UFC fighter and New Japan Pro Wrestling on AXS TV commentator Josh Barnett made headlines earlier today after a masked wrestler ‘attacked’ him during his open workout in New Jersey.
Barnett spoke to reporters after his workout today, and he was asked about his pro wrestling background, including his working relationship with AXS TV and New Japan Pro Wrestling. When asked if working with NJPW prepared him for the earlier events, Barnett said:
No, no, I mean it’s great to call the action with New Japan, it’s great to do it with Jim Ross; he’s a fantastic partner for the job I think and he’s a legend in the sport. I’m really excited to get the opportunity to sit next to him, but… I’m a professional wrestler, man. Through and through, I shoot, I work; it doesn’t matter I’m ready for anything.
I’m not sitting around, waiting for the right moment to happen — I’m making those moments happen.
Barnett went on to also reference Ric Flair when cutting promos, and talks about catch wrestling inspiring fighting, and names like Billy Robinson and Karl Gotch. You can watch the full video, courtesy of Sherdog.com, with Barnett’s comments in the player below: