More About Me

Since the, "About Me" section of this blog is limited to a specific amount of characters, I decided to write a post that discusses more about what I have done in the pro-wrestling industry, beginning with when I first started in it and leading up to now.

Technically, I started back in the 1990s, contributing to, "Pro Wrestling Illustrated" and then, "Pro Wrestling Torch". In 1997, I contributed to The Official Website of the NWO. That same year, I briefly published my own newsletter, "The Wrestling Express".

In 1998, I taught myself how to design websites, and served as a consultant for various independent promotions. That next year, I worked as a website designer/maintainer for Dylan Summers (Necro Butcher) who was running the Texas-based Power Pro Wrestling Federation, and later was involved with Texas Outlaw Promotions.

During the period of 2000-2002, I was involved in many different projects at once. I was working as a website designer/publicist for talent, contributing to WCW.com, writing columns for independent promotions and the website of former WCW star The Stro, and writing for a variety of pro-wrestling media sites (including WrestlingObserver.com and PWTorch.com). In 2003, I began running my own website, World Wrestling Optimum, which consisted of news, articles, and interviews.

In 2004, I started working for the Michigan-based Ultimate Championship Wrestling as a publicist/columnist. They were an affiliate of American Wrestling Association Superstars Of Wrestling, and I soon became the publicist/columnist of the main governing body of AWA as well. During my time working for UCW, I played a major role in bringing in new talent, due to over the years my having had come into contact with many talents being underused and going unnoticed in the industry. Also, attendance increased by a significant amount.

In 2005, I started doing a column for 3PW. With DVDs sold nationwide, they had the potential to become much bigger than they already were at the time, and were very open to my ideas. I pushed for many changes behind-the-scenes. I had encouraged management to improve the production quality of their DVDs, which led to them dealing with a different production company. 3PW management had planned on waiting for its fan base to increase before getting TV for 3PW. I explained how getting TV for 3PW is what would increase its fan base, and I was then given the green light to find networks that were interested. Two networks were very interested, and I encouraged 3PW management to meet with them as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the owner of the company instead opted to shut 3PW down, due to losing interest. Working for 3PW put me in connection with the UK-based 1PW, who I worked as a columnist for.

After 3PW shut down, I began working as a publicist for independent promotions, including CHIKARA. I also worked as a columnist for CZW. Interestingly though, it was 2006 at this point yet I was still most recognized for the work that I had done for 3PW and AWA/UCW.

In 2007 I started working as a columnist for XCW, a promotion that was seen nationally on MAVTV, had a national DVD deal, and also had PPV events. Working for a promotion of national status was my biggest achievement at that point, and two years later I reached a bigger achievement- Big Japan Pro-Wrestling. Along with working for them as a columnist and an Administrator for their Facebook page, I helped bring Big Japan Pro-Wrestling together with Combat Zone Wrestling to form a working relationship after a previous working relationship between the two promotions had fallen apart. This new working relationship led to Big Japan Pro-Wrestling having its first event in the United States.

In October 2009 I assisted publicity & promotions company MGM Management with the HULKAMANIA- Let the Battle Begin tour by distributing their press release to pro-wrestling news sites that are popular with Australian fans, and conducting an interview with Solofa Fatu Jr. (better known as, "Rikishi"). Also, in 2012 I wrote a number of columns for Women Superstars United.

In May 2018 I did social media for Great North Wrestling.

In April and May 2021, I did blogging and social media for Kyushu Pro Wrestling. During that time, the promotion gained 220 new subscribers and 52,746 new views on its official YouTube channel.

Recently, I have done blogging and social media for Yanagase Pro Wrestling. Since the time I began writing for them, Yanagase Pro Wrestling has their anniversary events at a venue where they have had 300 fans. All previous Yanagase Pro Wrestling events took place at a 50-seat venue.

I have also recently written for the China-based Middle Kingdom Wrestling in a Publicist capacity. My work is an essential piece in the multilingual activation, with it being adapted to traditional Chinese for readers in China. I am the first native English writer who has written for a Chinese wrestling organization in history.

In 2019 I began writing for Michinoku Pro Wrestling, in charge of international wrestling. Since the time that I began writing for them, Michinoku Pro stopped choosing Shin-Kiba 1st Ring for its Tokyo events and began focusing on the much larger Korakuen Hall for its Tokyo appearances. The Korakuen Hall is known as a place where many historical moments in the Japanese pro-wrestling scene have occurred. It's to Japan what Madison Square Garden is to the pro-wrestling scene in the United States. Michinoku Pro had a sellout, standing-room-only event on December 13, 2019 at the Korakuen Hall. The event had an attendance of 1,890. That was the highest reported attendance at the Korakuen Hall to date for a pro-wrestling event since April 2015.

I am open to new writing opportunities, from event previews & results reports to wrestler spotlights & social media. I offer sponsored content and an international audience. This blog is now included in Google News, which has over 11 million visits every day, giving your product the opportunity to be promoted in front of millions. Check out my samples and see how I can take your brand to the next level:
https://harold-williams.com/2012/05/samples-of-my-work.html


info@harold-williams.com

Google has created a knowledge panel about me and my work: https://g.co/kgs/x4pMxp1

If you run a small wrestling promotion or wrestling news website and are looking to take your content to the next level in an affordable way- I am offering affordable rates starting at $110 / ¥16,000 per blog post/article.

I graduated from university with a major in Business and a minor in Computer Applications, which makes me an asset not only as a writer but in a business and technological capacity as well.

I am also a Technology Writer specializing in AI, VR, AR, NFTs, 5G, Web3, streaming, and the metaverse in the context of wrestling-and a subject matter expert in the business side of Japan's MMA scene, soccer scene, and other sports.

The Evolution of Hell in a Cell

Hell in a Cell. The name itself can create mental images of brutal combat, cold steel, and for a pro-wrestler, an exciting opportunity. Hell in a Cell has become a symbol of popular feuds, career-changing moments, and the willingness of wrestlers to push their limits. From its debut to its modern form, the evolution of Hell in a Cell is a story of intensifying violence, innovative offense, and the creation of a very notable wrestling structure.

The first Hell in a Cell match took place at In Your House 18: Badd Blood in 1997, between The Undertaker and WWE Champion Shawn Michaels. The huge steel structure, enclosing the ring and extending to the arena floor, quickly established itself as a challenging environment. This was more than a cage match- with it having a roof and no way to leave, the Cell was a prison, where the wrestlers involved would battle to end their feud. The tactics and intensity displayed in the Undertaker-Michaels match and other early Hell in a Cell matches immediately set a new standard for American hardcore wrestling. The size of the Cell allowed for creative uses of the environment, including wrestlers utilizing the steel mesh.



As Hell in a Cell matches became more frequent, wrestlers began to push the boundaries of what was possible within the structure. Wrestlers climbing the outside of the Cell, and then falling or jumping off it became a signature part. These moments, while thrilling, also highlighted the danger of the match, adding an additional layer of suspense to the spectacle.



The evolution of Hell in a Cell also saw the development of its narrative significance. It became a match usually reserved for very heated feuds, a place where the stakes were higher. A Hell in a Cell match typically signified that a feud had reached the point where it was time for things to be settled once and for all. And with this possibly being the final time that they would be encountering each other in the feud, it's a match where anything can happen.



The most definitive ending to a feud via Hell in a Cell took place in the match between The Undertaker and Big Boss Man at WrestleMania XV. After The Undertaker won the match, he hung Boss Man from the roof of the Cell.


It's worth mentioning that the reason why The Undertaker seems to be synonymous with Hell in a Cell is because he has a significant history with it. The Deadman​ wrestled in a record 14 Hell in a Cell matches.

The structure itself has also seen subtle changes over the years, with modifications to the size and design of the Cell. The Cell was changed from being 16 feet tall and over two tons to 20 feet tall and five tons. Also, in 2018, its color was changed from grey to red, and then it was changed back to grey in 2023. However, no matter the change, the core concept remains the same: a special steel cage designed to contain the chaos and increase the intensity.

Hell in a Cell is considered one of WWE's most dangerous match types, due to its drama, violence, and the many unforgettable moments it has produced. It continues to be the preferred match for ending the most intense feuds, promising a level of drama and mayhem that no other WWE specialty match can replicate. With the company being in an era where wrestlers are given more creative freedom, it's very likely that the Cell will remain a cornerstone, as matches inside of it will exceed expectations with even more unique and memorable moments.

The Evolution of Ladder Matches

When someone hears or sees the words "ladder matches", they usually think of dramatic climbs, high-risk maneuvers, and the struggle for a prize that is hanging above the ring. Ladder matches have evolved into a fundamental of professional wrestling, a guaranteed spectacle that can steal the show and elevate feuds to legendary status.

The roots of the ladder match can be traced back to when Dan Kroffat invented it in the 70s. He was feuding with Tor Kamata at the time in Stampede Wrestling, a promotion that is a significant part of history in Canada. There actually was a series of ladder matches, with the first one taking place in 1972. The story behind the first match was that Kroffat offered to put money on the line that would be suspended above the ring during a match between him and Kamata and this was the only way that Kroffat could convince Kamata to agree to a singles match; the allure of the money too much to resist. The wrestler who was able to climb the ladder and retrieve the money would be its owner.

In a ladder rematch that took place in November, Tor Kamata put $2,000 on the line.

Many Dan Kroffat-Tor Kamata ladder matches took place during the 1972-1973 period, with the ladder adding a new element of drama to a wrestling match. Other than during this feud, ladder matches did not happen often- they instead were utilized as a special attraction to highlight a popular feud or to showcase a wrestler's aerial skills. As wrestlers began to push the boundaries of what was done on the ladder, fan interest in them increased.

One important moment in the evolution of the ladder match came in 1994, when Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon had their famous ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania X. This match redefined what a ladder match could be, with the psychology that was displayed. Michaels and Ramon utilized the ladder as a tool in innovative ways that added to the wrestling action, similar to a hardcore match in Japan. I was able to witness this historical match live, and everyone in attendance was on the edge of their seats. It elevated the ladder match to a must-see spectacle, and paved the way for future generations of wrestlers to take the concept even further.



The success of the Shawn Michaels-Razor Ramon match sparked a wave of increased innovation in ladder matches. Wrestlers began incorporating more complicated moves and sequences, using the ladder as a springboard for dives, a weapon for damaging blows, and an instrument for complex submissions. The match became even less about climbing the ladder and more about the journey to the top, a dramatic contest filled with risk and reward.

As ladder matches grew in popularity, they became more risky, and the potential for serious injury became a constant concern. However, this danger also added to the action, drama, and excitement of the match, making it even more compelling for audiences. The evolution of the ladder match has also seen the introduction of new variations and stipulations. Multi-man ladder matches, often featuring tag teams or entire factions, have become common, adding a chaotic and unpredictable element to the match. On top of that, additional weapons have also been included in some ladder matches, making them similar to a hardcore match.



Today, the ladder match stands as one of the most popular and anticipated match types in professional wrestling. It's a testament to the creativity and athleticism of the wrestlers who have pushed its boundaries, making it an awesome spectacle that becomes more impressive as time goes on. With it being a fan favorite, the ladder match has solidified its place in wrestling history, and it's clear that the ladder match will continue to evolve, thrilling audiences as new classics are created, strengthening its legacy for generations to come.

The Wrestling Code: Beta Testing & Puroresu Potential– Is Virtual Basement's Project Finally Becoming Reality?

For years, wrestling fans have eagerly awaited "The Wrestling Code," a video game promising a huge roster and a revolutionary wrestling game experience. Developed by Virtual Basement, the game has generated excitement, especially due to its lengthy development cycle. However, recent developments suggest that the project might finally be becoming a reality. The most significant update is the announcement that Virtual Basement is moving towards beta testing. After many roster reveals and tech demos, the company promoted beta sign ups that will be taking place at New England Fan Fest 10 on April 5th. This is a milestone for the project and a positive sign for fans who have been waiting patiently.

One of the selling points of "The Wrestling Code" is its extensive roster, and for fans of Japanese wrestling, a particularly intriguing aspect is its representation of puroresu and joshi. Legends TAJIRI and Ultimo Dragon, and former Ice Ribbon star/current independent star Makoto are among the roster, offering video game fans an exciting avenue to the world of Japanese wrestling.

Tech demos have been presented, providing a glimpse into how the game will look, and the reactions have been positive. Fans have praised the gameplay and graphics. Ultimo Dragon has already contributed motion capture for the game, and his character model preview has been revealed.

Virtual Basement has also presented a showcase video featuring TAJIRI and former WCW personality Sonny Onoo, recorded during their motion capture session.

"🚨 Exciting Update from The Wrestling Code! 📸

Just released: a thrilling showcase video featuring @TajiriBuzzsaw's legendary mist and moves, and @SonnyOnoo, the original selfie master, in their motion capture session.

Stay tuned for more news as we prepare for an epic… pic.twitter.com/vMiweDLo2o

— Virtual Basement® (@VirtualBasement) December 7, 2023

Along with all of that, Virtual Basement has announced the addition of a "Promotion Manager (GM Mode)" which is something that fans have been asking for. This is another very positive sign for the development of the game.

"The Wrestling Code" is a game with great potential, and the involvement of these stars of Japanese wrestling sparks a conversation about cultural exchange in wrestling. TAJIRI and Ultimo Dragon's careers spanned both Japanese and American promotions, offering a bridge between wrestling scenes, and Makoto represents the growing recognition of joshi wrestling on a global scale. If Virtual Basement's project comes to fruition, it will become a landmark title in wrestling gaming.

Vito LoGrasso’s Remarkable Early Career, and How It Shaped His Future

Today, he is known as The Don, The Godfather of Wrestling, but in 1991, Big Vito LoGrasso was early in his career, and LoGrasso's main focus was on evolving from being a rookie to a seasoned pro. Starting his career in 1990, LoGrasso had his first televised match the next year. However, instead of it being for a local independent promotion or on a regional sports network, LoGrasso's first televised match was seen nationwide on "WCW Power Hour". Wrestling as "Skull Von Krus", he had a match with Bobby Eaton. Although he was best known for his tag team wrestling, Eaton was also a former WCW World Television Champion.



In an era where rookies usually spent their first full year wrestling in small promotions with wrestlers with the same amount of experience as them, it was rare for a wrestler to have an opportunity to appear on WCW-TV in a match with a wrestling star as early in their career as Vito LoGrasso did. Yet, an even rarer moment happened only two months later, when Von Krus appeared on "WWF Superstars", which was syndicated worldwide. He wrestled in a tag team match against The Rockers, which were one of the most highly regarded tag teams, due to their athleticism and charisma.



Vito LoGrasso's matches with experienced wrestlers on television in both WCW and the WWF (known today, of course, as WWE) helped him hone his craft in a unique way. The high-pressure environment of a televised show forced LoGrasso to adapt quickly to Bobby Eaton's technical skills and the energy of The Rockers- any mistakes made would be seen by many people, and possibly criticized. Being in the ring with experienced wrestlers provided him with immediate, hands-on feedback through in-ring action, teaching LoGrasso subtle techniques that are often difficult to replicate in training- it's often said that the best experience is real-life experience. In addition, his exposure to larger audiences helped build performance skills and presence, which are both important for a successful professional wrestler to have. Plus, wrestling in major promotions set a precedent for his career, showing him that he could rise to the challenge. Also, being in televised matches early in his career enabled LoGrasso to later review and analyze his matches, seeing where he needed to improve.

These early televised encounters were more than matches; they were similar to what accelerated training would be like. Vito LoGrasso absorbed the nuances of ring psychology from Bobby Eaton, the art of tag team wrestling teamwork and timing from The Rockers, and the intensity of a national spotlight. They were challenges and early experiences that were out of the ordinary, and they were also lessons that would form LoGrasso's versatile in-ring style and turn him into a resilient performer who could connect with a large audience.

As Vito LoGrasso's very educational year continued, he wrestled Bret Hart, who was Intercontinental Champion at the time, at a "WWF Wrestling Challenge" taping the next month. A rookie sharing the ring with Hart at the point of his career where Hart was beginning to be spotlighted as a singles wrestler was uncommon and was a possible sign that LoGrasso was trusted to work with top stars and that his credibility was increasing in the company's eyes. This match is on LoGrasso's TikTok.

One month later, Vito LoGrasso wrestled Big Boss Man at a "WWF Superstars" taping. A large and powerful brawler, having a match with Boss Man gave LoGrasso the opportunity to broaden his experience and learn how to adapt to wrestling a different size and style of wrestler. Also, note it appears that LoGrasso's confidence has increased, and he shows more ring presence.



That same day, Vito Lograsso also wrestled Virgil at the taping. While The Rockers and Bret Hart were athletic technical specialists and Big Boss Man was a powerhouse, Virgil's style was distinct, and any wrestler benefits from facing a variety of opponents with different approaches, as it broadens their in-ring experience.



Going into his second year wrestling in the company, along with having matches with Bret Hart and Virgil again, Vito LoGrasso was also in the ring with The Legion Of Doom and The British Bulldog. LoGrasso's final WWF match in 1992 was at a September "WWF Superstars" taping with The Undertaker, who is considered by many to be the greatest wrestler of all time.



Vito Lograsso's first two full years as a pro-wrestler were filled with WCW and WWE experience, which not every rookie was fortunate to have, and it benefitted his career that extended beyond it. LoGrasso's time wrestling in the two biggest wrestling organizations in the world gave him the tools to help him adapt to a promotion of any style.

Now provided with the foundation of wrestling on national and international television, Vito LoGrasso was ready to wrestle overseas, and spent the rest of 1992 into 1993 wrestling in a Japan-based promotion run by former Stampede North American Heavyweight Champion Kendo Nagasaki. LoGrasso also made appearances on "WWF Monday Night RAW", having singles matches with Tatanka and Typhoon, as well as participating in a tag team match, teaming with Iron Mike Sharpe to wrestle Owen Hart & Koko B. Ware.

In 1994, Vito LoGrasso's career went to another level when he began wrestling in the USWA where he had competitive matches, which included a match with Jerry Lawler, who was defending the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship. Although LoGrasso didn't win the match, he only lost via countout. The key takeaway from this period was LoGrasso's ability to keep up with the promotion's established, top-tier talent,

Vito LoGrasso returned to Japan in 1998, but with much more experience under his belt since his previous time there, this time LoGrasso wrestled in AJPW, one of the major promotions in the country. He applied the lessons that he learned in WCW and WWE, and one of his best matches in AJPW was with Takao Omori.



Later that year, Vito LoGrasso's career took another big turn as he received his most exposure yet, wrestling in ECW. Only seven months after LoGrasso's debut, he wrestled Taz for the ECW World Heavyweight Championship. Receiving this opportunity so quickly speaks volumes about LoGrasso's reputation at this point. ECW was an intense and demanding environment, and as a result of the skills that he had improved in his diverse early career featuring wrestlers of many styles and his previous exposure to the high-pressure environment of television, LoGrasso was able to wrestle at the promotion's highest level.



All of Vito LoGrasso's experiences and the knowledge that he had gained internationally in promotions of various types and sizes, from the television exposure of WWE and WCW with their polished talent to the southern wrestling style of the USWA to the King's Road style of AJPW to the wild and chaotic battles in ECW, culminated in all of the veteran success that followed, which included being signed to WWE for two years, two reigns as WCW World Tag Team Champion, and being the third longest-reigning WCW Hardcore Champion in history.

After being away from the ring for a long period of time, Vito LoGrasso returned in 2024, forming the Luciano Family, an "Italian faction" named after his uncle, the late Lucky Luciano. Like how LoGrasso learned from the pros early in his career, it was now LoGrasso's turn to take a newer generation of wrestlers under his wing.



Most recently, recalling his days as WCW Hardcore Champion and his time in ECW, Vito LoGrasso has returned to his hardcore roots, participating in hardcore matches.



From a rookie who was wrestling superstars and seasoned veterans, to a respected, versatile, and knowledgeable mentor guiding the Luciano Family, Vito LoGrasso's career has come full circle. His early trials by fire, his international excursions, and his championship reigns all contributed to the Don we see today. LoGrasso's story is a reminder that every match and every challenge shapes the wrestler they become.

[Ebook Sample] The Business Side of Wrestling: A Look Behind the Curtain

Professional wrestling, at its core, is entertainment. But there is more to wrestling than a ring, wrestlers, a referee, and announcers- there is an entire business behind it. Professional wrestling is an industry that blends athleticism, performing, and marketing intelligence, requiring an understanding of various business principles to succeed. From independent promotions operating on shoestring budgets to the global giants WWE and AEW, understanding the business side of wrestling is important for anyone involved, from the wrestlers themselves to the promoters and everyone in between.

In this ebook, I'll pull back the curtain on this intriguing industry, looking at the key revenue streams that fuel its growth, from the details of ticket sales and the power of merchandise branding to the lucrative world of television rights and the transformative impact of streaming services. I'll also present the unique challenges and opportunities faced by independent promotions, the evolving dynamics of talent relations, and the exciting future trends shaping the industry. Lastly, I'll examine the global strategies of WWE and the rise of AEW. Whether you're a superfan or a casual fan, understanding the business side of wrestling is essential for appreciating the true scale and complexity of this industry.

One of the most basic aspects of the wrestling business is revenue generation. Traditionally, wrestling promotions have relied on several key revenue streams:

TICKET SALES
Crowd attendance is a primary source of income. The ability to draw crowds to venues is necessary for a promotion's success. Factors like venue size, ticket pricing, and the drawing power of the wrestlers all play a notable role.

Ticket sales are a cornerstone of revenue generation for wrestling promotions, and the strategies used are increasingly sophisticated. One main tactic is dynamic ticket pricing. This involves fluctuating ticket prices based on real-time demand. As demand increases, prices rise, and they may decrease when demand is low. This approach, heavily put to use by vendors like Ticketmaster, has a noteworthy impact on wrestling events. For major events like WrestleMania, it can lead to substantial price hikes, particularly as the show date comes closer. This maximizes revenue for promotions. Reports indicate WrestleMania 41 ticket prices rose quickly within hours of pre-sale, guided by dynamic pricing algorithms. WWE has embraced this strategy, which TKO President Mark Shapiro confirmed at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference in March 2025 when he said, "WWE has just gotten into the business of dynamic pricing and having dynamic pricing tools."

Understanding fan demographics is another strategic aspect of ticket sales. This involves recognizing the age, location, and interests of the fan base and tailoring ticket packages and pricing appropriately. Family-friendly events, for example, might offer discounted family packages, while events in major cities may have higher ticket prices due to increased living costs and demand. Promotions may also offer VIP packages for superfans willing to pay a premium for exclusive experiences. For example, a promotion hosting an event in a college town might offer student discounts. WWE, for instance, provides a variety of ticket packages, with ringside seats priced much higher than upper-level seats, targeting fans with many different budgets.

Pre-sale strategies are also important for generating early demand and rewarding loyal fans. This involves offering tickets to select groups, such as fan club members or newsletter subscribers before they go on sale to the general public. Pre-sales help determine demand and set initial ticket prices, while also building anticipation for the event. For example, WWE frequently holds pre-sale events for its major shows, offering access to members of its email list or other groups, allowing them to sell a big number of tickets before the general public has access. Offering exclusive pre-sale access to members of a wrestling promotion's online fan community is another example of this strategy.

While promotions set initial ticket prices, the secondary market, dominated by resellers like StubHub, plays a notable role in the final cost to consumers. These platforms often see prices fluctuate based on demand, sometimes significantly increasing costs for high-profile events, and impacting the primary market. When resellers buy up large quantities of tickets, it can raise prices and limit access for fans. This can also force promotions to consider the secondary market when setting their initial prices, to remain competitive, and to try and prevent large-scale reselling.

MERCHANDISE SALES
Selling merchandise, such as T-shirts, action figures, and other memorabilia, is another essential revenue stream. Popular wrestlers and factions can generate substantial income through merchandise sales.

Merchandise sales are heavily reliant on effective brand building. Creating a recognizable and desirable identity for a promotion, wrestler, or faction is a priority. This covers logos, catchphrases, and the overall image projected. Strong brands translate directly into higher merchandise sales. Famous wrestlers like The Undertaker or CM Punk have grown huge brands that generate substantial merchandise revenue, with The Undertaker's net worth estimated to be around $17 million, and CM Punk's estimated to be around $12 million. Similarly,

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Hardcore in Japan: A Test of Endurance

Hardcore wrestling, with its emphasis on weapons, blood, and a willingness to push the boundaries of physical and mental endurance, has carved a distinct niche within the diverse world of Japanese professional wrestling, where they are best known as "deathmatches". While sharing some common elements with its American counterpart, Japanese hardcore often distinguishes itself through its approach, presentation, and philosophy. It's not just about shocking moments and violence; it's often a test of resilience, a display of fighting spirit, and a unique form of drama that resonates with a specific segment of the wrestling fanbase.

While American hardcore wrestling often prioritizes spectacle and shocking visual moments that generate immediate reactions and give fans something to talk about the next day– Japanese hardcore wrestlers tend to blend the style with technical wrestling, showing quick thinking and every move being executed for a reason. When they use a weapon, it's utilized as a tool instead of only a means of destruction. Japanese hardcore is often integrated with other wrestling styles. It's common to see Japanese hardcore matches incorporate elements of strong style, with wrestlers doing things such as exchanging stiff strikes and delivering suplexes before or during the use of weapons.

In other words, the hardcore style adds to the excitement of a match when it is integrated with technical wrestling. It creates a thrilling match with something extra, because the weapons add to, not replace, the wrestling action.

FMW and BJW were pioneers in popularizing hardcore wrestling in the 1990s, with their style eventually leading to multiple FMW DVDs being produced in the United States and BJW exporting BJW DVDs overseas directly to their customers. Although there has been interest from American networks in the BJW product, none of them were networks that would be competitive with networks that feature major promotions today. Yet, even if a promotion like FMW or BJW were on an American network, they would likely have to contend with groups holding extreme views that are against televised violence and would attempt to have the promotion removed from American airwaves. A big difference between the American and Japanese wrestling scenes is that it is very difficult for hardcore promotions to thrive in America. State athletic commissions in America have eliminated the use of weapons.

However, Japanese hardcore matches don't only feature weapons and violence- psychology is displayed from the opening bell to the end of the match. They are very similar to movies- the in-ring maneuvers and weapon usage are like action sequences, and the near-falls and emotional moments create dramatic tension.

A legend of the ring, Atsushi Onita is credited with helping the hardcore / deathmatch style become popular in Japan. He rose to fame in the pro-wrestling industry as a result of his many successes in FMW- Onita won the FMW Double Championship a record seven times), and he also won the FMW Six Man Street Fight Tag Team Championship. Onita is the founder of FMW and was the driving force behind the promotion going from being a promotion that focused on both professional wrestling and martial arts to becoming a 100% professional wrestling promotion that featured a riskier style. It's worth noting that Onita did not expect the roster to do things that he wouldn't do himself- most of FMW's most dangerous moments have featured Onita.



As BJW continued to focus on the hardcore style into the 2000s, wrestlers including Ryuji Ito and Abdullah Kobayashi began to be recognized on the hardcore / deathmatch scene for their exceptional proficiency as wrestlers of that style. They were amongst the top draws on the BJW roster and helped increase the company's popularity. Even in recent years, Ito and Kobayashi are great representations of Japanese-style hardcore wrestling.



BJW and FMW (today known as FMW-E) were able to get around potential roadblocks and successfully branch out to the American market, and although difficult, it is possible for a hardcore style promotion to thrive in America long-term as a major promotion. It's simply a matter of knowing how to publicize its product effectively so that the target audience can be reached and convinced to buy imported DVDs and subscribe to a streaming service in order to see shows. There is room for all styles of promotions, as the industry continues to evolve.

While BJW and FMW-E continue to draw attention internationally, a number of new hardcore-style promotions have emerged. Currently, flying under the radar by comparison, they offer a unique and exciting alternative:

Prominence: Based in Tokyo and shining out of the corona pandemic, Prominence is a promotion that mainly features women wrestlers and blends together hardcore wrestling, technical wrestling, and comedy. Wrestlers who frequently appear on Prominence events are Prominence founder and two-time former ICExInfinity Champion Risa Sera, two-time former ICExInfinity Champion Hiragi Kurumi, and four-time former International Ribbon Tag Team Champion Mochi Natsumi.

FREEDOMS: Based in Tokyo, FREEDOMS is best known for its hardcore matches, much like how BJW is. FREEDOMS is not as well-known internationally as BJW, but it is a great promotion. Many fans of hardcore wrestling consider FREEDOMS to be one of the best hardcore promotions in Japan, due to its innovative and high-risk matches featuring experienced talent, two of them being legend and former CZW Junior Heavyweight Champion Jun Kasai and former BJW Death Match Heavyweight Champion Takashi Sasaki.

Deathmatch Innovative Element: Based in Tokyo, Deathmatch Innovative Element launched in 2021 and is one of the newer hardcore / deathmatch promotions in Japan, but it was founded by former BJW star Toshiyuki Sakuda, who has been a part of the scene for ten years. Originally, DIE had a no-ring, all-hardcore action format, but now, the promotion uses a ring. This increases the innovation within DIE matches, as the ring ropes and turnbuckles become tools for creative brutality- wrestlers can utilize them for weapon placement and usage. Wrestlers who have appeared in DIE include Jun Kasai, Abdullah Kobayashi, and former KO-D Openweight Champion Shigehiro Irie.

These three promotions have the potential to reach the level that BJW and FMW-E have, and it can fulfilled if they are publicized as effectively as possible so that fans become aware of what they have to offer, increasing the visibility and show attendance of hardcore promotions in Japan. And there is a potentially lucrative English market that is still very untapped. Several major Japanese wrestling promotions now provide information in English, and if an independent promotion does the same and connects with the English markets inside and outside of Japan, it will help them grow in visibility, show attendance, and streaming consumption. Hardcore wrestling maintains a consistent and dedicated fanbase in Japan- the English market is a part of that fanbase. A publicist can be very useful in helping a promotion reach this fanbase and build its brand. A publicist can be a valuable asset for any hardcore promotion that is looking to grow its fanbase and reach new markets. By working with a publicist, a promotion can increase its visibility, reach, and impact.

The legacy of hardcore wrestling in Japan is complex. While it has produced some of the bloodiest and most controversial matches in wrestling history, it has also showcased the incredible toughness, dedication, and fighting spirit of Japanese wrestlers. It's a style that continues to spark debates amongst fans regarding what is acceptable in professional wrestling, and the nature of entertainment, art, and violence. However, it has also contributed to the evolution of the industry, influencing wrestling styles and promotions around the world. It’s a subgenre that demands respect for the physical sacrifices made by the performers, even as it raises questions about the limits of spectacle.