Exciting Announcement: Partnership with WWE Shop

Unleash Your Wrestling Fandom with Exclusive Merchandise Click here to unleash your wrestling fandom with WWE Shop.

I am pleased to announce my official partnership with WWE Shop, the ultimate destination for all things WWE. Through this partnership, I will have the privilege of showcasing WWE Shop's extensive selection of authentic WWE merchandise, bringing you closer to the action and allowing you to express your support for your favorite WWE Superstars. From iconic championship replicas to stylish apparel and accessories, WWE Shop has everything you need to celebrate your passion for WWE. I will be creating blog posts and social media content showcasing WWE Shop's merchandise.

WWE has a great roster of talent, and I'm very pleased with the current WWE administration, so this partnership is a good move for me. Perhaps it will even lead to something more, as I will continue to be involved with the Japanese wrestling scene, a scene that WWE has always had a particular interest in. Time will tell. In any case, my WWE Shop-related posts will be useful to WWE fans of all ages, as I introduce ways to express your love for WWE via their merchandise.

WWE Shop is committed to providing high-quality merchandise that captures the essence of what you see inside and outside the ring on WWE-TV in terms of the action, drama, and the personalities. WWE Shop's dedication to authenticity and innovation aligns perfectly with my own passion for the industry, which is another reason why I'm pleased to share this news with you, my valued readers, that I will be collaborating with this respected brand. I will be sharing exclusive content featuring WWE Shop's best and latest offerings, highlighting exciting products.

There will be updates as this partnership unfolds, but in the meantime, head over to WWE Shop to explore their vast collection of WWE merchandise and to show your support for your favorite WWE Superstars.

Unlocking Wrestling's Full Potential: The Power of Consulting

In the captivating world of professional wrestling, where larger-than-life personas clash in thrilling spectacles, there exists an untapped potential waiting to be unleashed. While the industry has captivated audiences for decades, many wrestling promotions find themselves struggling with challenges that hinder their ability to reach their full potential. This is where consulting can be utilized, to be guided towards a future of unparalleled success. As a recent example, I raised Yanagase Pro Wrestling awareness via blogging and social media, which was followed by the promotion announcing an event at a 600-seat venue.

Professional wrestling promoters face a unique set of challenges. They navigate a competitive landscape, constantly seeking to capture the attention of an audience that knows exactly what it wants, and will accept nothing less. Meanwhile, the promoter must balance the demands of producing high-quality entertainment while ensuring financial sustainability. With all of this responsibility, the promoter struggles to maximize the promotion's potential.

This is where consulting steps in, offering a strategic approach to unlocking a wrestling promotion's full potential. An experienced consultant brings a fresh perspective, armed with expertise and insights that can transform promotions from ordinary to extraordinary. They provide the guidance and support needed to overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and propel promotions towards new heights of success. A consultant's potential impact on a wrestling promotion is boundless.

A consultant can enhance storyline writing, creating compelling angles that captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. And it cultivates a loyal fan base, fostering a deep connection between promotions and their devoted supporters.

The power of consulting is a proven catalyst for success. Numerous wrestling promotions have been given an increased professional edge. For example:

- I played a crucial role in the success of the HULKAMANIA- Let the Battle Begin tour in 2009 by effectively distributing press releases, conducting an interview with Solofa Fatu Jr. (better known as, "Rikishi"), and generating positive media coverage.

- I helped BJW (Big Japan Pro-Wrestling) as a columnist via the BJW English website and my blog when it was one of the first Japanese wrestling companies to use the internet to attract the English market outside of Japan. I also 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.

- I helped Michinoku Pro sell out a show at the Korakuen Hall, 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. My writing connected Michinoku Pro with the English-language markets in and outside of Japan, helping them grow in visibility.

- I helped Kyushu Pro Wrestling gain 220 new subscribers and 52,746 new views on its official YouTube channel via blogging and social media.

- I raised XWA awareness when they wanted to attract the wrestling fan market outside of the UK.

- I did a column for XCW (Xtreme Championship Wrestling), a promotion that was seen nationally on MAVTV, had a national DVD deal, and also had PPV events.

- I did a column for 3PW. During my time working for them, 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.

- I worked for the Michigan-based Ultimate Championship Wrestling (UCW) as a publicist and columnist. UCW was an affiliate of the American Wrestling Association Superstars of Wrestling (AWA), and I soon took on the role of publicist and columnist for the AWA as well. During my time with UCW, I played a significant role in bringing in new talent, having established connections with many underutilized and overlooked individuals in the wrestling industry.

- I did social media for Great North Wrestling.

- I helped Middle Kingdom Wrestling activate its multilingual marketing campaign in a Publcist capacity, which raised awareness of the promotion among international fans. My work was essential, 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.

You can see more samples of my writing work here:

https://dailyddt.com/2021/11/22/michinoku-pro-12-17-21-tokyo-event/

https://shorturl.at/oxyS0

https://harold-williams.com/2022/11/michinoku-propreview-2022-tokyo.html

https://www.harold-williams.com/2023/02/ypwtwitcasting-yanagase-pro-wrestling.html

https://www.harold-williams.com/2012/12/4-reasons-why-bjw-has-survived-as-long.html

https://www.harold-williams.com/2021/04/kyushu-pro-wrestling-see-monday-night.html

A consultant can help a promotion improve its marketing and social media presence, generate new revenue streams, and develop a more cohesive brand identity.

With a deep understanding of the wrestling industry, an experienced consultant possesses the knowledge and skills to navigate its complexities and identify untapped opportunities. They are passionate about the professional wrestling business, committed to helping promotions achieve their full potential.

For wrestling promoters seeking to elevate their promotions to the next level, consulting is an invaluable investment. It provides access to a wealth of expertise, strategic guidance, and personalized support, empowering promoters to make informed decisions, overcome challenges, and achieve their long-term goals.

If you are a wrestling promoter seeking to unlock your promotion's full potential, I invite you to contact me. Through my consulting services, I can provide the expertise and guidance you need to achieve remarkable success. Together, we can elevate your promotion to new heights, captivating audiences, expanding your fanbase, and solidifying your position as a leader in the wrestling industry.

Embrace the power of consulting and unleash the full potential of your wrestling promotion. Together, we can create a future where professional wrestling continues to amaze, inspire, and captivate audiences worldwide. Contact me today and start transforming your promotion into a success story.

[Shi-En] [PREVIEW] 1/20/24 Pro-Wrestling Shi-En Event at Hulic Hall Kyoto

Pro-Wrestling Shi-En was launched in 2010 and founded by Kiai Ryuuken Ecchan, who is best known from his 2011 - 2015 appearances in DDT. Shi-En is the second-oldest Osaka-based promotion that is still active. Shi-En will be hosting an event on Saturday, January 20 at Hulic Hall Kyoto, with a 1:00 pm start time (doors open at 12:30 pm).

The card will be as follows:

Hiroto Okubo (who will be competing for the I Love Shi-En Championship at the December 17 Shi-En event! Will Okubo arrive in Hulic Hall Kyoto as the new champion??)
vs.
Eisa8 (as seen in NJPW, NOAH, AJPW, BJW, ZERO1, and Michinoku Pro)

TORU (as seen in AJPW, DDT, BJW, and ZERO1)
Hiroaki Taniguchi (former Pro-Wrestling Shi-En Six Man Tag Team Champion)
Bomber Okuno (as seen in ZERO1)
vs.
Jun Masaoka (as seen in NJPW, DDT, BJW, ZERO1, and Michinoku Pro)
Maro Kuriyama (former Pro-Wrestling Shi-En Six Man Tag Team Champion)
Raipachi Isobe (I Love Shi-En Champion and former Pro-Wrestling Shi-En Six Man Tag Team Champion)

Tickets for this event can be purchased here.

Leveraging Social Media to Grow Your Wrestling Promotion's Fanbase

In today's digital age, social media is an essential tool for any business, and wrestling promotions are no exception. By using social media effectively, you can reach a wider audience, promote your events/merchandise, book talent, and engage with your fans. For example, I have used social media to raise awareness of Yanagase Pro Wrestling events.

There are many benefits to using social media if you have a wrestling promotion. Social media allows promotions to connect with a global audience on an unprecedented scale (providing you with a wider audience than you could ever reach through print ads), it allows you to interact with your fans and build relationships with them to create a community of fans around your promotion, it can be used to promote your events and drive ticket sales, streaming consumption, and it helps you to build brand awareness for your promotion.

To use social media effectively for your wrestling promotion, create high-quality, interesting, and engaging content that your fans will want to see. To keep them engaged, post regularly. For example, a promotion should post on Twitter 3-5 times a day, with the purpose of the posts being to make people more aware of the promotion and what it has to offer. Some of the posts should be news/information about the promotion (including who is on the roster and why people should care), and other posts would promote the promotion's upcoming shows, DVDs, etc.

Even though what is written is important, it's very important to know which hashtags would attract your target audience. Using hashtags that are relevant to your content and your target audience will help you reach new followers, and using a mix of popular and niche hashtags will help you reach a wider audience. But keep in mind that using too many hashtags can actually decrease engagement.

I can help your company with all of that. On a side note, social media platforms are not the only place that your company can utilize. I use this blog to publish articles that not only promote a company's wrestling shows, but are also informative. Articles about wrestling companies that are informative are appealing to fans, because most fans are always interested in learning about wrestlers and companies they are not familiar with. Also, my blog is indexed on Google News, which has over 11 million visits every day. Some examples of my work are that I helped BJW (Big Japan Pro-Wrestling) as a columnist when it was one of the first Japanese wrestling companies to use social media to attract the English market outside of Japan, I helped Michinoku Pro Wrestling sell out a show at the Korakuen Hall, I helped Kyushu Pro Wrestling gain 220 new subscribers and 52,746 new views on its official YouTube channel, I raised XWA awareness when they wanted to attract the wrestling fan market outside of the UK, I raised Yanagase Pro Wrestling awareness which was followed by Yanagase Pro Wrestling announcing an event at a 600-seat venue, and I helped Middle Kingdom Wrestling activate its multilingual marketing campaign.

You can see more samples of my work here:

https://harold-williams.com/2012/12/4-reasons-why-bjw-has-survived-as-long.html

https://harold-williams.com/2022/11/michinoku-propreview-2022-tokyo.html

https://harold-williams.com/2021/04/kyushu-pro-wrestling-see-monday-night.html

I am a wrestling consultant and social media expert who has helped numerous wrestling promotions grow their fanbases and increase their ticket sales through the use of social media. I offer a variety of social media consulting services, including social media strategy development, content creation, and social media management. If you are looking for help with your social media, I am the expert you need. Contact me today to learn more about my consulting services.

By following the tips above, you can use social media to grow your wrestling promotion's fanbase and achieve your marketing goals. Are you looking for help with your social media? Contact me today at info@harold-williams.com to learn more about my consulting services. I have helped numerous wrestling promotions grow their fanbases and increase their ticket sales through the use of social media, and I am a passionate advocate for the use of social media in the wrestling industry. I believe that social media is an essential tool for any wrestling promotion that wants to be successful.

Archive Interview: Navajo Warrior

(originally published 9/01/03)

The Navajo Warrior has had many highlights during his extensive career. He has held the AWF Title, AWA Title, IWA Heavyweight Title, WSW Title, IZW Title, NWF Tag Title, UPW.COM Title, AWA Tag Team Title, FCW/NAWF Tag Team Title, WSW Tag Team Title, and the ICW Tag Team Title. Navajo has also worked for WWE.

Q: How long have you been involved in the business?

A: I started training in 1990.

Q: Why did you enter the pro-wrestling industry?

A: I attended my first live event at 10, and wanted to be a wrestler ever since.

Q: Where did you receive your training to become a pro-wrestler?

A: I was trained by WWF prelim wrestler Steve Gatorwolf.

Q: What do you like the most about being in the business?

A: I love performing in front of a live crowd.

Q: Which persona appeals to you the most: Face, Heel, or Tweener?

A: I am very comfortable as a Face.

Q: What is your gimmick?

A: Basically I am myself (Native American).

Q: Which do you feel has been your best match so far?

A: My personal favorite was against John Cena in 2002.

Q: Whom would you like to wrestle, that you have not yet done so?

A: Hulk Hogan.

Q: You have worked with WWE on many occasions, wrestling in televised and non-televised matches for them, as well as appearing on, "RAW" as a judge for the Scott Steiner-Triple H, "Posedown" contest this past January. Are you interested in working for WWE full-time, or do you prefer working for WWE while still making yourself available to independent promotions?

A: I would love to wrestle for WWE on a full-time basis.

Q: You had worked for World Wrestling Allstars, taking part in one of their PPV's. When WWA first began promoting, pro-wrestling fans had predicted that WWA would quickly become a strong competitor of WWE. Almost 2-years later, WWA only promotes in Australia. In your opinion, why have they not yet lived up to the previous expectations of the fans, and do you think that will change in the future?

A: I think the fans were expecting them to be direct competition with WWE, but I don't think the company was trying to reach that goal. I don't see that changing any time in the near future, I believe they are happy doing what they are doing.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: Spend time with family.

Q: You have taken your knowledge and experience within the pro-wrestling industry and put it to use as a trainer at the Impact Zone Wrestling school. How does your school differ from others? Also, has it produced any talent that you predict big things for in the future?

A: I know that IZW has the most up to date training, especially with some of our trainers getting to work out with the WWE talent and get new ideas. One of my very first students went on to WCW, and then was released. He has now signed with WWE. I also have about 5 students that are getting work with WWE on televised and dark matches.

Q: What has been your proudest achievement in the business?

A: Getting to wrestle in front of my home crowd at a sold out WWE event.

I hope you enjoyed this interview with Navajo Warrior. In 2003, I began running my own website, World Wrestling Optimum, which consisted of news, articles, and interviews, including this one.

[Shi-En] [PREVIEW] 12/17/23 Pro-Wrestling Shi-En Event at Tennoji Civic Center (Osaka)

Pro-Wrestling Shi-En was launched in 2010 and founded by Kiai Ryuuken Ecchan, who is best known from his 2011 - 2015 appearances in DDT. Shi-En is the second-oldest Osaka-based promotion that is still active. Shi-En will be hosting an event on Sunday, December 17 at Tennoji Civic Center, with a 1:00 pm start time (doors open at 12:30 pm).

The card will be as follows:

I Love Shi-En ChampionshipHiroaki Taniguchi
Raipachi Isobe (I Love Shi-En Champion)
vs.
Hiroto Okubo (former Pro-Wrestling Shi-En Champion)

Pro-Wrestling Shi-En Six Man Tag Team Championship
Kiai Ryuuken Ecchan (Pro-Wrestling Shi-En Six Man Tag Team Champion)
Rascal Fujiwara (Pro-Wrestling Shi-En Six Man Tag Team Champion)
Donguri Fujie (Pro-Wrestling Shi-En Six Man Tag Team Champion)
vs.
Hiroaki Taniguchi (former Pro-Wrestling Shi-En Six Man Tag Team Champion)
Bomber Okuno (as seen in ZERO1)
Ogyu Yoriaki

Tickets for this event can be purchased here.

How to Promote Wrestling Events Effectively

In the competitive world of professional wrestling, promotion is key to attracting fans and generating excitement for your events. Whether you're a seasoned promoter or just starting out, there are strategies you can employ to effectively promote your wrestling events and draw in a passionate audience.

The foundation of successful promotion lies in creating a strong and compelling product that fans will want to see. This means presenting exciting matches, developing a captivating and compelling storyline when needed, and showcasing talented wrestlers. Ensure that your events offer a unique and entertaining experience that will leave attendees wanting more.

Identifying and understanding your target audience is crucial for tailoring your promotional efforts to their preferences and interests, reaching your desired audience effectively. Are you targeting marks, smarks, casual fans, or a mixture? One of the main goals for your promotion should be to increase how much money it makes, and the key to doing that is knowing what style of promoting will make your target audience be willing to spend money.

Embrace new media, such as a blog, and social media platforms (like Twitter and Facebook), which offer immense reach and engagement opportunities. The desire of every wrestling promotion owner is to see their company grow. New media will help make that happen, but what is written on these resources is just as important. Creating engaging social media content will generate buzz and attract fans, increasing the amount of money your promotion makes. And a part of increasing the amount of money your company makes is branching outside of its area, so if you have a wrestling promotion that has shows available via streaming, you should add advertising that will attract interest from other areas of your country, as well as from overseas. And even if your wrestling shows are not available via streaming, there's opportunity to strengthen your company's brand by utilizing new media. Provide writing that informs your target audience about the company and its shows, in a fashion that makes them interested in your product. Concrete examples of how this strategy has been successfully implemented is that I used new media to help Michinoku Pro Wrestling sell out a show at the Korakuen Hall, and to raise awareness of Yanagase Pro Wrestling events. But remember, new media can be one of the best or worst things to happen to your promotion, so use it wisely, or hire someone who can.

Some promoters consider paid advertising for targeted reach and to have the visibility of their event boosted, but promoters should be aware of the challenges of paid advertising. It can be quite expensive, especially on platforms like social media and search engines. Also, ad fraud is a growing problem in the digital advertising industry, which means that you may pay for ads that will never actually be seen by real people.

An idea that would add an element of excitement and intrigue to your event would be hosting it in a unique and unconventional location, such as at an outdoor park, near a historical landmark, or at a theater. This would attract fans who may not typically attend wrestling events.

Create special ticket packages that include exclusive merchandise. These would entice fans and generate additional revenue.

Consider seeking professional guidance and assistance from an experienced wrestling consultant like me. With my expertise, I can help you develop effective promotional strategies, tailor your approach to your specific needs, and maximize your event's success.

Remember, promoting wrestling events effectively is an ongoing process that requires creativity, consistency, and a deep understanding of your target audience. By implementing these strategies and seeking guidance from an experienced professional, you can effectively promote your wrestling events, attract a passionate fan base, and elevate your business to new heights.

[Pro Wrestling KAGEKI][PREVIEW] "Jijikka Charity Pro Wrestling" 11/23

Active since 1997 and founded by Azteca (who has appeared in NJPW, NOAH, AJPW, DG, DDT, BJW, FMW, ZERO1, and Michinoku Pro), the Fukuoka-based Pro Wrestling KAGEKI was the first wrestling promotion to be established in the city, and also hosts events in other parts of western Japan. This Thursday, November 23, KAGEKI will present a, "Jijikka Charity Pro Wrestling" event at Torikai Elementary School Gymnasium in Kurume (977 Umemitsumachi), with a 2:30 pm start time (doors open at 1:30 pm). The event will be free, and there will be a pro wrestling class at 2 pm.

The card will be as follows:

Azteca
Tacos Kid
vs.
Astro Z
Trueno Guerrero

"3 WAY", match
KING (as seen in AJPW and DDT)
vs.
Azul Dragon (as seen in AJPW and DDT)
vs.
[to be announced]

Hakata Tag Team Championship
Satoshi Ogawa (Hakata Tag Team Champion)
El Brave (Hakata Tag Team Champion)
vs.
Professor Ito
Masa Goto

You can get more information by calling Jijikka via 0942-48-0908

How to Increase Attendance at Wrestling Events

Wrestling is a multi-billion dollar industry that continues to be a popular form of entertainment. WWE, with its large and active social media following, produces over 5 hours of live content every week and has a global television audience of over 800 million people in 180 countries. Wrestling is especially popular in America, Canada, Japan, Mexico, and the UK.

However, in recent years, many wrestling promotions, having difficulty creating new stars, have struggled to attract and retain fans. This has led to a decline in attendance at wrestling events. If you are a wrestling promoter, there are a number of things you can do to increase attendance at your events.

The most important factor in attracting fans is to create a strong product that they want to see. This means presenting exciting matches, and when there is a feud involved, including a compelling storyline. You should also make sure that your events are well-produced and entertaining.

Once you have created a strong product, you need to let people know about it, promoting your events effectively. A wrestling writer can promote your upcoming shows, DVD's, etc. by writing about them on their platform and also sharing the information with their followers on social media. This would help to increase attendance at your events. If you hire a wrestling writer, you will probably have to choose between one that is high-quality/very experienced or a less experienced/less expensive one. Your decision will depend on what is higher on your priority list: quality or cost. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to hire one who is not very experienced and who will probably be low cost. However, remember that you usually get what you pay for and they may not produce the same quality of work as a more experienced one. If you hire one who is well-respected and has a lot of experience, their rates are likely to be higher than less experienced ones, but so will their quality of work. This will lead to better results for your wrestling company. Also keep in mind that it's possible for a high-quality/very experienced service to be expensive yet also affordable.

Wrestling tickets can be expensive, which can deter some fans from attending events. So, make sure that your events are affordable.

Create a fan-friendly environment at events that are welcoming and enjoyable for them. The best-case scenario would be comfortable seating, clean restrooms, and a variety of concessions. You could also have security personnel on hand to ensure fans that they will be safe.

If you are struggling to increase attendance at your events, you may want to consider hiring a wrestling consultant. A consultant can help you develop a marketing plan, create compelling content that resonates with wrestling fans, optimize your website and social media presence for maximum impact, and provide you with valuable insights into the wrestling industry.

I am a wrestling consultant with decades of experience in the industry. I have helped numerous promotions increase attendance at their events. An example of my work are that I helped Michinoku Pro Wrestling sell out a show at the Korakuen Hall.

I can help you develop a comprehensive plan to attract and retain fans. Contact me today at info@harold-williams.com

Archive Interview: Matt Cross

(originally published 10/01/03)

Using his arsenal of amazing high flying maneuvers, Matt Cross (aka, "MDogg20") has been impressing fans all over the world. He and Josh Prohibition currently hold both the XPW and CAPW Tag Team Titles.

Q: How long have you been involved in the business?

A: Including backyarding days and my untrained indy days 4 years. Professionally I've been wrestling for just over 2 years.

Q: Why did you enter the pro-wrestling industry?

A: ECW and feuds like RVD/Jerry Lynn, Mike Awesome/Masato Tanaka, and Super Crazy/Tajiri made me want to wrestle.

Q: Where did you receive your training to become a pro-wrestler?

A: Cleveland All Pro Wrestling Training Center under JT Lightning.

Q: What do you like the most about being in the business?

A: Being able to travel and put on good matches for different crowds. I have a lot of friends in the business now and it's great to see em when I can. I've also become good friends with many fans so it's cool to have met so many different people through wrestling.

Q: You tend to work for promotions that have a high risk style: IWA Mid-South, JCW, XPW, Combat Zone Wrestling, Cleveland All Pro Wrestling. What is it about the hardcore style that appeals to you?

A: Since ECW is the sole reason I'm wrestling that has always been the style closest to my heart. I'm not really too into storylines or punch punch kick kick garbage so I try to wrestle in a style that I myself enjoy as a fan. Those feds also tend to get the most recognition which is nice.

Q: With the amount of hardcore promotions that exist and new ones constantly appearing, do you think that the hardcore style is the future of professional wrestling?

A: That depends on what you mean by "hardcore". To me Jerry Lynn and Rob Van Dam matches epitomized "hardcore" but they never used light tubes, tacks, glass, or any of that garbage. I don't think gimmick or garbage matches are the future of wrestling but I do think "hardcore" in terms of action, pace, build, and innovation is the future.

Q: WWE and WCW both had their own Hardcore divisions at one time. What were your opinions of their versions of hardcore wrestling, and is it a style of hardcore wrestling that you would like to take part in?

A: Those were jokes that only existed to try and exploit the growing, undeniable popularity of ECW and its true brand of hardcore wrestling. No, I would not be interested in taking part in matches like that or any "hardcore" match with weapons or whatever. I'll leave that to the guys that do it better and I'll stick to what I do best.

Q: Although backyard wrestling gets negative press by mainstream publicity and is discouraged by WWE, the, "Best of Backyard Wrestling" video series is well known, and there is now a, "Backyard Wrestling" video game. You were a backyard wrestler yourself and are involved in both the video series and the video game. Do you feel that the fact that you're a pro-wrestler and XPW Tag Team Champion who has this type of involvement in backyard wrestling helps backyard wrestling become more acceptable to the mainstream press, the pro-wrestling industry, and pro-wrestling fans?

A: I don't think so because I'm not the biggest proponent of backyard wrestling. I had 4 "backyard" matches in my entire career for no fans and they were all jokes based on pure boredom. We never took it serious and we never thought it would lead to anything. When we decided to pursue wrestling we did what you have to do and that's went and received formal training. After about a year of that we hit the indy scene and started working our way up. I guess I have no problem with backyard wrestling if it's just done for fun and as long as the kids know it'll never get em anywhere and they're not taking ridiculous risks. They play pick up games of basketball, backyard tackle football, and baseball so who am I to tell em they can't mess around with their friends wrestling in the backyard if they want to. I don't think I've contributed to making backyard wrestling any more acceptable because if you ask me about any sort of career in wrestling the first thing I'll tell you to do is get trained.

Q: Which persona appeals to you the most: Face, Heel, or Tweener?

A: I've been a Face in about 98% of the matches I've ever worked and I always enjoy getting the crowd behind me and being on the receiving end of chants and everything. On the other hand though, every time I've been a Heel I've really enjoyed it as well. I think it's a lot easier and most wrestling fans are fat and idiots so it's cool to be able to call it like it is, lol.

Q: What is your gimmick?

A: Um, I wear silver pants, I get pissed, I wreck people, I scream a lot, lol. I've been going by "Iron" Matt Cross a lot more lately which is like a more serious competitor compared to MDogg20 when I used to do a lot more dancing and what not.

Q: Which do you feel has been your best match so far?

A: Probably Josh [Prohibition] and I against Jardi Frantz and Bobby Quance for XPW back in February for the My Bloody Valentine Tour in LA. That match was a lot of fun and everything seemed to really click.

Q: Which has been your favorite match so far?

A: I've enjoyed many of my matches against Josh Prohibition, Chris Hamrick, Chris Hero and many others. It's impossible to pick just one match as my favorite.

Q: Whom would you like to wrestle, that you have not yet done so?

A: AJ Styles one on one.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: Lift weights, spend time in the gym, work out, exercise, lol, plan and execute public stunts (ala MTV's, "Jackass"), play in my band (I currently play drums in a Misfits cover band but I also play bass), write music, ride motorcycles, go to Punk Rock shows.

Q: What is your long-term goal in the business?

A: I really have no idea. I don't know what I'm doing tonight let alone in the future. When I started wrestling my goals were to wrestle in another country, be flown somewhere to wrestle, wrestle on PPV, and get a WWWWWWWW f'n E darkmatch. I've accomplished the first 2 so hopefully I can work on getting the second two under my belt. I'd like to be on the level of someone like Chris Daniels as far as worldwide recognition, and be able to wrestle anywhere in the states and have fans. Hopefully the video game and our nationally released video, "Don't Come Home Bleeding" will lead to other ventures into the entertainment industry which is where I'd like to end up. For more info on me and what I've been up to be sure to check out www.mdogg20.com Thanks for your time.

I hope you enjoyed this interview with Matt Cross. In 2003, I began running my own website, World Wrestling Optimum, which consisted of news, articles, and interviews, including this one.

Harnessing the Power of Marketing Strategies to Elevate Your Wrestling Promotion

In the world of professional wrestling, where larger-than-life personas and captivating storylines draw in passionate audiences, the role of marketing cannot be overstated. A well-crafted marketing strategy can transform your wrestling promotion from a local attraction to a global phenomenon, creating new fans worldwide.

Before embarking on any marketing endeavor, it is crucial to decide on the type of wrestling fan that you want to target. Do you want to draw fans who are most interested in the future stars of the pro-wrestling scene, or fans who prefer to watch the veterans of the ring in action?

By understanding your potential audience's wants, you can tailor your marketing efforts to resonate with their interests. This could involve creating engaging social media content that aligns with their preferences or developing merchandise that caters to their specific tastes.

Navigating the ever-changing landscape of marketing can be challenging, especially for wrestling promotions with limited resources. This is where consulting services prove invaluable.

With decades of experience in the professional wrestling industry and a proven track record of success, I am here to help wrestling promotions like yours achieve their marketing goals, so I encourage you to contact me at info@harold-williams.com. As your marketing consultant, I can provide tailored guidance to elevate your promotion's marketing strategy. I can help you:

- Define your target audience and develop a personalized marketing plan.
- Create compelling content that resonates with wrestling fans.
- Optimize your website and social media presence for maximum impact.

Some examples of my work are that I helped Michinoku Pro Wrestling sell out a show at the Korakuen Hall, I helped Kyushu Pro Wrestling gain 220 new subscribers and 52,746 new views on its official YouTube channel, I raised Yanagase Pro Wrestling awareness which was followed by Yanagase Pro Wrestling announcing an event at a 600-seat venue, and I helped Middle Kingdom Wrestling activate its multilingual marketing campaign.

Wrestling promotions experience a significant return on investment (ROI) by investing in marketing. It helps promotions reach a wider audience, generate more ticket sales, and increase merchandise sales. Also, marketing helps promotions build brand awareness and create a loyal fanbase. The specific ROI for a wrestling promotion will vary depending on a number of factors, including the size of the promotion and the target audience. However, there is no doubt that marketing is a valuable investment for wrestling promotions of all sizes.

Effective marketing is the lifeblood of any successful wrestling promotion. By understanding your audience, utilizing a variety of marketing channels, and seeking expert guidance when needed, you can transform your promotion into a force to be reckoned with in the wrestling world. Remember, marketing is not just about promoting your events; it's about creating a connection with your audience, fostering a sense of community, and sharing the passion for the wrestling industry that drives your promotion. The average person uses the internet for six hours and 57 minutes every day. Good marketing has the power to make your promotion stand out and draw their attention to your product. I encourage you to contact me at info@harold-williams.com so that you can embrace the true power of marketing and enable your promotion to shine with a professional edge.

You can see samples of my work here.

The Ongoing Popularity of GLOW

GLOW featured female wrestlers competing in entertaining matches that helped GLOW become creatively one the best American female wrestling promotions of all-time. In the decades following GLOW's run on television, it has continued to be popular.

I have had the opportunity to interview Little Feather, Ashley Cartier, Roxy Astor, Patricia "Sunny" Summerland (2013 and 2019 update), Dawn "Godiva" Maestas, Jeanne "Hollywood" Basone, Gremlina, MTV, and Jailbait, with each wrestler recalling their memories of GLOW and their best/favorite matches; and every month at least one of my interviews with a GLOW wrestler is among the most viewed posts on this blog. Also, documentaries have been made about GLOW, and DVDs are still available online. And in recent years, a new generation of wrestling fans was introduced to the GLOW brand via a Netflix series of the same name that ran from 2017 to 2019 and presented a fictionalized account of the promotion.

Why has GLOW been able to maintain its popularity? One reason is that it was a lot of fun, with exciting and unpredictable matches featuring wrestlers who were likable regardless of whether they were face or heel. There was someone for everyone, with each character having their own unique personality. In fact, each character's personality stood out more than the wrestler's in-ring ability, proving that they were all charismatic performers, which makes them unforgettable.

My guess is that GLOW also was empowering for women, being that all of the wrestlers were brave and took on all challengers, no matter their size. All GLOW wrestlers stood up for themselves, which makes them role models even today.

Also, GLOW may be nostalgic for many wrestling fans, viewing the 1980s (when GLOW began) as being a simpler time for a fan. These days, many fans are very critical of matches and keep track of viewership numbers. However, back in the 1980s, most fans just wanted to be entertained.

Overall, GLOW has continued to maintain its popularity because it was fun, entertaining, and empowering with diverse characters, created during a time that wrestling fans just wanted to be wrestling fans. GLOW appealed to people of all ages and backgrounds, male and female alike; and it surely will continue to be popular for many years to come.

[HPW] Hokuto Pro Wrestling 11/27/23 at Concariño (Sapporo)

Active since 2004 and founded by referee Crane Nakajo, the Hokkaido-based Hokuto Pro Wrestling (HPW) hosts events all over the region. On Monday, November 27th, HPW will be coming to Concariño in Sapporo (directly connected to Kotoni Station), where they will be presenting a one-day tournament. The event will start at 6:50pm (doors will open at 6:00 pm).



These will be the qualifying matches for the tournament:

Katsuo (HWC Champion)
vs.
Sidney Shota Stevens (as seen in AJPW)

Syuuou Fujiwara (NWA Missouri Heavyweight Champion and former CCW Canadian Heavyweight Champion)
vs.
Toshiki Iwaki (former ZERO1 United National Heavyweight Champion)

Shota Nakagawa (as seen in AJPW, DDT, and BJW)
vs.
Rekka (as seen in NJPW, AJPW, DG, BJW, and Michinoku Pro)

Ru Rururu (as seen in Ice Ribbon)
vs.
Kumagoro Hokkai (as seen in AJPW)

Along with tournament action, HPW will also be presenting a women's tag team match:

Ami Kanda (as seen in DDT, ZERO1, Ice Ribbon, and WAVE)
Rina Amikura (former Ice Ribbon and WAVE star)
vs.
Hamuko Hoshi (former International Ribbon Tag Team Champion)
Ayame Sasamura (former Sendai Girls star)

You can get ticket information by contacting HPW via crane_hokuto@hotmail.co.jp

How Japanese Wrestling Promotions Can Learn from the WWE and Abema Partnership

The recent partnership between WWE and Abema is a big deal for the Japanese wrestling industry. It gives Japanese fans access to WWE content in a way that they never have before, Abema access to WWE's vast library of content, WWE access to Abema's large Japanese audience...and a learning experience for Japanese wrestling promotions.

That's right- if you have a Japanese wrestling promotion, there are ways to learn from the WWE and Abema partnership and grow your business. I'm a wrestling consulting expert with decades of experience in the industry, including several years working in Japan. I've helped wrestling promotions of all sizes achieve their goals, and I can help you utilize the lessons that can be learned from the WWE and Abema partnership.

Last month, I wrote about the impact of Japanese wrestling on the global wrestling scene, stating that promotions such as Yanagase Pro Wrestling broadcasts shows on TwitCasting, a livestreaming service based in Japan that has over 33 million registered users worldwide, and that as promotions in Japan increase in popularity while utilizing streaming services, they will have an impact on major promotions that are outside of Japan in the future. Now that WWE has partnered with Abema, it's time to realize the power of streaming services if you have not already done so. And just like how WWE is using a streaming service to reach the Japan audience, Japanese wrestling promotions can reach a wider audience than ever before, reaching wrestling fans all over the world with live broadcasts of shows or creating exclusive content for fans.

Abema is presenting WWE content that is tailored to the Japanese audience. Similarly, Japanese wrestling promotions can create content that is tailored to the English speaking/reading audience inside and outside of Japan, including things like English commentary, English-language social media accounts, and writing articles and blog posts in English. Several major Japanese wrestling promotions are already doing this, but it's something that a Japanese promotion of any size can do.

I can help you with everything from marketing and promotion- I have a deep understanding of the international professional wrestling market, and I can help you create and implement strategies and marketing plans that will target and resonate with fans all over the world. Additionally, I can advise you on how to create content that is tailored to all audiences.

I have a proven track record of success in helping wrestling promotions succeed for decades. Here are some examples of my work:

- I helped Big Japan Pro-Wrestling to form a working relationship with Combat Zone Wrestling. This new working relationship led to Big Japan Pro-Wrestling having its first event in the United States.
- I helped Michinoku Pro Wrestling sell out a show at the Korakuen Hall.
- I helped Kyushu Pro Wrestling gain 220 new subscribers and 52,746 new views on its official YouTube channel.
- I raised Yanagase Pro Wrestling awareness, which was followed by Yanagase Pro Wrestling announcing an event at a 600-seat venue.
- I helped Middle Kingdom Wrestling activate its multilingual marketing campaign.

The WWE and Abema partnership also gives Japanese wrestling promotions the potential to work with WWE. Although WWE has a reputation of never acknowledging or working with other promotions, WWE actually has had relationships with other promotions on many occasions, including promotions that are based in Japan. With WWE currently not having a relationship with a Japanese wrestling promotion, this is the perfect opportunity for one to cross-promote with WWE, while the company is very interested in the Japan scene. This could lead to WWE wrestlers appearing at your shows, and perhaps even your talent appearing on a WWE event if the company hosts or co-produces another event in Japan in the future.

If you're a Japanese wrestling promoter and you're looking to utilize the lessons that can be learned from the WWE and Abema partnership, I can help. Contact me today at info@harold-williams.com to learn more about my services and how I can help you achieve your goals.

Archive Interview: Matt Bentley

(originally published 10/7/05)

Matt Bentley is currently employed by TNA, and is a member of their X Division. He is a former multi-time X Division Champion, and is cousins with Shawn Michaels. Bentley has thrown down the challenge for the X Division to face him in the return of The Ultimate X Match at the October 23 Bound For Glory Pay-Per-View.

Q: How long have you been involved in the business?

A: I have been involved in the wrestling business since late 1999, so almost 6 years.

Q: Why did you enter the pro-wrestling industry?

A: Wrestling was always something that I loved since the first time that I watched it. I went to college to play baseball, but it was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to pursue a wrestling career. Of course having a relative in the business was also another reason.

Q: Where did you receive your training to become a pro-wrestler?

A: I trained in San Antonio, TX at the Shawn Michaels Wrestling Academy.

Q: What do you like the most about being in the business?

A: I really like that I get to travel and see different places. If it weren't for wrestling I would have never gone to Japan.

Q: How much attention do you pay to the pro-wrestling media and Internet pro-wrestling fans?

A: I check out the sites every once in a while, but I don't pay too much attention to it.

Q: Which persona appeals to you the most: Face, Heel, or Tweener?

A: Definitely Heel, it really seems easy for me to get people to hate me.

Q: What is your gimmick?

A: Basically a cocky young guy who doesn't care what other people think.

Q: Which do you feel has been your best match so far?

A: One of my best matches would be the street fight that I had with Paul London in Ring Of Honor, and the other would be the very first Ultimate X match.

Q: Which has been your favorite match so far?

A: The same two I just mentioned, the street fight and Ultimate X.

Q: Whom would you like to wrestle, that you have not yet done so?

A: Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho.

Q: You have been a part of promotions that have come and gone, such as WCW, ECW, and FMW. If either company had given you creative control, what would you have done differently?

A: I just wouldn't have spent as much money as they did. In WCW they were handing out guaranteed contracts and guys were just not showing up to work because they were getting paid no matter what.

Q: Do you think that either company would still be here today if you had been at the helm?

A: Probably not, if Paul Heyman can't keep a company alive I don't know who could have. In ECW it was just a matter of money. They didn't have a money backer with enough money to keep the company alive.

Q: How much of a boost do you think TNA will receive from being on SpikeTV?

A: It will get a huge boost. Being on national TV gives you the opportunity to reach a much broader audience.

Q: Do you think that we are far from seeing Monday Night Wars II: TNA iMPACT vs. WWE RAW?

A: That could definitely be a possibility down the road. If Spike gets behind TNA the possibilities are endless.

Q: When you worked for WWE, you were used as an enhancement talent. Do you think that WWE would have benefited financially if they would have pushed you as at least a midcarder, as TNA is doing?

A: Definitely, I think the opportunity to do an angle with Shawn and myself could have definitely drawn some money.

Q: What do you do in your spare time?

A: Relax, and play music.

Q: You have taken your knowledge and experience within the pro-wrestling industry and put it to use as a trainer at the FXE (Federation X Entertainment) training facility in Orlando, Fl. How will the FXE training facility differ from other academies and schools?

A: At FXE we really put everything into training our students the way they need to get trained. We don't just take their money and wish them good luck. They get the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business. The Dudley's usually come down about once a week and train and offer advice to the guys that you can't get anywhere else. If anyone is interested in joining the FXE training program please contact FXE at aj@fxewrestling.com

Q: What is your long-term goal in the business?

A: To make a lot of money.

I hope you enjoyed this interview with Matt Bentley. In 2003, I began running my own website, World Wrestling Optimum, which consisted of news, articles, and interviews, including this one.

How to Develop a Successful Marketing Strategy for Your Wrestling Promotion

Wrestling is a competitive industry, and it's important to have a strong marketing strategy in place to attract fans and grow your promotion. A well-crafted marketing strategy can help you increase brand awareness, generate ticket sales, build a loyal fan base, and position your promotion as the go-to destination for wrestling fans. If you need help developing a successful marketing strategy for your wrestling promotion, I encourage you to contact me at info@harold-williams.com. I have decades of experience in wrestling marketing and I can help you create a strategy that will help you achieve your marketing goals. Some examples of my work are that I helped Michinoku Pro Wrestling sell out a show at the Korakuen Hall, I helped Kyushu Pro Wrestling gain 220 new subscribers and 52,746 new views on its official YouTube channel, I raised Yanagase Pro Wrestling awareness which was followed by Yanagase Pro Wrestling announcing an event at a 600-seat venue, and I helped Middle Kingdom Wrestling activate its multilingual marketing campaign.

Define your target audience, deciding on who you are trying to reach with your marketing. Are you targeting marks, smarks, casual fans, or a mixture? Once you decide on your target audience, you can tailor your marketing messages and strategies accordingly. I can help your wrestling company with all of that. The location doesn't matter- I have done work for companies based in Japan, Canada, and the UK while in the US, and for companies based in the US, Canada, and China while in Japan.

Decide on what type of wrestling experience your product will offer fans- will it spotlight high-quality action, compelling storylines, or a family-friendly atmosphere? Make sure that your product is well-defined and appeals to your target audience.

Identify what makes your promotion unique. What makes your wrestling promotion different from the others? Why should fans come to your shows instead of watching other wrestling promotions? For example, I helped BJW (Big Japan Pro-Wrestling) as a columnist when it was one of the first Japanese wrestling companies to make a website to attract the English market outside of Japan. Whether your promotion is being compared to WWE / AEW or a local independent, there is a reason for a fan to choose yours, and you need to figure out what that reason is. And if you don't believe you have the best wrestling promotion in the industry, no one will. Even WWE, NXT, and AEW would be business failures if Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and Tony Khan didn't individually believe they are presenting the best product on TV. Once you realize what makes your promotion special, you can communicate it to fans in a clear and concise way.

Decide what you want to achieve with your marketing strategy and set marketing goals for your promotion. Do you want to increase ticket sales, DVD sales, streaming revenue, social media followers, YouTube channel views? Once you know what you want to accomplish, you can develop strategies to achieve your goals.

Decide how much you will charge for tickets to your shows, and if you will offer discounts for groups or families. Your pricing strategy should be competitive and affordable for your target audience.

Decide if your shows will take place in large arenas, small venues, or both. Choose locations that are convenient for your target audience and can accommodate the size of your shows.

When you are deciding on ticket prices and venue size, it's important to consider the cost of producing your shows, which includes factors such as venue rental fees, how much you will spend on wrestler's booking fees, and travel expenses. It would also be a good idea to consider your marketing experience and the drawing power of the wrestlers that you book for your shows. If you rent a 700-seat venue, book wrestlers who have only wrestled in small promotions, and you are not good at marketing a wrestling product, the results will be disastrous. And even if you do book name talent, that 700-seat venue will be less than a quarter full if you don't market your product correctly. A wrestling writer or publicist can help your promotion build a stronger brand and relationships with potential fans, taking your company to another level and leading to increased ticket sales.

If you hire a wrestling writer or publicist, you will probably have to choose between one that is high-quality/very experienced or a less experienced/less expensive one. Your decision will depend on what is higher on your priority list: quality or cost. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to hire one who is not very experienced and who will probably be low cost. However, remember that you usually get what you pay for and they may not produce the same quality of work as a more experienced one. If you hire one who is well-respected and has a lot of experience, their rates are likely to be higher than less experienced ones, but so will their quality of work. This will lead to better results for your wrestling company. Also keep in mind that it's possible for a high-quality/very experienced service to be expensive yet also affordable.

In today's competitive wrestling landscape, it's more important than ever to have a strong marketing strategy, and my consulting services can help promotions develop and implement a successful marketing strategy. If you need help developing a successful marketing strategy for your wrestling promotion, I encourage you to contact me at info@harold-williams.com. I have decades of experience in wrestling marketing and I can help you to create a strategy that will help you to achieve your marketing goals.

[Osaka Pro Wrestling] [PREVIEW] "Excalibur" 12/10/23

Active since 1999 and currently owned by former Triple Crown Champion Zeus, Osaka Pro Wrestling is one of the most popular promotions in Osaka, a city with a population of around 2.6 million and has maintained its ancestral traditions. Osaka Pro's goal is to the best source of entertainment in Japan, as they present shows that are suitable for wrestling fans of all ages. In fact, Osaka Pro wants to be the promotion that has the most children-aged fans in Japan. With a roster of wrestlers who live in Osaka and its surrounding area showcasing their talents, Osaka Pro is on the path to accomplishing this. On Sunday, December 10th, Osaka Pro will present "Excalibur", its biggest show of the year, at the new Sakishima Morena arena in Osaka (1 Chome-12-10 Nankokita, Suminoe Ward, Osaka, 559-0034). Doors will open at 2 pm, and the event will start at 3 pm.

The card will be as follows:

Osaka Pro Championship
Quiet Storm (Osaka Pro Champion)
vs.
Zeus (former Osaka Pro Champion and former Triple Crown Champion)

Osaka Pro Tag Team Championship
Takoyakida (Osaka Pro Tag Team Champion)
Ultimate Spider Jr. (Osaka Pro Tag Team Champion)
vs.
TORU (as seen in AJPW, DDT, BJW, and ZERO1)
Goliath

Osaka Pro Owarai Championship
Kuishinbo Kamen (Osaka Pro Owarai Champion)
vs.
Ebessan (former Osaka Pro Owarai Champion)
vs.
Joichiro Osaka (fomer Osaka Pro Owarai Champion)

Tickets for this event can be purchased at Sakishima Morena.

How to Find and Book the Right Talent for Your Promotion

Finding and booking the right talent is essential for the success of any wrestling promotion. You need to find wrestlers who are talented, capable of drawing fans, and are a good fit for your promotion.

After considering your budget, target audience (age, gender, location), and the types of wrestling matches and storylines your target audience enjoys watching, in order to find the right talent for your promotion, the first thing that you need to do is decide the type of wrestlers that you are looking for: Traditional? Hardcore? Men? Women? Young? Experienced? Technical? Quick and agile? Once you know what types of wrestlers would fit the vision of your promotion, it will be much easier to look for and find the talent that you need. And no matter what that vision is, it’s important that the vision is clear. This will help you to identify the right types of wrestlers for your promotion and to create a roster that is complementary and balanced.

When you begin your search, talk with other promoters (who can recommend wrestlers based on their own personal experiences with them), attend shows so that you scout talent, and use social media to do additional scouting and so that you can connect with wrestlers all over the world and announce that you are looking to book talent. An experienced wrestling writer can also provide you with valuable insights into the talent that is available.

If you want talented wrestlers who draw well to wrestle on your shows long-term, you're going to have to give them more than a handshake, a hot dog, a pizza, a pack of cigarettes, or gas money after wrestling for you. Even if a wrestler loves what they're doing, they have bills to pay, just like you do. Pay them- even a small amount will do. But also keep in mind that if you pay the wrestlers what they are worth, you will see them stay and make your promotion more successful. And this will also help you stand out from other promotions, attracting the interest of the best wrestlers available.

Before booking a talent, try to find out about their backstage reputation. If the talent has a lot of heat with promoters and other talents, booking them could result in a toxic backstage environment for your promotion, physical fights backstage, your promotion's image being damaged, and perhaps even experiencing the talent no-showing your events. Overall, this talent may cause many problems for you, and most likely would not be worth booking, even if they are a good draw. I would take a wrestler who is lesser known and has a good backstage reputation over one who is a top draw and gets in fights and arguments in every promotion they work in.

Also, while I think it's a good idea to hire talent for your promotion that you personally enjoy watching, keep in mind that when you are booking matches, your goal is to book the talent and make the matches that your fans would pay to see and would enjoy watching, not you. Your taste is only one amongst many others, and If you create a card based on the matches that you want to see, in the end you would have a show that you enjoyed, but did not draw well and mostly was not enjoyed by the fans in attendance.

If you're struggling to find and hire the right talent for your promotion, I can help. I offer consulting services to help wrestling promotions find and book the best talent available. I can help you identify your needs, network with other wrestling professionals, use social media to find new talent for your promotion, and help you evaluate potential candidates and assess whether they are a good fit for your promotion. I also offer consulting services to help wrestling promotions with other aspects of their business, such as branding, marketing, promotion, and event planning. Contact me at info@harold-williams.com

Archive Interview: Mad Man Pondo

(originally published 1/8/05)

Long before hardcore wrestling became popular, Mad Man Pondo began traveling across the United States and all over the world, wrestling in some of the wildest hardcore matches ever seen. He has also worked for TNA.

Q: How long have you been involved in the business?

A: 15 years, 16 years June 24th of 2005.

Q: Why did you enter the pro-wrestling industry?

A: I been watching live events since I was a young child, Lawler's group out of Evansville Indiana, Angelo Poffo's, Lanny Poffo's, and Randy Savage's group ICW, wrestling at the Chase in St. Louis, and many Chicago feds; my mom says I'm the child whose dream came true since I have always said, "I want to be a wrestler".

Q: Where did you receive your training to become a pro-wrestler?

A: Only Illinois from a guy named Bud Chapman, then went on to bigger things.

Q: What do you like the most about being in the business?

A:I had sex with alot of women out of my league, I'm on 2 video games, I go to Germany, England, and Japan, I'm in a movie with Robert Englund- not too bad for a small town kid from Flora, Illinois, all because of wrestling!

Q: You tend to work for promotions that have a high risk style, such as IWA Mid-South, Big Japan Pro Wrestling, and CZW. What is it about the hardcore style that appeals to you?

A: Early in my career I knew I wouldn't have a great body, or high-flying ability, so I watched and took the road of what I could do, because i wanted to be a wrestler. I was doing hardcore, before hardcore was cool!

Q: You are best known for participating in the most unusual types of hardcore matches and spots, such as, "Thumbtacks Death" matches, and a hardcore spot in which a dollar bill is stapled to your face. What is your favorite type of hardcore match, and what was the most unusual hardcore spot that you ever participated in?

A: Hard to say, I like them all, but i think I like the way lightubes sound so loud. And the bump me and JC Baley took off a 18-foot scaffold on to a barbed wire net was pretty @#%$ up.

Q: With the amount of hardcore promotions that exist and new ones constantly appearing, do you think that the hardcore style is the future of professional wrestling?

A: I wish I could say yes, but its getting harder to find buildings who will let you do the hard stuff, and plus so many more wrestling groups with just high-flying and wrestling are getting popular. I'm hopeful though!

Q: WWE and WCW both had their own Hardcore divisions at one time. What were your opinions of their versions of hardcore wrestling, and is it a style of hardcore wrestling that you would like to take part in?

A: When Mick Foley was doing, I would to have loved to been there. But in reality, my hardcore and theirs are way different!

Q: You were one of the stars of JCW. To your knowledge, what is the current status of that promotion?

A: JCW happens at least one time a year at the Gathering of the Juggalos!! But all JCW wrestlers are hoping for more.

Q: Although backyard wrestling gets negative press by mainstream publicity and is discouraged by WWE, the, "Best of Backyard Wrestling" video series is well known, and there are now, "Backyard Wrestling" video games. You are involved in the video games. Do you feel that the fact that you're a pro-wrestler and IWA Mid-South star who has this type of involvement in backyard wrestling helps backyard wrestling become more acceptable to the mainstream press, the pro-wrestling industry, and pro-wrestling fans?

A: I'm on a game, I don't care what people think. And if not for backyard wrestling, we wouldn't have some of the stars we do today! True fact!

Q: Which persona appeals to you the most: Face, Heel, or Tweener?

A: I love heel. You can be a nice guy in everyday life, have fun with your job I always say.

Q: What is your gimmick?

A: Hard to say what is Mad Man Pondo, but if you seen me wrestle, you know I'm not sane, therefore mad man best describes it!

Q: Which do you feel has been your best match so far?

A: Me vs Necro Butcher for JCW 3 was damn good, seemed to flow through even though there wasn't a middle rope.

Q: Which has been your favorite match so far?

A: Me vs Mister Danger Masanaga. He was the one I was watching to realize I wanted to do deathmatches, and I get to wrestle him. Big bonus!

Q: You have worked for TNA in the past. Are you interested in returning to TNA, or perhaps working for WWE?

A: I'll work anywhere, but don't look like either of them are in my future.

Q: You have wrestled in countries all around the world. Which country is your favorite to work in?

A: Number 1 has to be Japan!

Q: It has been rumored that you have an interesting first-time meeting story involving Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake. What happened?

A: No Comment.

Q: The horror film, "2001 Maniacs" will be coming to theaters this year, and you were a part of the making of this film. What was the experience like?

A: A dream come true. I'm still in shock I'm in a horror movie with Robert Englund!

Q: You currently run IWA East Coast. How did you come about deciding to start your own promotion?

A: I moved to West Virgina and had some guy Sherwood Spencer, Ed Crowzer, and the rest of the 108 crew who wanted to run their own thing but need someone to help with talent. First show on a Tuesday drew 250. Good for the biz now days. You can see it at www.iwaeastcoast.com

Q: What is the concept behind IWA East Coast. How is the talent roster different from other pro-wrestling companies such as WWE?

A: Well, I use all my friends on the show. Since they're my friends they want to work hard to help me. We do use Zack Gowen of WWE, and Abdullah the Butcher. But I also have Big Japan Wrestling send me talent so you can see guys from another country without the 12 hour plane ride!

Q: When did you start IWA East Coast?

A: Oct 5th was the first show, I left for Japan on Oct 19th. So when I get home on January 11th it will start up and get bigger in 2005.

Q: How do you go about evaluating whether or not there is a place for someone in IWA East Coast? Do you watch tapes of them, scout talent in person, or go by word of mouth?

A: I go by seeing them in the ring, and if I like what they do, or the crowd likes what they do, then I know they're good for IWA East Coast!

Q: When deciding whom to bring in, which do you put more value on: the potential IWA East Coast talent's ring skills, or their charisma?

A: Both are important. I want everyone on my show to have a better match then me, so if I suck, at least my whole show doesn't!

Q: You spent the last part of 2004 in Japan scouting wrestlers to bring into IWA East Coast. Which wrestlers from Japan can we expect to see in IWA East Coast?

A: In about 3 hours I have a meeting with Chono, plus I've talked to Kojima, Dick Togo, Taka Michniko, Ricky Fuji, all interested in coming in. It’s gonna be a great year!

Q: What is your long term goal for IWA East Coast?

A: To make it known like IWA Mid South and CZW. Give me something to remember me by when I'm gone!

I hope you enjoyed this interview with Mad Man Pondo. In 2003, I began running my own website, World Wrestling Optimum, which consisted of news, articles, and interviews, including this one.