Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) presented The Top Play on July 5, 2025, at The Webster Theatre in Hartford, Connecticut. The event featured a mix of hardcore wrestling, high-flying action, and intense storytelling. These are characteristic of GCW’s boundary-pushing style. The card included a variety of matches, from a chaotic six-way scramble to a brutal GCW Ultraviolent Championship death match, alongside notable promos that set the stage for future rivalries.
Match Recaps
Six-Way Scramble Match: KJ Orso defeated Anthony Greene, Ashley Vox, Dustin Waller, Jackson Drake, and TJ Crawford (10:04)
This fast-paced opener showcased GCW’s high-energy style, with all six competitors delivering a mix of aerial maneuvers and technical prowess. KJ Orso emerged victorious after a flurry of action. The match set an electric tone for the night, highlighting emerging talents like Orso and TJ Crawford alongside veterans like Anthony Greene. Orso’s win could position them as a rising star in GCW. The scramble format allowed multiple wrestlers to shine, setting up potential feuds, particularly between Greene and Vox, who have a history of clashing in GCW.
JCW Championship Match: Masha Slamovich (C) defeated Tony Deppen (11:43)
Masha Slamovich defended her JCW World Championship in a hard-hitting contest against the crafty Tony Deppen. Slamovich’s blend of technical skill and aggression overwhelmed Deppen, who put up a valiant effort but couldn’t dethrone the champion. Slamovich’s reign continues to solidify her as a cornerstone of GCW’s sister promotion, JCW. Deppen’s performance, while unsuccessful, keeps him in the conversation for future title challenges. Post-match, Deppen cut a fiery promo, vowing to come back stronger, hinting at a potential rematch.
Six-Man Tag Team Match: Marcus Mathers and YDNP (Alec Price and Jordan Oliver) defeated Billie Starkz, Megan Bayne, and Miyu Yamashita (18:54)
This high-profile six-man tag featured a clash of styles, with Mathers, Price, and Oliver’s fast-paced teamwork countering the power and precision of Starkz, Bayne, and Yamashita. The match was a showcase of GCW’s diverse roster, with Yamashita’s striking and Bayne’s strength standing out. Mathers secured the win and cemented his status as a key player. The victory boosts Mathers and YDNP’s momentum. Starkz and Bayne, both WWE ID talents, may use this loss to fuel a storyline of redemption. A post-match confrontation saw Starkz and Yamashita exchange heated words, teasing a future singles match.
Singles Match: Parrow defeated Richard Holliday
Parrow’s brute force overwhelmed Richard Holliday in a physical encounter. Holliday, known for his charisma and technical ability, struggled against Parrow’s size advantage, leading to a decisive victory for the powerhouse. This win strengthens Parrow’s position in GCW’s upper card, possibly setting him up for a title challenge. Holliday’s loss could lead to a character shift, as he cut a promo afterward expressing frustration and hinting at a more aggressive approach moving forward.
Singles Match: Elayna Black defeated Zayda Steel
In a battle of up-and-coming talents, Elayna Black outmaneuvered Zayda Steel, showcasing her unique blend of gothic flair and technical wrestling. The match was competitive, with Steel holding her own, but Black’s resilience secured the victory. Black’s win elevates her status in GCW’s women’s division, potentially positioning her for a JCW or GCW World Championship opportunity. Steel, a WWE ID talent, may use this loss to fuel a new storyline. A brief post-match stare-down suggested unresolved tension between the two.
Singles Match: Mance Warner defeated Man Like DeReiss (17:05)
Mance Warner’s gritty, brawling style clashed with Man Like DeReiss’s athleticism in a hard-fought match. Warner’s experience and willingness to bend the rules gave him the edge, securing the win in a match that spilled into the crowd. Warner’s victory reinforces his status as a top GCW mainstay. DeReiss’s performance earned him respect, and his post-match promo called out Warner for a future “no rules” rematch.
Singles Match: Joey Janela defeated Adam Priest
Joey Janela, a GCW staple, faced off against Adam Priest in a match that blended technical wrestling with Janela’s signature chaos. Janela’s high-risk offense secured the win, keeping him in the spotlight. Priest’s loss doesn’t diminish his credibility, as he showed resilience, and a post-match handshake suggested mutual respect, though Priest hinted at “unfinished business” in a backstage interview.
Tag Team Match: Charles Mason and SLADE defeated 1 Called Manders and Effy (16:54)
This intense tag team match saw Charles Mason and SLADE’s ruthless aggression overcome the fan-favorite duo of 1 Called Manders and Effy. The match featured brutal exchanges and near-falls, with Mason and SLADE capitalizing on underhanded tactics to secure the win. Mason and SLADE’s victory positions them as contenders for the GCW Tag Team Championships. Effy, the GCW World Champion, cut an emotional promo post-match. He vowed to defend his title and seek revenge, potentially setting up a title defense against Mason or SLADE. The loss may also strain the partnership between Manders and Effy, as subtle tension was evident post-match.
Singles Match: Bear Bronson defeated Beastman
In a clash of heavyweights, Bear Bronson outpowered Beastman in a match filled with hard-hitting strikes and power moves. Bronson’s victory came after a dominant display, showcasing his potential as a breakout star. Bronson’s win elevates him in GCW’s hierarchy, possibly leading to a feud with other heavyweights like Parrow. Beastman’s loss doesn’t derail his momentum, as his unique presence keeps him a fan favorite. A post-match brawl suggested this rivalry is far from over.
GCW Ultraviolent Championship Death Match: Matt Tremont (C) defeated UltraMantis Black
The main event saw Matt Tremont defend his GCW Ultraviolent Championship against UltraMantis Black in a brutal death match. The ring was littered with weapons, including chairs, tables, and barbed wire, as both competitors pushed the limits of hardcore wrestling. Tremont retained his title after a bloody, chaotic finish, earning praise as one of GCW’s best shows.
Matt Tremont’s retention solidifies his reign as Ultraviolent Champion, but UltraMantis Black’s performance elevated his status. Many fans thought this was a “star-making” moment for him. A post-match promo from UltraMantis Black expressed respect for Tremont but hinted at a future rematch under even more extreme conditions. The match’s intensity was a talking point on social media, with posts describing it as “one of the best GCW shows ever.”
Promos and Storyline Developments
Tony Deppen’s Frustration
After losing to Masha Slamovich, Deppen’s promo was laced with anger, blaming “outside distractions” for his loss. This could hint at interference or a new storyline involving a third party, setting up Deppen for a heel turn or a feud with an unseen antagonist.
Billie Starkz and Miyu Yamashita Tension
Post-six-man tag, Starkz and Yamashita’s heated exchange suggested a brewing rivalry. Starkz, a rising star, may challenge Yamashita to prove herself.
Effy’s Emotional Vow
Effy’s post-match promo after the tag team loss was a highlight. He addressed the crowd about his passion for GCW and his determination to protect the World Championship. This sets up a potential title defense against Charles Mason or SLADE, with Effy’s emotional delivery resonating with fans.
UltraMantis Black’s Respectful Challenge
UltraMantis Black’s post-main event promo praised Matt Tremont but declared he’d return for the Ultraviolent Championship under “his own rules.” This sets the stage for a rematch, possibly at an event like Tournament of Survival X or Bloodsport.
Richard Holliday’s Shift
Holliday’s promo after losing to Parrow showed a darker side. He expressed frustration with his “nice guy” persona. This could lead to a heel turn, impacting his future matches and alignments in GCW.
Venue and Atmosphere
The Webster Theatre’s intimate setting amplified the event’s intensity. Fans reacted loudly to the hardcore elements and high-flying spots. The venue’s history with GCW events added to the nostalgic vibe, enhancing the overall experience.
Social Media Buzz
Posts on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted the main event’s brutality, with users like @IsThisWrestling praising UltraMantis Black’s performance and calling the show a standout. This fan sentiment could push GCW to feature Black in more prominent roles.
WWE ID Talent Involvement
The presence of WWE ID talents like Billie Starkz and Zayda Steel added intrigue. Their performances could impact their standing in both GCW and WWE’s developmental system. Their involvement also signals GCW’s growing relationship with WWE. This could potentially lead to more crossover talent in future events.
Storyline Momentum
The event set up several future storylines, including potential title matches (Slamovich vs. Deppen rematch, Effy vs. Mason/SLADE), singles feuds (Starkz vs. Yamashita, Warner vs. DeReiss), and character shifts (Holliday’s heel turn). These developments ensure GCW’s narrative continuity heading into events like Boss of All Bosses or Backyard Wrestling 7.
Production and Presentation
The TrillerTV+ broadcast was praised for its crisp production, capturing the chaos of GCW’s style. However, some fans noted minor audio issues during promos, which could be a point of improvement for future shows.
Conclusion
GCW’s The Top Play delivered a thrilling mix of matches, from the high-octane six-way scramble to the blood-soaked main event. Standout performances from Matt Tremont, Masha Slamovich, and rising stars like KJ Orso and Elayna Black, combined with impactful promos, set the stage for exciting future storylines. The event’s hardcore roots, diverse roster, and passionate fanbase reinforced GCW’s reputation as a leading independent promotion. With social media buzzing and new feuds ignited, The Top Play will likely be remembered as a pivotal show in GCW’s 2025 calendar.
Like this:
Like Loading...
