Former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett Makes TNA Debut

TNA has added another notable name to its roster, and he comes with a pretty notable pedigree outside the world of pro wrestling. During a recent taping down in Orlando, World Heavyweight Champion Bobby Lashley (if you were wondering whatever happened to Lashley, there you have it) was challenged by the debuting Josh Barnett.

Barnett, if case you aren’t familiar, if an MMA fighter and former UFC Heavyweight Champion. That kind of makes him TNA’s answer to Brock Lesnar. In fact, right now Barnett is suspended from MMA fighting due to failing a drug test. So that really makes him TNA’s answer to Lesnar. Clearly, TNA has big plans for Barnett, or at least they are happy to have him, because they put him right into a title fight with Lashley. Due to some traditionally convoluted wrestling storytelling, Lashley retained his title, but it’s probably not going to be the last time Barnett vies for Lashley’s title.

httpss://twitter.com/MrJacobCohen/status/819691492109336577

httpss://youtube.com/watch?v=T_uJS0lPoX0

TNA has tried to tap into the MMA market before, signing guys like Tito Ortiz and Rampage Jackson. However, Barnett is a slightly different signing. He’s actually been wrestling in Japan since 2003, so he is as well-seasoned in the wrestling ring as the MMA ring. Barnett may not be as big of a name as Lesnar, but maybe he will help give the new look TNA a bit of a boost.

Are you excited for Barnett wrestling in TNA? Let us know in the comments, and check out the Wrestling Rumors Facebook page.