Matt Cardona discusses decision to strip Blake Christian of GCW World Title.
At GCW Take A Picture, GCW General Manager Matt Cardona made a major announcement, revealing that Blake Christian would be stripped of the GCW World Title as he was in Japan competing in the NJPW Best of Super Juniors 31 and unable to make his scheduled defense against Joey Janela at GCW Cage of Survivor on Juen 2nd.
Appearing on In The Weeds with Jeremy Lambert & SP3, Cardona was asked if he informed Christian of the decision before the announcement was made.
"I did not. Maybe Brett Lauderdale did. I did not inform him. We advertised this huge match for this Sunday, Cage of Survival, Blake Christian against Joey Janela for the GCW World Title. Blake Christian says, 'Oh, by the way, I'm in Japan. Can't make it.' That doesn't work here, pal. You're the champ. If I know my schedule, this guy should know his schedule. We all know our schedules. We would never tell him, 'Hey, leave this tournament that you're doing great in, in Japan,' but we're not going to change around the entire card for Blake Christian or anybody. It's nothing personal, it's just business. Blake can get an opportunity at the title when the new champion is crowned. For now, the show must go on. We can't hold up plans because Blake is stuck in Japan. It's unfortunate. I like Blake a lot. It had to be done. It's best for business," he said.
NJPW Best of Super Juniors wrapped up its round robin portion of the tournament on May 31. The semifinals will take place on June 3.
"I think Blake is incredible. A hell of a performer, a hell of an athlete. He's been a hell of a champion, but he can't make the date. What would happen if Damian Priest said, 'Hey, Triple H, I can't come to Clash at the Castle.' What are they going to do? They have this match; Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest for the title. It's advertised. The fans think they're seeing this World Title match, and then Priest says, 'Oh, by the way, can't make it.' What? They're going to strip his ass. That's what we did, too," said Cardona. "Let's be honest. Brett Lauderdale, not the most organized promoter out there, but this show is so big and important, everyone knew about this show. Everyone on the roster had the date for this show. There are certain ones that get added last minute or things change, but this date was always set in stone in Atlantic City. There are no excuses. There is no heat on Blake. He's doing what he has to do. He's an independent contractor. His job is to make Blake Christian to hottest commodity possible in wrestling. I get it. That's what I'm doing. You can't miss shows. You just can't. Especially when you're the God damn champ."
A Gauntlet of Survival match will take place at Cage of Survival to crown a new GCW World Champion.
Elsewhere during the interview, Cardona gave an update on his recovery from a torn pec. You can find his full comments by clicking here.
Watch the full interview with Cardona in the video above.
