More About Me

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Since the "About Me" section of this blog is limited to a specific number 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.

From 2001 to 2013, I worked as a Sports Desk Assistant for Southern Westchester BOCES Athletics, responsible for inputting schedules and assigning officials for all public high school athletic events in the greater New York metropolitan area. This gave me an opportunity to hone my skills in organization and logistics. I acted as in-house technical support.

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 my having come into contact with many talents being underused and going unnoticed in the industry over the years. 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 they 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, where I worked as a columnist.

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, which was known as Women Superstars Uncensored at the time.

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 to have 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.

My articles, "A Look at the History and Future of WOW" and "Will WOW Go From Las Vegas Residency to an Even Higher Level?" were endorsed by WOW - Women Of Wrestling on social media in August 2025 and October 2025, respectively. My articles, "WOW Hits the Jackpot: Women Of Wrestling Secures Season 4 & Groundbreaking Las Vegas Residency", A History of Women's Wrestling in America", "The 11 Most Must-See WOW Matches Right Now", "A Potential Game-Changer for Sophie Cunningham: The WOW Opportunity", "Independent Gaijin Dreams and the Japanese Experience of WOW's Superheroes" and, "A History of Wrestling Managers" were endorsed by WOW as well.

In July 2025, I developed the core corporate communications and original strategic press release for the founding team of youth sports platform True Lacrosse announcing their strategic partnership with the incoming Private Equity partner, TZP Group, launching the new national platform, True Sports. The final deliverables were used as the basis and foundation for the final, official, public-facing, published corporate release and announcement. The document passed final approval by the founders and TZP Group.

After living in Japan for ten years and writing English content for Asian companies during that time, I am currently based in the US and open to new writing opportunities in the US, Japan, and globally, from event previews & results reports, to press releases, to wrestler spotlights & social media. I offer sponsored content and an international audience. 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


My rate typically falls within the range of $350 to $800. info@harold-williams.com

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

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/football scene, and other sports.

In additon, I am currently working for TELUS Digital as an Online Data Analyst, developing and improving AI models by contributing data, assessments, and insights via writing and data collection/annotation/labeling.

If you would like to support me and my blog, a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the pro-wrestling industry, here is the link to my Cash App: cash.app/$HaroldWilliams131313

US-Based Writer With Global Experience Ready for New Opportunities

Get an audio summary of my skills and experience below:



After living in Japan for ten years and writing English content for Asian companies during that time, I have returned to the United States. I have extensive international experience that includes writing for the pro-wrestling industry in the form of everything from event previews and results reports to press releases. In addition, I have experience with news analysis of the American wrestling scene and coverage of the Japanese wrestling scene, with in-depth knowledge beyond the major promotions.

Outside of the pro-wrestling industry, I have experience with other types of content and copywriting needs in the staffing/recruiting, bar, sports merchandise, and luxury bike industries.

I graduated from an American 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 also used my knowledge in the education industry during my time in Japan, giving tailored English instruction to Asian students, focusing on daily vocabulary and professional terminology for business and technology professions.

I am open to opportunities in the US as well as in Japan and other countries around the world. I can be contacted via info@harold-williams.com, and you can see samples of my work here:

https://www.clippings.me/haroldwilliams

https://www.clippings.me/haroldwilliams2

https://www.clippings.me/haroldwilliams3

https://www.harold-williams.com/2012/05/samples-of-my-work.html

Best Practices for Streaming Wrestling Events

The modern professional wrestling industry relies heavily on live streaming, not only for major events, but also for weekly television. Streaming wrestling events can expand your audience and generate revenue, but it requires more than just pointing a camera at the ring. Moving beyond simply hitting the "Go Live" button, successful streaming requires a strategic approach. To deliver a professional and engaging experience, follow these best practices:

1. Pre-Production Planning Is One of the Priorities:

Define your target audience:
Who are you trying to reach? This will influence your production style and marketing efforts, so 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 willing to spend money, increasing your promotion's earnings.

Choose the right platform:
YouTube, Twitch, or dedicated wrestling streaming services (like Japanese live-streaming video service Twitcast)? Consider your budget, technical capabilities, and the geographic reach of your target audience.

A professional wrestling stream must be stable primarily. Ensure a dedicated, hardwired Ethernet line serves as the primary connection. Also, target a consistent output bitrate between 4.5 Mbps and 6 Mbps for a crisp 1080p stream- this range balances quality with stability, minimizing the risk of dropouts. Also, utilize RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) for the distribution platform.

If you need help with any aspect of streaming, I offer a variety of consulting services. I can help you choose the right streaming service, create a streaming strategy, promote your events on streaming platforms, and generate additional revenue from streaming. To learn more about my consulting services, contact me directly at info@harold-williams.com

Develop a production schedule:
Plan your event timeline, including pre-show content, match order, and post-show interviews to guarantee a professional flow.

Secure necessary equipment:
High-quality cameras, microphones, lighting, and streaming software are essential.

Use dedicated hardware encoders (preferred for reliability) or high-performance software encoders (like OBS Studio on a powerful PC) with professional settings.

Test and have a disaster recovery plan: Conduct thorough technical rehearsals to ensure smooth streaming and audio quality. Always run a private, hidden test stream 30 minutes before going live to confirm latency, bitrate stability, and audio/video sync.

Always have a backup internet connection (e.g., bonded connection or cellular hotspot) and a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for critical streaming equipment. Include a plan for quickly broadcasting a "Technical Difficulties" screen or an intermission video if the main feed fails.



2. Marketing and Promotion are Key:
- Promote your event on social media and other relevant channels.
- Incentivize potential viewers to purchase tickets or subscriptions in advance.
- Partner with other promotions and cross-promote your events to reach a wider audience.
- After the event, write a results report and make the replay available for viewers who missed the live stream.

I have a proven track record of writing detailed, compelling content that elevates a pro-wrestling promotion's brand, builds a stronger fanbase, and helps a product prove its value to a larger audience. For example, my work with the Michigan-based Ultimate Championship Wrestling in the past led to a notable increase in event attendance. Although I am currently US-based, I have global experience, having lived in Japan for a decade. There, my digital content for promotions like Yanagase Pro Wrestling and Kyushu Pro Wrestling has helped drive a notable increase in YouTube views and event attendance. I've also helped build international bridges by assisting in the formation of a working relationship between Big Japan Pro-Wrestling and Combat Zone Wrestling. My experience includes writing various content types, such as event previews, results reports, and press releases, and I have a proven ability to provide news analysis and in-depth coverage of both the American and Japanese wrestling scenes. My work as a technology writer has also given me unique insights into how to leverage new technologies like AI, VR, and the metaverse to help a promotion grow and engage its fanbase in new ways. You can reach out to me via info@harold-williams.com, and you can see samples of my work here:

https://www.clippings.me/haroldwilliams

https://www.clippings.me/haroldwilliams2

https://www.clippings.me/haroldwilliams3

https://www.harold-williams.com/2012/05/samples-of-my-work.html



3. Production Quality Matters:

Multiple camera angles: Use multiple cameras to capture the action from different perspectives. Switch between angles to keep viewers engaged.

The look and feel of the stream must reflect the quality of the wrestling product. This means avoiding single-camera shots if possible and leveraging production elements. A basic professional setup is best with three cameras:

Camera 1 (Main Hard Cam)- Centered, elevated shot behind the commentary table. This is the primary shot for 90% of the match.

Camera 2 (Opposite Corner/Tight Cam)- A lower-angle, mobile camera used for tight facial reactions, signature move setups, and near-fall drama.

Camera 3 (Entrance/Utility)- Primarily for entrances, but also used for wide crowd shots, brawls outside the ring, and capturing post-match celebration/havoc.

Clear audio:
Audio is 50% of the product, so invest in good microphones to capture clear commentary and ring sounds. Minimize background noise.

Place shotgun mics (or similar directional microphones) above the ring to capture impact sounds, chops, and wrestlers hitting the mat. This helps the physicality be heard. In addition, use wide-pattern condenser mics pointed at the audience to capture atmosphere and heat. Mix the crowd noise high enough to sound exciting, but low enough that it doesn't drown out the commentary or ring action.

Professional lighting:
Ensure enough lighting to create a visually appealing stream. Avoid harsh shadows or glare.

Graphics and overlays:
Use graphics and overlays to display match information, wrestler names, and promotional messages.

Your graphics should be clean, legible, and consistent with your brand colors. Standardized graphics for wrestler names, weight, and hometown (lower third)- these should be quick to cue and change smoothly. There should be a consistent template for displaying the match type and participants before the bell. In addition, a clean, easy-to-read on-screen clock is fundamental for matches with time limits.

Smooth transitions: Use smooth transitions between camera angles and segments to maintain a professional flow.

Utilize replays- professional replays reinforce the impact of the action, enhancing its impressiveness and allowing the audience to process key moments. But only run replays during pauses in the action (e.g., when a wrestler is applying a wear down hold) or immediately after a definitive, match-ending move. Also, use slow-motion to emphasize the force or athleticism of the move being shown.



4. Engage Your Online Audience:

- Encourage viewers to share their experiences.

- Have commentators who are knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about wrestling. Their goal should be immediate, real-time adaptation and emphasis on feuds, using their commentary to reinforce important situations or character developments as they unfold, giving the show a distinct and cohesive feel.

- Show exclusive pre-recorded segments (vignettes, backstage interviews, profile videos) during intermissions and transitions to add production value to the stream.

If you want to learn how promotions monetize their content without angering their paying subscribers, why promotions invest heavily in unique documentaries and original programming to drive subscriptions, and what TNA, NJPW, Stardom, and Diana do to carve out valuable niche audiences, read my full industry analysis/overview, which is available by subscribing to my paid Substack, and can be read by clicking here.

By following these best practices, you can create a professional and engaging streaming experience that will attract viewers, build your brand, and generate revenue. Remember to continuously improve your production and marketing efforts to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of wrestling streaming. And to learn more about how wrestling promotions interact with the world of streaming, as well as ticket sales, merchandise branding, TV rights, talent relations, technology, and more, check out my ebook/audiobook, "The Business Side of Wrestling: A Look Behind the Curtain".

How to Book a Compelling Heel Turn: Psychology and Execution

A heel turn -the moment a heroic face rejects the fans or betrays an ally, and goes bad- is one of professional wrestling's most powerful narrative devices. When executed correctly, it creates immediate, intense emotional investment, and opens up fresh storytelling opportunities.

Booking a compelling heel turn requires a precise balance of psychological motivation and dramatic execution. This guide breaks down the essential steps to make that transition resonate with the audience.

Phase 1: The Psychology of the Turn (The Motivation)

A good heel turn is not random; it is the logical conclusion of a character's journey. The audience must understand why the character is betraying them or the character's ally- although it doesn't need to be explained immediately.

1. The Disgruntlement (The Slow Burn)
The turn should be foreshadowed, with there being hints leading up to it that something is going to happen. During this time, the wrestler's status with the fans is that they are still cheering for them, but also noticing that they are not quite the same person that they usually are. Possible ways to do this include:

Subtle Arrogance: The face begins acting differently, perhaps even appearing to be at lack of ease around an ally, and isolating themselves. They might also start taking shortcuts or showing off, brushing off their questionable and uncharacteristic actions after a win.

Failed Expectations: The face begins losing matches clean, and is clearly frustrated. At some point, they refuse a handshake after a loss, leaving the other face standing alone in the ring.

The Unacknowledged Sacrifice: The face constantly puts their body on the line for the fans, but a win still earns them fewer cheers than they used to receive, which appears to visibly bother them.

Whatever hints you use, the key is to use ones that fit the situation, so that after the heel turn happens, if anyone looks back at the events that led up to the turn, all of it makes sense. Otherwise, there might be confusion in regards to why the character turned heel- you want the heel turn to be one that can be clearly understood by a fan, even if they're not happy about the turn.

2. The Motivator (The Catalyst)
A catalyst is the moment or event that pushes the character over the edge. It can be internal or external.

Internal Self-Doubt: The face loses one too many matches than they can bear, and feels that being a fan favorite isn't enough to be successful. They decide, "The cheers aren't helping me- I need to do whatever it takes to win."

The Power Shift: While a heel faction is beginning to dominate the promotion, the face feels that they have to choose between being a part of the force, or possibly being consumed by the power of the faction. They decide to join the heel faction.



Phase 2: The Execution of the Turn (The Moment)

Even if the heel turn is expected, the moment and exactly how it happens should be shocking, definitive, and immediately establish the character's new attitude of heelishness

3. The Target: Betrayal
A very impactful turn tends to involve betraying a character that the heel was allied with, such as a tag team partner or mentor. It's a safe strategy for it to be a face who is more popular than the character that is turning, otherwise the fans might begin cheering the attack or become confused, which are not the reactions you will want. In addition, the heel must use the audience's investment against them. After the face commits the heelish act, they should look directly at the audience, not showing an ounce of regret.

4. The Method: Maximum Impact
The maximum impact of a heel turn is often derived from emotional betrayal and devious ill will, rather than shock value or dramatic violence. A heel turn doesn't always have to be decisive and extremely dramatic to succeed; in fact, a wrestler attacking their opponent after losing a match, or even a simple, cunning maneuver, can often generate lasting heat from the audience. For example, gaining a win after delivering a low blow or via a roll up using the ropes: if a face uses this tactic to win a championship, this tactic is seen as heelish. This subtle shifting- the moment they choose self-interest and benefit over rules during a previously clean match can change a fan's view of them like how a shocking, violent attack can. While something like a chairshot on an unsuspecting partner is a classic and effective visual, it is not strictly necessary. Some of the greatest heat is generated when the turn feels real, stemming from a small, selfish action that shatters a friendship or a relationship built on respect.



Phase 3: The Fallout (The Heat)

The turn is only 10% of the job; the next few weeks are the remaining 90%. A newly turned heel must justify their actions and establish new behaviors.

5. The Promo: Justification, Not Apology
While a successful heel turn usually prioritizes action over immediate words -one reason sometimes being the idea that shock, and the sound of the attack (or the impact of the finisher) are most effective- the follow-up promo should not be underestimated as a tool for cementing the turn. The first promo must establish the heel's truth- they are not sorry; they are now free. The post-turn promo serves a crucial purpose: it allows the heel to tie up loose ends and explain their actions, justifying them, and maybe mocking the audience for their belief in fair play. This explanation presents to the fans that their actions were not done merely out of emotion- they were done as a result of a philosophical change. A well-delivered, arrogant promo can intensify the heat either by expressing dislike for the fans, revealing a long-held secret dissatisfaction with their former ally, or claiming that they don't need anyone- including the fans. The initial silence creates the shock, but the subsequent promo makes the new heel despised, whose words reinforce their newfound cruelty and big ego, as they express their belief that they are the best.

The Fans are the Problem: If the heel expresses dislike for the fans, they should blame the audience for their turn: "You didn't appreciate me!" This immediately directs the heat back toward the audience.

New Look, New Attitude: Although not a necessity, a change of the heels wardrobe, theme music, or mannerisms would enhance their new image. Changing their colors from bright to dark, a smile replaced by a smirk or a sneer, or a slower walking pace.

By focusing on deep psychological motivation (Phase 1), executing the turn with impact (Phase 2), and maintaining consistent, arrogant behavior (Phase 3), a booker can create a heel turn that makes the wrestler stand even more than they did as a face.

If you are struggling to book a compelling heel turn, I can help. I offer consulting services to help wrestling promotions develop and execute their booking strategies and storylines. I can help you with creative writing, psychology, and industry tradition, as well as advanced concepts. Contact me at info@harold-williams.com

WOW's Legacy: How It Has Been Ahead of the Curve in the American Wrestling Industry

Many promotions contributed to the history of women's wrestling in America, but the roots of modern, character-driven women's wrestling leads back to WOW - Women Of Wrestling.

The brainchild of David McLane, WOW is what his vision for GLOW was, and has existed across two distinct periods, starting in 2000. Its commitment to athleticism, larger-than-life characters, and a standalone women’s product created blueprints that are now standard operating procedure for the industry today.

Here are the three ways WOW has been ahead of the curve in the American wrestling world.

1. Placing High Value on the Recruitment of Athletes From Other Backgrounds
From the beginning, WOW made a conscious choice to recruit athletes from other athletic backgrounds, homegrown talent that it could train from the ground up. This method is a way to control the development process, molding them into the exact style the company envisioned.

WOW Superheroes like Terri Gold (gymnast & cheerleader), The Beast (bodybuilder), Genesis (martial artist), Keta Rush (trackstar), Kandi Krush (boxer & swimmer), and Scout Parker (Division I diver & weightlifter) have backgrounds that provided a foundation for in-ring capability.

Today, many wrestling companies have formalized structures for developing and signing talent from other athletic backgrounds. A philosophy that WOW adopted from the start is now a universal pathway to notable professional wrestling organizations.

2. Family-Friendly Characters & Nostalgic Tone Over Adult-Oriented Content
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the American pro-wrestling industry generally had a big focus on family-friendly characters. Its focus began to transition to edgy content in the mid-1990s, with the late-1990s being the period where this style became predominant in the industry. Meanwhile, WOW committed to featuring family-friendly comic book-style characters from day one in 2000. Every woman who has been in WOW is a Superhero with an individual personality, motivation, and backstory. This type of presentation worked in the 1980s when wrestling became a household name, and it still works today, as evidenced by the fact that WOW has attracted a viewership of over 300,000, with the most notable amount of regional traffic going to WOW's official website coming from the United States, India, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Being a family-focused brand has been creatively effective as well as a highly successful business model in the modern media landscape.

Before WOW went on hiatus in 2001, it stayed true to its values. It's common for a company to change in order to compete with companies that have adapted to a changing industry, but WOW resisted that change. By the time the company re-emerged, the industry had changed again, focusing more on the wrestlers and their personas as opposed to the previous trend of shock value. The change was made to attract lucrative sponsors and present a family-friendly image- the same type of image that WOW has always had. Confirming that this model can succeed, with its major multi-year deal with Paramount Global Content Distribution, its groundbreaking residency in the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, and high-profile ownership, WOW has become an integrated media company, simultaneously proving that it's possible to be successful while also staying true to your values and your mission.

3. The Power of a Standalone All-Female Product
Ever since 2000, WOW was proving what others later realized- a women's wrestling match was not something to change the channel or leave your seat during, it was a match capable of being in the main event of a show and the match fans are talking about the next day. Although the sports entertainment industry began to evolve in the 2010s, and women's wrestling began to increase in popularity and demand, it was still difficult for all of the women on a roster to be showcased, with many of them becoming lost in the shuffle of a large roster that included both women and men. However, in WOW's all-female roster dedicated to showcasing individual Superheroes, new additions tend to step into prominent roles immediately. A perfect example is Santana Garrett, who despite the fact that she had been successful in Japan wrestling for Stardom (2015 to 2016), where she became the seventh Wonder Of Stardom Champion in history, has often been overlooked in large combined rosters of major American companies with around 200 members, not given much opportunity to show her technical skills and ability to connect with diverse audiences. Yet in WOW, Garrett and Amber O'Neal won the WOW Tag Team Championship shortly after joining the company, and became the longest holders of the championship in history. Later, Garrett became the third-longest-reigning WOW Champion in history.

This consistent visibility and the highly successful viewership that it has gained helped prove that an all-female card/show is a major draw. WOW’s maintained presence across different eras validates the core market belief that women’s wrestling is a strong, profitable product that can stand on its own. Drawing an enthusiastic and diverse fanbase contributed to television networks taking notice and recognizing the huge potential. I've learned firsthand that networks are actively looking for engaging and high-quality female-focused content to captivate their viewers that will deliver viewership & excitement- and recent data shows a clear upward trend in audience engagement for it. WOW's success paved the way for an entire show or event being dedicated to a promotion's female roster.

WOW’s history of being ahead of the curve in the American wrestling industry is very noteworthy. By highly valuing the recruitment of athletes from other backgrounds, staying committed to presenting family-friendly characters and a nostalgic style, and proving the commercial potential of an all-female show, WOW showed that its style of promotion could be successful. Not only has the company survived, but it has also contributed to the evolution of the industry.

The 11 Most Must-See WOW Matches Right Now

To truly understand why WOW - Women Of Wrestling is a compelling product, with its utilization of the late-1980s/early-1990s style of having a big focus on characters, and family friendly & nostalgic tone, you have to watch the action, which is defined by athleticism, championship chases, and unpredictable drama.

I have compiled the eleven most must-see matches available right now. This list serves as your essential guide to understanding the history, style, and the past & present main backstories, rivalries, and epic feuds of WOW. They are listed in chronological order.

1. Terri Gold vs. Jungle Grrrl

Two legends of WOW, Terri Gold and Jungle Grrrl started as close friends, but this dynamic changed when Jungle Grrrl prioritized dominance and defeating opposition, viewing Terri Gold as top competition.






2. Battle Royale for the WOW World Championship

Historically important as it established WOW's top title, this was a part of David McLane's vision- female athletes front and center as the sole focus of the action, competing to be champion of the only all-female wrestling promotion on syndicated television. This is where the WOW World Championship lineage began.





3. Terri Gold vs Jungle Grrrl Rematch

After their first match, Terri Gold went on to become the first WOW World Champion, which made her an even bigger target for Jungle Grrrl. With the championship on the line in this encounter, there was more at stake than establishing superiority, resulting in the competitiveness of this match topping their previous one.





4. Selina Majors vs. Thug (Lumberjack)

Selina Majors was a standout member of the WOW roster during the promotion's beginnings, adding credibility to WOW and establishing it as a valuable platform for women's wrestling. She had a major feud with Thug, with one of their most notable and over-the-top matches being a "Lumberjack" match. It was so wild, physical, and out of control that they battled into the crowd and even into the backstage area. This match led to David McLane booking them in WOW's first "Steel Cage" match, so that the action could be controlled.






5. Jungle Grrrl vs. The Beast

At odds with The Beast since the moment she joined WOW, Jungle Grrrl and The Beast were each other's toughest challenges in the promotion. Two dominant forces, their matches were a meeting between the ultimate predator and the unstoppable force.




6. Santana Garrett vs. Abilene Maverick

WOW features larger-than-life characters, some good, some evil- and two perfect examples of this are the respected Santana Garrett and the devious Abilene Maverick (now one of the managers in WOW). During Garrett's reign as WOW Champion, she displayed hard work and integrity. Maverick, on the other hand, was a calculating champion who did whatever was necessary to keep the title. This match, where Maverick defends the championship against Garrett, is the perfect example of a challenger relying on their technical skills as they go against a champion who is always willing to bend the rules and doesn't care how the match ends, as long as they leave the ring as champion.





7. 12 Woman Championship Battle Royal

This Battle Royal was the beginning of a new era for WOW, as it crowned a new champion after the WOW World Championship had been vacated as a result of The Beast relinquishing it and departing. This match marked a return to the company's roots, being that WOW's first singles champion was decided in a Battle Royal. After this match, WOW Superheroes including Holly Swag, Penelope Pink, Tormenta, and The Classmaster became more prominent, as the company went in a new direction and shifted its focus.




8. Scout Parker vs. Keta Rush

This match is a solid representation of WOW because it showcases three of the promotion's core elements: characters, backstories, and athleticism. Scout Parker is an environmentalist who is on a mission to protect the natural world- at all costs. Keta Rush is an all-around super athlete who was severely beaten by bullies, which later motivated her to become a superhero and founded the nonprofit organization, Team Bully Buster, to teach others self-defense and confidence. But once the bell rings, the main focus goes from the characters & backstories to the in-ring action, as they utilize their athletic backgrounds. Parker is a Division I athlete in diving & weightlifting, and Rush has a trackstar background.





9. Penelope Pink & Holly Swag vs. Big Rig Betty & Jessie Jones

In this match that was a clash of styles with family drama as a centerpiece, Holly Swag -the daughter of Big Rig Betty- was now aligned with Penelope Pink and the rest of Lana Star's upper-class, "Fab Four" faction, separating herself from the backwoods lifestyle that she was raised in. Betty & Jessie Jones were defending their WOW World Tag Team Championship against Pink & Swag in this match, and it's a perfect representation of WOW's tag team action.





10. STEEL CAGE MATCH for the WOW World Tag Team Championship

This "Steel Cage" match for the WOW World Tag Team Championship was the culmination of an intense and escalating feud between Penelope Pink and Holly Swag (who were the champions at this point) and the challengers, Miami's Sweet Heat (Lindsey and Laurie Carlson). Originally, Miami's Sweet Heat were members of Lana Star's Fab Four faction, but the faction came to an end when Star turned her back on Miami's Sweet Heat and focused her support on Pink and Swag. After both teams engaged in a regular match that ended in a disqualification, and chaotic "Hardcore" and "Lumberjack" matches that ended in No Contests, it was decided that a "Steel Cage" match would be the only way that the feud could end. At the end of what was only the second "Steel Cage" match in WOW history (with the first being in 2001), and the first one featuring a WOW championship being on the line, would the feud end with Pink and Swag still being WOW World Tag Team Champions, or would Miami's Sweet Heat defeat them and hold the championship for the fifth time? The feud ended in a way that no one saw coming.





11. Penelope Pink vs. Holly Swag

With Miami's Sweet Heat reunited with Lana Star and Penelope Pink to reform Fab Four, and Holly Swag betrayed by Star and Pink, Swag was out for revenge. That led to this singles match between Pink and Swag, which took place at the iconic Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas. Already talented performers, the enthusiastic crowd motivated Pink and Swag to raise the bar.

Who Will Be John Cena's Last Challenger? Retirement Odds Predict Final Opponent

The finale of John Cena’s legendary career is upon WWE, as the Last Time Is Now Tournament to determine who will face the 17-time World Champion in his final match is underway. Meanwhile, the shifting betting odds predict the tournament's outcome.



Online casino database and online gambling authority Casino Guru News has released the latest odds. Note that in the betting world, the lower the number, the higher the implied probability of winning.

The Frontrunners

Gunther (+160): John Cena has never had a match with Gunther, who is currently at the top of the betting board. If Gunther wins the tournament, Cena's final match will be a fresh, never-before-seen match.

Cody Rhodes (+175): Since Cody Rhodes returned to WWE, he has had two matches with John Cena, with both men claiming a victory. If Rhodes is Cena's final opponent, the match would be a rubber match.

The Rock and The Miz (+180): The Rock and The Miz have the same odds, but with The Rock's extremely busy Hollywood schedule, it's unlikely that he's fully prepared to perform in the ring at this time- although he has been full of surprises as a WWE Superstar. In The Miz's case, he is among the short list of Superstars who have defeated John Cena at WrestleMania- will The Miz also add to his resume that he was Cena's final opponent?

Beyond the frontrunners, other notable odds include:

Rusev (+200): In Rusev's first singles match with John Cena, Rusev was victorious by referee decision. If he is Cena's final opponent next month, Cena will be facing a competitor who not only had pushed him to his limits before, but is more experienced and versatile than he was 10 years ago when they had their first match against each other.

Sheamus (+225): Only seven months after making his debut on WWE-TV, Sheamus defeated John Cena for the WWE Championship in December 2009. Cena regained it in February 2010 at Elimination Chamber in the match of the same name, but Sheamus became champion again in June 2010 at Fatal 4-Way in a match of the same name, pinning Cena for the win. If Sheamus is Cena's final opponent, he will likely deliver a challenging match.

Dominik Mysterio (+250): After recently losing the WWE Intercontinental Champion to John Cena, Dominik Mysterio has two reasons to want to be John Cena's final opponent- not only to receive that distinction, but also to get an opportunity to try to even the score.

Jey Uso (+300): 2025 has been a significant and largely successful year for Jey Uso, marked by major career milestones- winning the Royal Rumble at the beginning of the year, being a part of the main event scene, and becoming a world champion for the first time in his career. Having a singles match with John Cena for the first time, in Cena's final match, would make the end of Uso's year just as noteworthy as it began.

The betting lines confirm that the speculation around the outcome of the Last Time Is Now Tournament is a powerful driver of interest. And for whoever John Cena's final opponent is, it will be a monumental moment in their career.