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 as Jersey Championship Wrestling (JCW), [lower-alpha 1] 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.
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.
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]
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 will see GCW hold their inaugural events in Germany as part of wXw's 2023 World Tag Team Festival weekend. [28]
Game Changer Wrestling's roster consists mainly of independent freelancers and wrestlers contracted to promotions like All Elite Wrestling, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, and Ring of Honor.
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 | |
Big Vin | Unknown | |
Billie Starkz | Lillian Bridget | |
Billy Dixon | Unknown | |
Blake Christian | Christian Hubble | World Champion |
Bobby Flaco | Unknown | |
Bodhi Young Prodigy | Unknown | |
Brayden Toon | Unknown | |
Calvin Tankman | Christopher Heyward III | |
Charles Mason | Unknown | |
Charlie Tiger | Unknown | |
Ciclope | Unknown | |
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 | Michael Corcoran | |
Gringo Loco | Charles Santos | |
Homicide | Nelson Erazo | Indie Wrestling Hall of Famer |
Hunter Drake | Unknown | |
Jack Cartwheel | Jack Cartwright | |
Janai Kai | Janai Ruiz | |
Jay Lyon | Unknown | |
Jeffrey John | Unknown | |
Jimmy Lloyd | James Lloyd | |
Joey Janela | Joseph Janela | |
John Wayne Murdoch | Unknown | |
Jordan Oliver | Jordan Oliver, Jr. | |
Josh Barnett | Joshua Lawrence Barnett | |
Joshua Bishop | Unknown | |
Kerry Morton | Unknown | |
Kevin Ku | Kevin Ku | Tag Team Champion |
Latigo | Unknown | |
Leon Slater | Unknown | |
Lio Rush | Unknown | |
LuFisto | Unknown | |
Maki Itoh | Maki Itoh | Extreme Champion |
Mance Warner | Unknown | |
Marcus Mathers | Unknown | |
Masha Slamovich | Ann Khozine | JCW World Champion |
Matt Cardona | Matthew Cardona | GCW General Manager |
Matt Makowski | Unknown | |
Matt Tremont | Matthew Tremont | Deathmatch Hall of Famer |
Microman | Unknown | |
Midas Black | Unknown | |
Miedo Extremo | Unknown | |
Mike Jackson | Unknown | |
Mr. Danger | Unknown | |
Nick Gage [29] | Nicholas W. Wilson | Contracted wrestler |
Nick Wayne | Unknown | |
Ninja Mack | Brenden McAleavey | |
Parrow | Mike Parrow | |
Reed Bentley | Unknown | |
Richard Holliday | Unknown | |
Rico Gonzalez | Unknown | |
Rina Yamashita | Unknown | Ultraviolent Champion |
Sam Stackhouse | Unknown | |
Santana Jackson | Unknown | |
Sawyer Wreck | Unknown | |
Shane Mercer | Shane Goode | |
"Speedball" Mike Bailey | Émile Baillargeon-Laberge | |
Starboy Charlie | Charlie Hilder | |
Steph De Lander | Stephanie De Landre | |
Titus Alexander | Titus Jimenez | |
Tony Deppen | Anthony Deppen | |
Yoya | Unknown | |
Zilla Fatu | Unknown | |
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 |
Ring name | Year inducted |
---|---|
Mad Man Pondo | 2019 |
Nate Hatred | 2019 |
Danny Havoc | 2019 |
Matt Tremont | 2019 |
Supreme | 2021 |
Eugene | 2021 |
Nick Mondo | 2021 |
Wifebeater | 2022 |
Toby Klein | 2022 |
Dewey Donovan | 2022 |
J. C. Bailey | 2022 |
Mike "Piss Jug Mike" Bieszck | 2023 |
Lowlife Louie | 2023 |
John Zandig | 2023 |
Brain Damage | 2023 |
As of May16, 2024
Championship | Current champion(s) | Reign | Date won | Days held | Location | Notes | Ref. | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GCW World Championship | Blake Christian | 1 | June 4, 2023 | 347 | Atlantic City, NJ | Defeated champion Masha Slamovich at Cage of Survival 2 in a Cage of Survival match also involving Rina Yamashita. | [30] | |
JCW World Championship | Masha Slamovich | 1 | February 10, 2024 | 96 | Jersey City, NJ | Defeated Jordan Oliver at Jersey J-Cup. | [31] | |
GCW Ultraviolent Championship | Rina Yamashita | 1 | August 13, 2022 | 642 | Atlantic City, NJ | Defeated Alex Colon at Homecoming: Part 1. | [32] | |
GCW Extreme Championship | Maki Itoh | 1 | March 9, 2024 | 68 | 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. | [33] | |
GCW Tag Team Championship | Violence Is Forever (Dominic Garrini and Kevin Ku (portraited)) | 1 (1, 1) | November 4, 2023 | 194 | Atlanta, GA | Defeated Los Mazisos (Ciclope and Miedo Extremo) at ¿Sí Or No?. | [34] |
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 |
GCW Extreme Championship [35] | |||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Details | |||||||||||
Promotion | Game Changer Wrestling | ||||||||||
Date established | September 13, 2013 | ||||||||||
Current champion(s) | Maki Itoh | ||||||||||
Date won | March 9, 2024 | ||||||||||
Other name(s) | |||||||||||
| |||||||||||
|
No. | Overall reign number |
---|---|
Reign | Reign number for the specific champion |
Days | Number of days held |
<1 | Reign lasted less than a day |
+ | Current reign is changing daily |
No. | Champion | Championship change | Reign statistics | Notes | Ref. | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date | Event | Location | Reign | Days | ||||||
Jersey Championship Wrestling (JCW) | ||||||||||
1 | Bandido Jr. | September 13, 2013 | Extreme Title Tournament | Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey | 1 | 505 | [36] | |||
2 | Steve Scott | January 31, 2015 | JCW Live event | Manville, New Jersey | 1 | 42 | This was a four-way match which also involving Frightmare and Lucky 13. | [37] | ||
3 | Pinkie Sanchez | March 14, 2015 | JCW Live event | Howell, New Jersey | 1 | 391 | Sanchez defeated Danny Demanto, who was filling in for Steve Scott. | [38] | ||
Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) | ||||||||||
4 | Smiley | April 8, 2016 | GCW Live event | Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey | 1 | 568 | [39] | |||
5 | Tony Deppen | October 28, 2017 | Worst Behavior | Howell, New Jersey | 1 | 315 | This was a four-way match which also involving Eli Everfly and Zenshi. | [40] | ||
6 | PCO | September 8, 2018 | Nick Gage Invitational 3: Thy Kingdom Come | Villa Park, Illinois | 1 | 1,225 | This was a four-way match which also involved Gringo Loco and Nate Webb. | [41] | ||
7 | AJ Gray | January 15, 2022 | Say You Will | Hoffman Estates, Illinois | 1 | 195 | [42] | |||
8 | Cole Radrick | July 29, 2022 | The People vs. GCW | Nashville, Tennessee | 1 | 72 | This was a six-way scramble match also involving Axton Ray, Grim Reefer, Marko Stunt, and Shane Mercer. | [43] | ||
9 | Joey Janela | October 9, 2022 | Fight Club Night 2 | Atlantic City, New Jersey | 1 | 517 | This was a winner takes all match where Janela's DDT Extreme Championship was also on the line. | [44] | ||
9 | Maki Itoh | March 9, 2024 | Ashes To Ashes | Atlantic City, New Jersey | 1 | 68+ | This was a six-way scramble match also including Alex Zayne, Broski Jimmy, Jack Cartwheel and Marcus Mathers. Itoh became the first female to hold the championship. | [45] |
JCW World Championship [46] | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Details | |||||
Date established | February 11, 2023 | ||||
Current champion(s) | Masha Slamovich | ||||
Date won | February 10, 2024 | ||||
|
First Round [47] | Quarterfinals [31] | Semi Final [31] | Final [31] | ||||||||||||
Mike Bailey | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Jonathan Gresham | 20:59 | ||||||||||||||
Mike Bailey | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Komander | 12:33 | ||||||||||||||
Arez | 12:38 | ||||||||||||||
Komander | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Mike Bailey | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Blake Christian | 15:30 | ||||||||||||||
Jack Cartwheel Marcus Mathers Yoya | 10:57 | ||||||||||||||
Cole Radrick Dante Leon Dyln McKay | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Cole Radrick | 11:56 | ||||||||||||||
Blake Christian | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Alec Price | 13:36 | ||||||||||||||
Blake Christian | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Mike Bailey | 21:25 | ||||||||||||||
Jordan Oliver | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Joey Janela | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Starboy Charlie | 16:34 | ||||||||||||||
Joey Janela | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Lio Rush | 10:20 | ||||||||||||||
Tony Deppen | 13:25 | ||||||||||||||
Lio Rush | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Joey Janela | 28:56 | ||||||||||||||
Jordan Oliver | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Charles Mason | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Billie Starkz | 14:19 | ||||||||||||||
Charles Mason | 14:54 | ||||||||||||||
Jordan Oliver | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Alex Shelley | 17:55 | ||||||||||||||
Jordan Oliver | Pin |
First Round [48] | Quarterfinals [49] | Semi Final [49] | Final [49] | ||||||||||||
Masha Slamovich | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Man Like Dereiss | 14:08 | ||||||||||||||
Masha Slamovich | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Matt Makowski | 10:34 | ||||||||||||||
Matt Makowski | 27:43 | ||||||||||||||
Tony Deppen | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Masha Slamovich | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Alec Price | 11:55 | ||||||||||||||
Jonathan Gresham | 9:40 | ||||||||||||||
Alec Price | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Alec Price | 14:18 | ||||||||||||||
Joey Janela | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Joey Janela | 13:36 | ||||||||||||||
Kerry Morton | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Masha Slamovich | 18:50 | ||||||||||||||
Jordan Oliver | TKO | ||||||||||||||
Nick Wayne | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Marcus Mathers | 17:17 | ||||||||||||||
Nick Wayne | Pin | ||||||||||||||
The Great Sasuke | 12:58 | ||||||||||||||
The Great Sasuke | 27:45 | ||||||||||||||
Mike Bailey | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Nick Wayne | 21:05 | ||||||||||||||
Jordan Oliver | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Cole Radrick Jack Cartwheel Mr. Danger | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Myron Reed Charles Mason Billie Starkz | 8:48 | ||||||||||||||
Myron Reed | 14:54 | ||||||||||||||
Jordan Oliver | Pin | ||||||||||||||
Griffin McCoy | 21:05 | ||||||||||||||
Jordan Oliver | Pin |
No. | Overall reign number |
---|---|
Reign | Reign number for the specific champion |
Days | Number of days held |
+ | Current reign is changing daily |
No. | Champion | Championship change | Reign statistics | Notes | Ref. | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date | Event | Location | Reign | Days | ||||
1 | Jordan Oliver | February 11, 2023 | Jersey J-Cup Session 2 | Jersey City, NJ | 1 | 460 | Defeated Mike Bailey to become the inaugural champion. This was also the finals of the 2023 Jersey J-Cup tournament. | [50] [31] |
2 | Masha Slamovich | February 10, 2024 | Jersey J-Cup Session 2 | Jersey City, NJ | 1 | 96+ | This was also the finals of the 2024 Jersey J-Cup tournament. | [49] |
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