is not a new thing, nor is it something that they got from Paul Heyman. It's something that they've wanted to do since forever, even before MMA had mainstream popularity.

Josh Barnett's been wrestling in Japan for years now and is pretty decent at it. He's sort of a big name in MMA too and can talk. Personally, I wouldn't be opposed to him going the TNA/Bellator route but it's not something I specifically want to see.

For the MMA star, you're definitely correct. On their very first show back in 2002, they tried to book Dan Severn (NWA Champion at the time) vs. Ken Shamrock. Severn wasn't available so they had him stripped of the title and Shamrock won it in the Gauntlet for the Gold.

[Dizzy]

Minters, on 18 May 2012 - 08:06 PM, said:

And if it does?

BTW Bobby Lashley was in TNA and competing in MMA before Heyman was ever approached.

And if It does he should get the credit.

Lashley hardly competed in MMA and TNA. Heyman is talking about the entire product being a MMA/TNA hybrid where there is MMA fights and wrestling matches within the show.

[seasiderliam]

I dont wanna see a wrestling/MMA hyrbrid if i did i would watch ROH. The occasional guy coming over would be interesting but i really dont wanna see a merger of the two styles together

[SexyRaider]

Dizzy, on 20 May 2012 - 05:36 AM, said:

Heyman is talking about the entire product being a MMA/TNA hybrid where there is MMA fights and wrestling matches within the show.

Not saying you're wrong, but I don't remember him saying this. Link?