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.

In addition, I have blogged for the Allied Independent Wrestling Federations.

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.

Comparing the Booking Strategies of WWE and AEW

Professional wrestling, at its core, is entertainment. While the athleticism and performing are important,a compelling wrestling storyline combined with character development makes fans even more engaged and invested. And behind every storyline is a booking strategy, a creative guideline that guides the direction of the promotion. Comparing the booking strategies of WWE and AEW offers an interesting glimpse into two distinct approaches to this unique form of entertainment, revealing how different philosophies contribute to the shape of the wrestling landscape.

WWE historically operated with a highly centralized and tightly controlled booking strategy under Vince McMahon. However, the creative environment has changed notably. As Chief Content Officer, Triple H oversees all aspects of WWE's creative direction. This change in leadership has reshaped the company's approach to storytelling, character development, and match presentation. Wrestlers' creative input has contributed to more compelling shows, drawing from their own experiences and perspectives. Under Triple H's leadership, WWE wrestlers now have freedom that they previously did not have. An example of increased wrestler input under Triple H is Damage CTRL. After Bayley and WWE's Creative Writing Team pitched the idea of the faction, it was turned down more than once. After Triple H gained full creative control, the faction made its debut at SummerSlam 2022.

WWE's booking has traditionally prioritized spectacle and entertainment value. Big moments, shocking surprises, and larger-than-life personas are things that WWE is known for. Storylines tend to be long-term, unfolding over weeks or even months, with a focus on building anticipation for Premium Live Events. While in-ring work is important, character development and storyline progression are also major focuses.

One of the strengths of WWE's booking strategy is its ability to create mainstream stars. The company has a proven track record of identifying and developing talent, turning them into household names that became bigger than WWE itself. However, the previously top-down approach, with centralized creative control, possibly suppressed creativity in a way. Now, the challenge lies in maintaining consistency and a clear creative vision across the large and complex WWE machine. The increased collaboration and input from more creative voices under Triple H are expected to make achieving this consistency more manageable, with multiple perspectives helping to identify any inconsistencies or plot holes in storylines that might occur.

AEW has always emphasized creative freedom, allowing wrestlers input into their characters and how they are used, embracing a collaborative and decentralized booking strategy. While Tony Khan is the ultimate authority, he works closely with the wrestlers, allowing them input into their storylines and character development. AEW (as well as WWE now) is willing to work alongside wrestlers to create mutually beneficial shows. This collaborative environment encourages creativity and gives wrestlers a noteworthy sense of ownership over their work. Wrestlers' creative input has contributed to more compelling shows, drawing from their own experiences and perspectives as they showcase their individual personalities and in-ring abilities. If a wrestler has input on the development of their character and is motivated to pitch ideas regarding upcoming matches, their morale is increased, and it is reflected in how they perform, making the show more enjoyable for fans.

AEW's booking often prioritizes in-ring work and athleticism. The promotion showcases a diverse range of wrestling styles, from high-flying artistry to demonstrations of technical skills. While storylines are a part of AEW, the company often places a stronger emphasis on showcasing the individual journeys and in-ring capabilities of its wrestlers.

One of the strengths of AEW's booking strategy is that it utilizes an understanding of fan desires, which has enabled the company to grow a loyal and passionate fan base that contributes to the electric atmosphere at their shows, creating a vibrant and energetic live event atmosphere. Meanwhile, AEW's challenge lies in allowing wrestlers to pursue their own narratives while also maintaining consistency in storytelling. Although it can be done, it is much more difficult than there being a single, unifying vision.

The contrasting booking strategies of WWE and AEW reflect two distinctive philosophies about professional wrestling. WWE concentrates on creating a highly polished and entertaining product, still prioritizing spectacle and mainstream appeal even with its changed creative structure, appealing to a broad audience, die-hard and casual wrestling fans alike. AEW, on the other hand, puts more attention on in-ring work and showcasing a variety of wrestling styles, appealing to die-hard wrestling fans.

In the end, both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses. WWE's style equipped the company to become a dominant force in sports entertainment with unparalleled mainstream success, while AEW's style led to explosive growth as it established itself as an alternative to WWE in its strive to reach the top. The ongoing dynamic between these two companies is driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of professional wrestling, both in the ring and behind the curtain.

To read more about the similarities and differences in WWE and AEW's strategies, as well as how both companies interact with the worlds of ticket sales, merchandise branding, TV rights, streaming, talent relations, technology, and more, check out my ebook, "The Business Side of Wrestling: A Look Behind the Curtain".

Optimize Your Performance & Longevity: AI-Assisted Recovery for Pro Wrestlers

A professional wrestler's body is their instrument. They demand peak performance night after night, pushing their physical limits through rigorous training and exhausting matches. Recovery isn't just a cooldown; it's a strategic investment in their career longevity and their ability to consistently deliver their best.

On my blog, I have written about how AI is revolutionizing wrestling training and performance. My exploration of the forefront of recovery technology has led to my discovery of Recovery Systems, which is leading the way with advanced compression systems and an innovative AI Recovery Coach designed for serious athletes. A health and wellness brand that focuses on athlete recovery, healthy aging, and chronic pain/long-term illness management, Recovery Systems brings what was formerly only available in clinics into homes, and they are endorsed by world-class champions across rugby, motocross, triathlon, and marathon running.

Wrestling takes a toll on the human body, especially on the hips and glutes. Recovery Systems offers solutions that directly address these demands:

Black Max Pro | Leg Compression Boots Set: This extensive system, including the essential control unit, delivers powerful, six-chamber dynamic air compression to the entire lower body. Benefits extend from flushing lactic acid to improving circulation in the legs and even the hip flexors. Featuring customizable modes and zone control, its recovery is tailored to its user's specific needs.

Black Max Pro Hip & Glute Cuff (requires the Black Max Pro Control Unit, which comes with the Leg Compression Boots set): For focused, intensive recovery of the hips, glutes, groin, hamstring, lower back, and upper quad – areas critical for wrestling power and injury prevention. This dedicated cuff complements the leg boots for complete lower body rejuvenation.

Recovery Systems goes beyond hardware with their Recovery Insights AI Recovery Coach. By analyzing your training data, sleep patterns, heart rate variability (HRV), and even your personal feedback, this intelligent system provides personalized recommendations to optimize your recovery. Imagine having an AI-powered coach analyzing your HRV after a tough match or intense training session, suggesting the ideal compression settings and duration based on your body's specific needs to optimize recovery before your next booking. Also, the AI could track your training load and sleep patterns to predict potential overtraining and recommend proactive recovery measures using the Recovery Systems gear.


With Recovery Insights, the power of AI can be leveraged to modify recovery protocols for maximum effectiveness. By analyzing biometric data and training patterns, AI can identify wrestlers who are at risk of injury and recommend preventive measures. In the event that an injury occurs, AI can create personalized recovery plans based on the specific type of injury and the individual wrestler's physiology. During the recovery process, AI can track a wrestler's progress and adjust their rehab program as needed.

Paying attention to HRV is most important for recovery for wrestlers. It is the key indicator of how well their body can recover from the stress of training and wrestling. A decrease in HRV after a wild match or a demanding workout can signal the need to prioritize rest and recovery.

Join world champions such as professional rugby union player Lima Sopoaga, who trusts Recovery Systems for state-of-the-art recovery solutions. "Every player at the highest level of professional sports is always looking for an edge or for a 1% gain." he stated in his testimonial. "It’s the accumulation of all those 1 percenters that might get you over the line each week. I believe recovery systems fits that perfectly. In playing rugby, your body is being pushed to its limits week in week out, so to have such a quality recovery system to aid in speeding that recovery up and helping me to feel fresh for the weekend is invaluable.”

Rugby and pro-wrestling share a similarity, in that they both involve enduring constant physical full contact.

Recovery Systems and Recovery Insights will enable you to address the specific muscle groups important for your performance and longevity, and preventive, intelligent recovery is an investment in a longer, healthier, and more dominant career.

Imagine stepping into the ring night after night, knowing your body is recovering at its peak. If you are ready to revolutionize your recovery, explore the advanced, AI-assisted recovery solutions offered by Recovery Systems through my affiliate link: http://www.recoverysystemssport.com?aff=vVY7nYR0I

In addition, use the exclusive coupon code HAROW10 before proceeding to checkout.

The demands of professional wrestling require more than rest; they need skilled, targeted recovery, and Recovery Systems, with its cutting-edge compression technology and AI-supported insights, offers the top-tier solution you need to stay healthy and perform at your best. Invest in your longevity and performance- explore the AI-assisted recovery of Recovery Systems today.

AIWF Wrestling Continues to Grow. Where Does It Stand Against the Rest of the Wrestling World?

The Allied Independent Wrestling Federations (AIWF) has carved a unique and increasingly prominent space for itself in the wrestling industry. A sanctioning body that operates under a territory system, where multiple independent wrestling promotions come together under one body, AIWF Wrestling has an international presence, with affiliate promotions in different countries around the world. Each affiliate contributes its own flavor and is developing a dedicated fanbase. Under the guidance of Executive Director and co-owner Matt Classic Creed, AIWF Wrestling has displayed significant growth and a distinct vision, which poses the question: where does it stand against the rest of the wrestling world?

Committed to presenting pure wrestling - a focus on in-ring action - AIWF Wrestling, which launched in 1992 and expanded its reach from North Carolina roots in 2008 to begin its evolution into a noteworthy international presence. AIWF Wrestling has affiliations with promotions in a large number of countries across multiple continents, a global reach that establishes it as a worldwide network of independent wrestling. And there are multiple championships under the AIWF Wrestling banner:
- AIWF World Heavyweight Championship
- AIWF World Tag Team Championship
- AIWF International Championship
- AIWF America's Heavyweight Championship
- AIWF Atlantic Championship
- AIWF National Championship
- AIWF World Women's Championship
- AIWF European Championship
- European Heavyweight Championship
- AIWF Australian National Championship
- AIWF Television Championship
- AIWF World Cruiserweight Championship
- AIWF World Deathmatch Championship

While there are appearances of established names in AIWF Wrestling promotions, such as former TNA star Hernandez, AIWF Wrestling affiliates focus more on giving wrestlers who live in the respective territory more opportunities to showcase their talents. This appeals to fans who appreciate the regional concentration idea of the territory system.

AIWF Wrestling uses its AIWF World Heavyweight Championship to provide the unpredictability that pro-wrestling fans enjoy, and opportunity that all pro-wrestlers desire, with each sanctioned organization treated as an equal. The next champion could come from AIWF Mid Atlantic Wrestling, the charter territory of the Allied Independent Wrestling Federations. They could come from Torture Chamber Pro Wrestling, home to many of the top wrestlers on Canada's independent scene. They could come from Pure Pro Wrestling, one of the oldest AIWF affiliates. The next champion could emerge from ANY of the over 150 promotions within AIWF Wrestling's global network. For example, current champion Mustang Mike calls the louisiana-based Gulf State Wrestling (GSW) his home promotion and that is where he won the championship in February 2025, and since then Mike has not only defended it in GSW, but also in the Take-Over Wrestling Alliance and Magnolia Championship Wrestling. It's anyone's guess when and where the next AIWF World Heavyweight Champion will be crowned, as AIWF Wrestling features the surprise and excitement that makes wrestling fans happy to be at a wrestling show.

There are cases where a pro-wrestling promotion has a "world championship", but it is never defended outside of the promotion's home base country. Meanwhile, the AIWF World Heavyweight Championship has not only been defended in the United States, but also outside of it, making it a true World Heavyweight Championship in the eyes of fans. When the champion makes his rounds to various AIWF affiliates to defend the championship, overseas defenses might be on his schedule, which increases the possibility that they will lose the championship and return to his home promotion with it no longer in his grasp. This causes these touring defenses to have an increased sense of drama and suspense. The significance of this championship is further highlighted by the wrestlers who have held it throughout its history, a lineage that includes recognizable figures such as WWE Hall of Famer Ricky Morton, former WWE Superstar Rodney Mack, former ROH star Beer City Bruiser, former WCW star Buddy Landel, and Doug Summers (former AWA star Doug Somers). The AIWF World Heavyweight Championship has a respectable history and the involvement of these notable names adds to its legacy.

An advantage of AIWF Wrestling's model is that with its extensive network of affiliated promotions across 50 countries, this global web allows for talent exchange, shared resources, and a broader reach for fans seeking diverse wrestling content. It provides a platform for independent promotions to connect and grow under a unified banner, while still maintaining their local identities and styles. This positions AIWF Wrestling as an important connector within the independent scene, encouraging collaboration rather than direct competition with its affiliates.

AIWF Wrestling's strength lies in its connection to a passionate core audience that actively seeks out independent wrestling; fans are always eager to discover promotions that they were previously unfamiliar with. AIWF Wrestling's digital presence is growing, which includes a TV show (AIWF Across The Globe) that showcases various promotions and introduces fans to talents they are not familiar with, as well as features recognizable names. It has a notable social media following of over 22,000 (and growing), indicating a successful effort to reach and engage this dedicated fanbase. The willingness to explore innovative sponsorship opportunities, such as logo placement on championship belts, also demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to revenue generation within the independent scene.

In the early days of AIWF Wrestling, it served as a place for wrestlers to hone their craft and then use as a stepping stone- the fact that former AEW World Champion Adam Page has roots in AIWF Wrestling emphasizes its role in developing wrestlers who have gone on to achieve success elsewhere. AIWF Wrestling has a reputation for being a breeding ground for talent, which adds to its credibility within the industry. However, as AIWF Wrestling continues its global expansion and strengthens its digital footprint, its position in the wrestling world becomes increasingly remarkable, to the extent that it is becoming a showcase for independent talent, who, instead of moving on to larger promotions and potentially becoming lost in the shuffle, remain in AIWF Wrestling and help it continue to grow as their careers continue to grow along with it.

AIWF Wrestling has the potential to become a major force in the wrestling industry, providing an alternative for fans as well as talent. It will fully achieve this if it continues to grow, is able to attract, retain, and properly utilize top independent talent, gives the fans what they want and deserve, and effectively leverages its global reach and digital presence. AIWF Wrestling occupies a vital space within the independent scene and has the opportunity to prove that independent wrestling can thrive and offer alternative paths for wrestlers beyond the traditional way.

What WWE Localizing in Japan Could Look Like

Following the recent news of WWE's acquisition of Mexico's AAA, the wrestling industry and those who follow it naturally have begun looking at other major wrestling markets, Japan being one of them. It has already been publicly stated that WWE, under the strategic vision of Triple H and a clear drive for Global Localization, has Japan as a part of its plan. In this blog post, I will speculate on what such a huge event might involve.

Japan has a passionate wrestling fanbase, supporting several prominent promotions, each with its unique style and loyal following. While NJPW quickly comes to mind for many, there are other notable promotions, including Stardom, NOAH, AJPW, BJW, Michinoku Pro, and Dream Star Fighting Marigold, as well as local promotions such as Kyushu Pro Wrestling and Yanagase Pro Wrestling. Each offers a distinct style of puroresu, from the power of joshi to the King's Road style to the hardcore style to the lucha libre style to promotions that have a unique blend of wrestling styles.

When WWE localizes, there will be many benefits. It would give them immediate access to a well-established market and a dedicated fanbase, and there are many promoters and talents here who would be great for WWE/NXT. It is only a matter of NXT coming into contact with those people. Like I had mentioned in my blog post about WWE shining the spotlight on independent wrestling, every time NXT expands to a different area, people with knowledge of that pro-wrestling scene will need to brought in if the Global Localization project is going to be a success, which of course WWE has the resources to accomplish, and it will enable them to help support and grow the scene in the most impactful way possible. Also, the extensive libraries of existing content of many Japanese promotions hold considerable value. For example, World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana has its own live streaming service, Diana Live.

The most immediate impact of WWE localizing in Japan would be the interaction of Japanese talent with WWE. We could see former GHC Heavyweight Champion KENTA challenging for the NXT Championship or WWE Championship. We could see former World Of Stardom Champion Mayu Iwatani headline a WWE NXT Premium Live Event. Proper handling of cultural differences in presentation and the blend of the traditional Japanese styles with elements of the WWE style would be important, as a dedicated NXT Japan brand bridges the gap.

The loyal Japanese wrestling fanbase has a deep connection to its homegrown promotions and traditions. WWE would need to respect this loyalty while introducing their own brand of sports entertainment; otherwise, there could be a backlash. Nonetheless, WWE's tours in Japan (including the tour that took place in 2024) have gone over big with fans, as they had the opportunity to see WWE Superstars live and in person. There is a historic bond between WWE and fans in Japan.

The localization of WWE in Japan will be a historic event with the potential to shake up the Japanese wrestling scene. While the specifics remain speculation, the recent AAA acquisition proves that WWE is serious about expanding its international reach.

A Collision of Worlds and Styles: WWE, AAA, and Eventually More

Just a month ago, here on my blog, I looked at the high-flying world of lucha libre in Japan, presenting how this Mexican tradition has influenced puroresu. And just last week, I gave a closer look at the contrast between lucha libre and the intensity and physicality of strong style, a prominent aspect of Japanese professional wrestling. Now, there is a hot topic in the wrestling world: the acquisition of AAA, one of the biggest lucha libre companies in Mexico, by WWE, a global giant of sports entertainment.



For those who have followed my recent explorations, the potential implications of this partnership are engaging. On one hand, you have WWE, a company known for its blend of athleticism and character work, presented on a grand scale. On the other hand, you have AAA, a company immersed in the traditions of lucha libre, distinguished by its spectacular aerial maneuvers, colorful masks, and a focus on fast-paced and unpredictable action.

This new acquisition opens up multiple possibilities. We could see AAA's luchadores such as former AAA Mega Champion El Hijo del Vikingo, and amazing high flyers Aero Star and Argenis bringing their high-risk offense to WWE rings on a regular basis. WWE Superstars such as AJ Styles, Cody Rhodes, and IYO SKY might return to Mexico and relive the unique atmosphere of an AAA event.

One thing that is certain, is that the worlds and styles of both companies will collide on June 7, when AAA and WWE present Worlds Collide.


The card is yet to be announced, but I think interesting matches to see would be former WWE NXT Champion Trick Williams versus El Hijo del Vikingo, Aerostar and his aerial abilities versus Wolfgang and his power, former WWE NXT Heritage Cup Champion Mark Coffey versus veteran luchador Negro Casas, a clash of styles between the high-flying Oro Mensah of WWE NXT and former AAA Latin American Champion Psycho Clown and his brawling skills, Riley Osborne of WWE NXT versus Argenis, and veteran luchadora Dalys versus athletic newcomer Jazmyn Nyx of WWE NXT, and AAA Reina de Reinas Champion Flammer versus Dani Palmer in a fast-paced match.

Triple H has publicly stated that the future of the business is in many parts of the world, including Japan, which proves his plan for Global Localization, which I wrote about in 2018 when Triple H introduced it, are still on. While lucha libre is athletic, the emphasis is on spectacle, excitement, and the captivating display of high-flying artistry. Japan and its wrestling is where WWE will spotlight impressive counters, stiff kicks/strikes, impressive suplexes, holds & submissions, and a focus on the competitive spirit.

The professional wrestling landscape is constantly evolving, with WWE always at the center. WWE's acquisition of AAA has the potential to create exciting and unpredictable moments for fans worldwide, as they involve two major players from distinct wrestling cultures. It will be intriguing to see how the worlds of sports entertainment and lucha libre collide – as well as what other parts of the world WWE will go to in the near future.

Exploring the Differences Between Strong Style and Lucha Libre

Professional wrestling features a diverse range of styles, traditions, and philosophies. Two of the most distinct and influential styles are strong style, popularized by Japanese wrestling, and lucha libre, the high-flying Mexican tradition. While both aim to entertain, their approaches to in-ring action, character presentation, and cultural significance differ notably.

Strong style, as presented by wrestlers like Kazuchika Okada and Shinsuke Nakamura, at its core, emphasizes intensity. It's a physically demanding style, identified by stiff strikes and a focus on submissions. Matches often have a more serious feel, with wrestlers showcasing their toughness and resilience. The emphasis is on the struggle, the fight, and the demonstration of technical skills. Victory is earned through spirit, determination, and the ability to withstand punishment. On the other hand, lucha libre, with iconic figures like Rey Mysterio and Mistico, embraces a spectacular approach. Aerial maneuvers and colorful masks are trademarks of this style. While lucha libre is athletic, the emphasis is on spectacle, excitement, and the captivating display of high-flying artistry.

Perhaps the most fundamental element of lucha libre is the mask, representing not only the wrestler's character but also a deeper symbolic meaning. Masks can represent a heroic persona or a dark, villainous side. The mask becomes an extension of the wrestler, a symbol of their identity and their connection to the fans. In lucha libre, the mask is considered more than a costume; it's a sacred object. The loss of a mask in a "Mask vs. Mask" match is considered the ultimate humiliation, a symbolic removal of the wrestler's identity and honor. This tradition has created some of the most dramatic moments in lucha libre history. Meanwhile, masks are not a central element of strong style, although there are masked wrestlers in puroresu, as a result of the influence of lucha libre in Japan.

Strong style often focuses on the competitive aspect of wrestling, with wrestlers battling for pride, respect, and championship glory. While character development is important, it often takes a backseat to the in-ring action. On the other hand, lucha libre is more character-based, due to matches between luchadores representing good versus evil.

Strong style and Lucha libre are generally considered sports in their countries of origin. However, in lucha libre, it is more so viewed as a cultural expression in Mexico, deeply established in national identity. While strong style is primarily considered a sport in Japan, the intense physicality and unwavering courage displayed by its specialists have also grown a strong sense of national pride within the wrestling world. The image of the strong Japanese wrestler symbolizing fighting spirit has become a cultural cornerstone for many.

In conclusion, strong style and lucha libre represent two distinct approaches to professional wrestling. Strong style highlights power and technical expertise, while lucha libre embraces performance, agility, and the story of hero versus villain. While their approaches differ, both styles contribute to the industry, offering fans a diverse range of entertainment.