Game Changer Wrestling
AcronymGCW
Founded
  • January 1999 (original)
  • September 2013 (revival)
Style
HeadquartersNew 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)

Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), formerly known as Jersey Championship Wrestling (JCW), 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.

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 will see GCW hold their inaugural events in Germany as part of wXw's 2023 World Tag Team Festival weekend.[28]

Roster

Blake Christian
Rina Yamashita
Joey Janela
Jordon Oliver

Game Changer Wrestling's roster consists mainly of independent freelancers and wrestlers contracted to promotions like All Elite Wrestling, Impact Wrestling, and Ring of Honor.

Wrestlers

Ring name Real name Notes
1 Called Manders Steve Manders
2 Cold Scorpio Charles Bernard Scaggs
Alec Price Unknown
Alex Shelley Patrick Martin
Alex Zayne Alex Brandenburg
Allie Katch Allison Woodard
Arez Jonathan González
Axton Ray Unknown
Bandido Unknown
Blake Christian Christian Hubble World Champion
Billie Starkz Lillian Bridget
Calvin Tankman Christopher Heyward III
Charles Mason Unknown
Charlie Tiger Unknown
Chris Sabin Joshua Harter
Ciclope Unknown
Cole Radrick Joey Hodge
Dante Leon Marcos Meza
Dark Sheik Sam Khandaghabadi
Demonic Flamita Unknown
Dominic Garrini Dominic Garrini Tag Team Champion
Effy Taylor Gibson
Ellis Taylor Unknown
Grim Reefer Michael Corcoran
Gringo Loco Charles Santos
Homicide Nelson Erazo Indie Wrestling Hall of Famer
Jack Cartwheel Jack Cartwright
Janai Kai Janai Ruiz
Jimmy Lloyd James Lloyd
Joey Janela Joseph Janela Extreme Champion
John Wayne Murdoch Unknown
Jordan Oliver Jordan Oliver, Jr. JCW World Champion
Josh Barnett Joshua Lawrence Barnett
Kevin Ku Kevin Ku Tag Team Champion
Komander Unknown
Maki Itoh Maki Itoh
Mance Warner Unknown
Mark Briscoe Mark Pugh
Marko Stunt Noah Nelms
Masha Slamovich Ann Khozine
Matt Cardona Matthew Cardona
Matt Tremont Matthew Tremont Deathmatch Hall of Famer
Matthew Justice Matthew Hannan
Miedo Extremo Unknown
Nick Gage[29] Nicholas W. Wilson Contracted wrestler
Nick Wayne Unknown
Ninja Mack Brenden McAleavey
Parrow Mike Parrow
PCO Carl Ouellet
Rina Yamashita Unknown Ultraviolent Champion
Sawyer Wreck Unknown
Shane Mercer Shane Goode
"Speedball" Mike Bailey Émile Baillargeon-Laberge
Starboy Charlie Charlie Hilder
Steph De Lander Stephanie De Landre
Tony Deppen Anthony Deppen
Violent J Joseph Bruce Member of Insane Clown Posse
Yoya Unknown

Other personnel

Ring name Real name Notes
Brett Lauderdale Brett Lauderdale Owner/booker
Dave Prazak Dave Prazak Commentator
Indie Wrestling Hall of Famer
Emil Jay Unknown Commentator
Ring announcer
Johnathan Ashe Johnathan Ashe Video producer
Veda Scott Veda Scott Commentator
Occasional wrestler

Championships and accomplishments

Current championships

As of January 15, 2024

Championship Current champion(s) Reign Date won Days
held		 Location Notes Ref.
GCW World Championship Blake Christian 1 June 4, 2023 225 Atlantic City, NJ Defeated Masha Slamovich at Cage of Survival 2. [30]
JCW World Championship Jordan Oliver 1 February 11, 2023 338 Jersey City, NJ Defeated "Speedball" Mike Bailey at Jersey J-Cup to become the inaugural champion. [31]
GCW Ultraviolent Championship 山下りな2020 Rina Yamashita 1 August 13, 2022 520 Atlantic City, NJ Defeated Alex Colon at Homecoming: Part 1. [32]
GCW Extreme Championship Joey Janela 1 October 9, 2022 463 Atlantic City, NJ Defeated Cole Radrick at Fight Club: Night 2 in a winner-takes-all match, where Janela defended his DDT Extreme Championship. [33]
GCW Tag Team Championship Violence Is Forever
(Dominic Garrini and Kevin Ku)		 1
(1, 1)		 November 4, 2023 72 Atlanta, GA Defeated Los Mazisos (Ciclope and Miedo Extremo) at ¿Sí Or No?. [34]

Former championships

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

Championship history

GCW Extreme Championship

GCW Extreme Championship[35]
Details
PromotionGame Changer Wrestling
Date establishedSeptember 13, 2013
Current champion(s)Joey Janela
Date wonOctober 9, 2022
Other name(s)
  • JCW Extreme Championship
    (2013 – 2015)
  • GCW Extreme Championship
    (2015 – present)
Statistics
First champion(s)Bandido Jr.
Most reignsAll titleholders (1)
Longest reignPCO (1,225 days)
Shortest reignSteve Scott (42 days)
Key
No. Overall reign number
Reign Reign number for the specific team—reign numbers for the individuals are in parentheses, if different
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 [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 [43]
9 Joey Janela October 9, 2022 Fight Club
Night 2		 Atlantic City, New Jersey 1 463+ This was a winner-takes-all match where Janela's DDT Extreme Championship was also on the line. [33]

Combined reigns

As of January 15, 2024.

† Indicates the current champion
Rank Wrestler No. of
reigns		 Combined
days
1 PCO11,225
2 Smiley1568
3 Bandido Jr.1505
4 Joey Janela †1463+
5 Pinkie Sanchez1391
6 Tony Deppen1315
7 AJ Gray1195
8 Cole Radrick172
9 Steve Scott142

JCW World Championship

JCW World Championship[44]
Jordan Oliver with the current design of the title (2023–present)
Details
Date establishedFebruary 11, 2023
Current champion(s)Jordan Oliver
Date wonFebruary 11, 2023
Statistics
First champion(s)Jordan Oliver

Jersey J-Cup Tournament (2023)

First Round[45] Second Round[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

Reigns

Key
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 1 338+ Defeated "Speedball Mike Bailey to become the inaugural champion.
This was also the finals of the 2023 Jersey J-Cup tournament.		 [46][31]


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.
  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.
  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. ↑ Nason, Josh (February 7, 2022). "Nick Gage signs exclusive, multi-year contract with GCW". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  30. ↑ Wolstanholme, Danny (June 4, 2023). "GCW Cage Of Survival 2 Results (6/4): New GCW World Champion". wrestlinginc.com. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  31. 1 2 3 4 5 Kreikenbohm, Philip (February 11, 2023). "GCW/JCW Jersey J-Cup 2023 - Session 2 - Pay Per View @ White Eagle Hall in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  32. ↑ Defelice, Robert (August 13, 2022). "New GCW Ultraviolent Champion Crowned At GCW Homecoming Part 1". Fightful. Retrieved August 14, 2022.
  33. 1 2 Wolstanholme, Danny (October 9, 2022). "GCW Fight Club 2022 Night Two Results (10/9): Joey Janela Vs. Cole Radrick For The DDT And GCW Extreme Titles". Wrestling Inc. Retrieved October 10, 2022.
  34. ↑ 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.
  35. ↑ Kreikenbohm, Philip (September 13, 2013). "GCW Extreme Championship". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved February 20, 2022.
  36. ↑ Kreikenbohm, Philip (September 13, 2013). "JCW Extreme Title Tournament - Event @ VFW Hall in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, USA". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
  37. ↑ Kreikenbohm, Philip (January 31, 2015). "JCW - Event @ VFW Hall in Manville, New Jersey, USA". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
  38. ↑ Kreikenbohm, Philip (March 14, 2015). "JCW - Event @ GamerChangerWorld in Howell, New Jersey, USA". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
  39. ↑ Kreikenbohm, Philip (April 8, 2016). "GCW Live - Event @ VFW Hall in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, USA". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
  40. ↑ Kreikenbohm, Philip (October 28, 2017). "GCW Worst Behavior - Event @ Game Changer World in Howell, New Jersey, USA". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
  41. ↑ Kreikenbohm, Philip (September 8, 2018). "GCW Nick Gage Invitational 3: Thy Kingdom Come - TV-Show @ GALLI Arena in Villa Park, Illinois, USA". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
  42. ↑ Kreikenbohm, Philip (January 15, 2022). "GCW Say You Will - Pay Per View @ Grand Sports Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, USA". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved January 23, 2022.
  43. ↑ Kreikenbohm, Philip (July 29, 2022). "GCW The People Vs. GCW - Pay Per View @ Fairgrounds Nashville in Nashville, Tennessee, USA". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved August 16, 2022.
  44. ↑ "JCW Championship". Cagematch.net. Retrieved February 17, 2023.
  45. ↑ Kreikenbohm, Philip (February 11, 2023). "GCW/JCW Jersey J-Cup 2023 - Session 1 - Pay Per View @ White Eagle Hall in Jersey City, New Jersey, USA". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
  46. ↑ Kreikenbohm, Philip (February 11, 2023). "Jersey J-Cup Tournament (2023)". Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved March 6, 2023.
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