Wrestling Onlooker Newsletter – GMP64 Reloaded

Issue 45 April  2022

GMP64 made their return to Pay-Per-View in spectacular fashion on March 27th when CLASHED and AIF presented “Reloaded”. 

The past few months saw some shake-ups behind the scenes, with the Spork family selling the company, and GMP64 shifting to a PPV-only business model. CLASHED & AIF hit “reset” on their brands and took part in a draft to begin what is being deemed “Season Two” of GMP64.

The new owners of the company have not missed a beat, with production quality being higher than ever before. A few changes were made backstage that may prove to have big results down the line. Notably, Devon Dudley has been removed from his role in creative for AIF. In his place is the young wrestler Phillip Cardigan, who has never been placed in a creative role before. AIF is putting all of their chips on the unproven Cardigan.

Some talent cuts were made between Season One and Season Two. Becky Lynch, one of the hottest stars in GMP64, now finds herself without work. Seemingly joining her in the unemployment office? The Big Show, Paul Wight. 

TK Wylde, believed to be the future of professional wrestling as we know it, is not listed on either roster. During GMP64 Reloaded, commentators Johnny Clash and George Feis repeatedly made reference to Wylde, stating that he would not be seen this season due to issues with contract negotiations. Sources close to the situation indicate that a contract was signed months ago, and that TK will indeed be appearing in some capacity.  With talk of an upcoming triple-threat match for the Light Heavyweight title, we would not be surprised to see TK slotted in as a mystery competitor.

Atsushi Onita has been in talks with the CLASHED brand, though at this time there has been no official contract offer. Sources state that Onita is unwilling to move to the United States long-term, but with the new PPV-only format, this may not be an issue.

The Reloaded Pay-Per-View itself more than delivered, especially for the CLASHED brand. 10 matches took place in front of a sold-out crowd, and CLASHED went home with 8 checkmarks in the “Win” column. If nothing else, Reloaded firmly established AIF as the #2 brand in GMP64.

As WON previously reported, Raven was being brought in with big plans, and sure enough Raven was crowned the Hardcore Champion after one of the most violent matches to ever take place in the squared circle. The division will likely be centered around Raven for months to come. 

In an unexpected twist, Mary-Jane was eliminated almost immediately from the Women’s Championship Fatal Four Way. In talking with sources from AIF, it would seem that the creative team has soured on Mary-Jane due to a perceived “attitude problem” backstage. 

In what was perhaps the low point of the show, Andre The Giant competed against Essa Rios and X-Pac in a triple threat match. This exhibitchin match made the CLASHED brand’s Essa Rios look like a star, but did no favors for Andre The Giant, who should have made quick work of two cruiserweights in a legitimate contest. Jaim E. Cement, who was visiting friends backstage, was said to be visibility angry at the worked shoot promo from Andre that proceeded the match-up.

Big things seem to be on the horizon for Devon Dudley, who has reprised his role as Reverend Devon. Devon and a mystery partner have been scheduled to face The Godfather and D’lo Brown on the next Pay Per View. 

King Of The Ring tournament qualifiers took place, with three wrestlers officially moving on to the tournament. Bret Hart wrestled Chris Jericho in a technical showcase that could have easily been the main event. AJ Styles defeated Seth Rollins, who looked completely out of his element in the ring with AJ. Saturn moved on after defeating Kanyon in a decent match up. But it is unclear who will be taking the fourth spot in the tournament.

GMP64 legend Billy Gunn took on The Rock in the main event for that coveted KOTR spot. Just as the match started to kick into gear, Brock Lesnar made his GMP64 debut causing the match to end in a no-contest. 

WON has reached out to GMP64 executives regarding what may be the biggest signing in the company’s history, but we have yet to hear back in any official capacity. Sources within the company confirmed that Lesnar’s deal has him earning “head and shoulders” above what the next highest-paid wrestler is earning. It’s also unclear whether or not Brock will be on a limited-appearance deal. Will we see Lesnar at GMP64’s High Stakes Pay Per View on April 24?

Results

Reloaded

• Hardcore Championship Gauntlet Match:  Raven def. Tazz, Al Snow,  Burberry Dudley, Val Venis, Stevie Richards, Jerry Lawler, and Shane Douglas to win the Hardcore Championship… ☆☆☆☆
• Tag Team Championship Qualifier: The Bone Street Crew (Undertaker & Rikishi)  def.  The Nation of Pain ( Faarooq & Mark Henry)…☆☆
• Women’s Championship Fatal Four Way: Chyna def. Mary-Jane, Lita, & The Kat to win the Women’s Championship… ☆☆☆
• Triple Threat: Essa Rios def. X-Pac & Andre The Giant… ☆
• Tag Team Match: The Dangerous Weapons ( Shamrock & Blackman) def. The Hardy Boyz … ☆☆
• Singles Match: Reverend Devon def. The Godfather… ☆☆
• King Of The Ring Qualifier: Bret Hart def. Chris Jericho…☆☆☆☆.5
• King Of The Ring Qualifier: AJ Styles def, Seth Rollins…☆☆☆.5
• King Of The Ring Qualifier: Saturn  def. Kanyon…☆☆.5
• King Of The Ring Qualifier: Billy Gunn & The Rock wrestle to a no-contest…☆☆.5