Released WWE wrestler wins GCW World Championship
The former Joe Gacy is the new GCW World Champion.
Wrestling as Joseph Sawyer, he defeated Atticus Cogar at GCW Homecoming Weekend 2026 Night 1 on Saturday, August 15, at the Showboat in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Sawyer won with Sister Abigail but was assisted by interference from Drake Wuertz, who is a former NXT referee and independent wrestler, who has also worked under the name Drake Younger. He most recently portrayed Mr. 50s in Juggalo Championship Wrestling as well.
Joseph Sawyer wins GCW World Championship
Sawyer is the 30th champion in the title’s lineage. Cogar’s title reign ends after 266 days as champion and 25 successful title defenses.
Sawyer has kept active since his release from WWE earlier this year. He has wrestled for Wrestling Revolver, ALW, B!P and ICW.
On Friday night, Sawyer challenged Stu Grayson for the interim MLP Canadian Championship at C*4 Fighting Back 15 at the Preston Event Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Sawyer, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, Erick Rowan and Bo Dallas were all released from WWE in April.
Ian Carey
Ian Carey is the Managing Editor at F4WOnline and a writer based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His work has appeared in award-winning publications including NOW Magazine and The Huffington Post. He joined the F4WOnline team in 2019 and was named Managing Editor in the summer of 2026. Born in Calgary, Alberta, Ian has covered professional wrestling for more than 15 years.
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