James E. Barnett (June 9, 1924 – September 18, 2004), was a professional wrestling promoter. Barnett was one of the promoters of Australia's World Championship Wrestling and the former owner of Georgia Championship Wrestling, which later was renamed World Championship Wrestling. Barnett shaped the future of professional wrestling in Australia when in 1964 traveled to Sydney with Johnny Doyle to inspect the Australian wrestling scene. Barnett was one of the few known men in wrestling who was openly gay.. Barnett is known for lying about having a love affair with famously gay actor Rock Hudson.