Luck is the name of the game in Las Vegas, but a different game will be taking place this Friday night: competition. Live from Silver Nugget Casino, Game Changer Wrestling presents GCW Lifestyle. The independent wrestling powerhouse hasn’t been in this venue since last May, when they held their Downward Spiral event. Lifestyle aims to be the show to attend in Vegas heading into the weekend, as names across the United States and abroad will be in action. If you’re in the area this Friday, consider attending in person, but the action will still air live courtesy of the FITE+ service. Without any further delay, preview the action to come.
Card for GCW Lifestyle
- Komander vs. El Hijo del Vikingo vs. Gringo Loco
- Matt Cardona and Steph De Lander vs. Joey Janela and Sawyer Wreck
- Maki Itoh vs. Sandra Moone
- Blake Christian vs. Dark Sheik
- GCW Ultraviolent Championship: Rina Yamashita (c) vs. Cole Radrick
A Triple Threat Lucha Libre Encounter at Silver Nugget Casino
If there’s any one match that could steal the show at GCW Lifestyle, smart money would be on this triple-threat encounter. All accomplished luchadors in their own respects, Komander, El Hijo del Vikingo, and Gringo Loco will square off at the Silver Nugget Casino venue. Those that have been watching Ring of Honor and All Elite Wrestling programming as of late will be familiar with the work of all three men. On the April 20 episode of ROH TV, Gringo faced Vikingo for the AAA Mega Championship. Despite coming up short, Loco had his hand raised by Tony Khan before being given an open invitation back; to say that this was a stamp of approval for the seasoned luchador would be an understatement.
Komander and Vikingo have been more prevalent on AEW programming. Case and point, Komander had strong showings on AEW Dynamite with names including Sammy Guevara and Jay White, not to mention a standout performance in this past March’s Face of the Revolution Ladder Match. Meanwhile, Vikingo made his AEW debut in March with a star-making bout against Kenny Omega followed by a successful AAA Mega title defense against Dralistico the month after. Simply put, each competitor’s star is on the rise, making this upcoming three-way contest a difficult one to predict. No matter the victor, this is nothing short of a promising match heading into GCW Lifestyle.
Read More: Who is Komander? Breakout Luchador Ready to Shine in AEW
Rina Yamashita Defends the GCW Ultraviolent Title
In title contention will be Rina Yamashita as she defends the GCW Ultraviolent Championship this Friday. Yamashita has earned her reputation as “The Deathmatch Amazon,” defending the title on numerous occasions since first capturing it this past August. Since then, she’s held her own against names including Ciclope, Sawyer Wreck, and Mance Warner. These bouts have been arguably the most destructive on the cards they’ve been on, illustrating just how far Yamashita would go to retain the Ultraviolent title. She also continues to be a successful freelancer in her home country of Japan, working for OZ Academy, Pro Wrestling FREEDOMS, and Ice Ribbon among other organizations.
Yamashita’s opponent at GCW Lifestyle will be Cole Radrick, who unsuccessfully challenged her for GCW Ultraviolent Championship at War Ready this past October. Needless to say, he’s heading into action this Friday with a purpose. Radrick is no stranger to success in the ultraviolent wrestling scene, being a former GCW Extreme Champion and having competed in many of GCW’s grueling tournaments. Outside of Game Changer Wrestling, “The Raddy Daddy” captured the Black Label Pro Heavyweight Championship last month at the company’s 2 Cold 2 Hold event. Between two current titleholders in different organizations, one must wonder whether this is the night when the GCW Ultraviolent Championship will change hands.
Read More: Rina Yamashita Debuts in Stardom
Image Credit: Game Changer Wrestling
GCW Lifestyle will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 26, 2023.
Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. GCW Lifestyle is set to air Friday at 8 PM PDT on FITE+. Tickets for the event can be purchased via Eventbrite.
