Since the, "About Me" section of this blog is limited to a specific amount of characters, I decided to write a post that discusses more about what I have done in the pro-wrestling industry, beginning with when I first started in it and leading up to now.
Technically, I started back in the 1990s, contributing to, "Pro Wrestling Illustrated" and then, "Pro Wrestling Torch". In 1997, I contributed to The Official Website of the NWO. That same year, I briefly published my own newsletter, "The Wrestling Express".
In 1998, I taught myself how to design websites, and served as a consultant for various independent promotions. That next year, I worked as a website designer/maintainer for Dylan Summers (Necro Butcher) who was running the Texas-based Power Pro Wrestling Federation, and later was involved with Texas Outlaw Promotions.
During the period of 2000-2002, I was involved in many different projects at once. I was working as a website designer/publicist for talent, contributing to WCW.com, writing columns for independent promotions and the website of former WCW star The Stro, and writing for a variety of pro-wrestling media sites (including WrestlingObserver.com and PWTorch.com). In 2003, I began running my own website, World Wrestling Optimum, which consisted of news, articles, and interviews.
In 2004, I started working for the Michigan-based Ultimate Championship Wrestling as a publicist/columnist. They were an affiliate of American Wrestling Association Superstars Of Wrestling, and I soon became the publicist/columnist of the main governing body of AWA as well. During my time working for UCW, I played a major role in bringing in new talent, due to over the years my having had come into contact with many talents being underused and going unnoticed in the industry. Also, attendance increased by a significant amount.
In 2005, I started doing a column for 3PW. With DVDs sold nationwide, they had the potential to become much bigger than they already were at the time, and were very open to my ideas. I pushed for many changes behind-the-scenes. I had encouraged management to improve the production quality of their DVDs, which led to them dealing with a different production company. 3PW management had planned on waiting for its fan base to increase before getting TV for 3PW. I explained how getting TV for 3PW is what would increase its fan base, and I was then given the green light to find networks that were interested. Two networks were very interested, and I encouraged 3PW management to meet with them as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the owner of the company instead opted to shut 3PW down, due to losing interest. Working for 3PW put me in connection with the UK-based 1PW, who I worked as a columnist for.
After 3PW shut down, I began working as a publicist for independent promotions, including CHIKARA. I also worked as a columnist for CZW. Interestingly though, it was 2006 at this point yet I was still most recognized for the work that I had done for 3PW and AWA/UCW.
In 2007 I started working as a columnist for XCW, a promotion that was seen nationally on MAVTV, had a national DVD deal, and also had PPV events. Working for a promotion of national status was my biggest achievement at that point, and two years later I reached a bigger achievement- Big Japan Pro-Wrestling. Along with working for them as a columnist and an Administrator for their Facebook page, I helped bring Big Japan Pro-Wrestling together with Combat Zone Wrestling to form a working relationship after a previous working relationship between the two promotions had fallen apart. This new working relationship led to Big Japan Pro-Wrestling having its first event in the United States.
In October 2009 I assisted publicity & promotions company MGM Management with the HULKAMANIA- Let the Battle Begin tour by distributing their press release to pro-wrestling news sites that are popular with Australian fans, and conducting an interview with Solofa Fatu Jr. (better known as, "Rikishi"). Also, in 2012 I wrote a number of columns for Women Superstars United.
In May 2018 I did social media for Great North Wrestling.
In April and May 2021, I did blogging and social media for Kyushu Pro Wrestling. During that time, the promotion gained 220 new subscribers and 52,746 new views on its official YouTube channel.
Recently, I have done blogging and social media for Yanagase Pro Wrestling. Since the time I began writing for them, Yanagase Pro Wrestling has their anniversary events at a venue where they have had 300 fans. All previous Yanagase Pro Wrestling events took place at a 50-seat venue.
I have also recently written for the China-based Middle Kingdom Wrestling in a Publicist capacity. My work is an essential piece in the multilingual activation, with it being adapted to traditional Chinese for readers in China. I am the first native English writer who has written for a Chinese wrestling organization in history.
In 2019 I began writing for Michinoku Pro Wrestling, in charge of international wrestling. Since the time that I began writing for them, Michinoku Pro stopped choosing Shin-Kiba 1st Ring for its Tokyo events and began focusing on the much larger Korakuen Hall for its Tokyo appearances. The Korakuen Hall is known as a place where many historical moments in the Japanese pro-wrestling scene have occurred. It's to Japan what Madison Square Garden is to the pro-wrestling scene in the United States. Michinoku Pro had a sellout, standing-room-only event on December 13, 2019 at the Korakuen Hall. The event had an attendance of 1,890. That was the highest reported attendance at the Korakuen Hall to date for a pro-wrestling event since April 2015.
I am open to new writing opportunities, from event previews & results reports to wrestler spotlights & social media. I offer sponsored content and an international audience. This blog is now included in Google News, which has over 11 million visits every day, giving your product the opportunity to be promoted in front of millions. Check out my samples and see how I can take your brand to the next level:
https://harold-williams.com/2012/05/samples-of-my-work.html
info@harold-williams.com
Google has created a knowledge panel about me and my work: https://g.co/kgs/x4pMxp1
If you run a small wrestling promotion or wrestling news website and are looking to take your content to the next level in an affordable way- I am offering affordable rates starting at $110 / ¥16,000 per blog post/article.
I graduated from university with a major in Business and a minor in Computer Applications, which makes me an asset not only as a writer but in a business and technological capacity as well.
I am also a Technology Writer specializing in AI, VR, AR, NFTs, 5G, Web3, streaming, and the metaverse in the context of wrestling-and a subject matter expert in the business side of Japan's MMA scene, soccer scene, and other sports.
The Harold Williams Blog
Harold Williams is a writer, publicist, website designer/maintainer, and author in the pro-wrestling industry.
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Sunday, January 3, 2100
Friday, January 17, 2025
Ringside in a New Reality: How Cosm and WWE Are Changing the WWE Live Experience
Imagine experiencing WrestleMania as if you were ringside, feeling the energy of the crowd and witnessing every move up close, without actually being there. This is the promise of Shared Reality, and global technology company Cosm is partnering with WWE to bring this innovative experience to the WWE Universe.
Shared Reality is a cutting-edge form of immersive entertainment that blends digital and physical elements to create a shared experience in a physical space. Unlike virtual reality (VR), which typically involves a solitary experience using a headset, Shared Reality is designed to be enjoyed with others in a shared environment. Cosm's technology utilizes large-scale 87-foot-diameter 12K+ LED domes that surround the audience, creating a sense of being transported to another location.
Cosm and WWE have announced a multi-year partnership to bring WWE Premium Live Events to fans in Shared Reality at Cosm's experiential venues. This means fans at Cosm locations will feel like they're ringside at major events like WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Elimination Chamber, and Royal Rumble, even if the event is taking place thousands of miles away. The first of these Shared Reality experiences is set to take place at Cosm Dallas with the Royal Rumble on Saturday, February 1, 2025.
This year's Royal Rumble will be an event where truly anything can happen, as a case can be made for any of the competitors who will be involved to be the expected winners. Participants confirmed so far for the men's Royal Rumble are CM Punk, John Cena, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Jey Uso, and LA Knight. So far, former WWE Women's Champion Nia Jax has been confirmed for the women's Royal Rumble. Also, Cody Rhodes will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against former WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens in a "Ladder" match.
The partnership between Cosm and WWE marks a significant shift in how fans can experience WWE Live. It offers a new level of immersion, allowing fans to feel more connected to the action and the atmosphere of the event. For fans who can't travel to attend PLEs in person, this offers a unique opportunity to experience the excitement of a live event in a shared surrounding.
This development builds on the increasing use of technology to enhance the wrestling viewing experience, as I discussed in my previous posts about the AI-powered wrestling fan experience and how technology is rebooting live wrestling. While those posts focused on different aspects of technology, the Cosm and WWE partnership takes the concept of immersive fan experiences to a whole new level.
The potential benefits are many. Fans gain access to premium events that they might not otherwise be able to attend. The shared environment creates a sense of community and mutual excitement, the enthusiasm of the crowd, and being in a venue with people who love the entertainment value of professional wrestling as much as they do. Plus, the enhanced viewing angles and immersive visuals can provide a more engaging and dynamic experience than even being at the event in person.
The Cosm and WWE partnership represents a bold step into the future of live event entertainment. Shared Reality has the potential to revolutionize how fans experience wrestling, offering a new level of engagement and accessibility. This partnership is a clear indication that both companies are committed to pushing the boundaries of sports entertainment through state-of-the-art technology.
Shared Reality is a cutting-edge form of immersive entertainment that blends digital and physical elements to create a shared experience in a physical space. Unlike virtual reality (VR), which typically involves a solitary experience using a headset, Shared Reality is designed to be enjoyed with others in a shared environment. Cosm's technology utilizes large-scale 87-foot-diameter 12K+ LED domes that surround the audience, creating a sense of being transported to another location.
Cosm and WWE have announced a multi-year partnership to bring WWE Premium Live Events to fans in Shared Reality at Cosm's experiential venues. This means fans at Cosm locations will feel like they're ringside at major events like WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Elimination Chamber, and Royal Rumble, even if the event is taking place thousands of miles away. The first of these Shared Reality experiences is set to take place at Cosm Dallas with the Royal Rumble on Saturday, February 1, 2025.
This year's Royal Rumble will be an event where truly anything can happen, as a case can be made for any of the competitors who will be involved to be the expected winners. Participants confirmed so far for the men's Royal Rumble are CM Punk, John Cena, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Jey Uso, and LA Knight. So far, former WWE Women's Champion Nia Jax has been confirmed for the women's Royal Rumble. Also, Cody Rhodes will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against former WWE Universal Champion Kevin Owens in a "Ladder" match.
The partnership between Cosm and WWE marks a significant shift in how fans can experience WWE Live. It offers a new level of immersion, allowing fans to feel more connected to the action and the atmosphere of the event. For fans who can't travel to attend PLEs in person, this offers a unique opportunity to experience the excitement of a live event in a shared surrounding.
This development builds on the increasing use of technology to enhance the wrestling viewing experience, as I discussed in my previous posts about the AI-powered wrestling fan experience and how technology is rebooting live wrestling. While those posts focused on different aspects of technology, the Cosm and WWE partnership takes the concept of immersive fan experiences to a whole new level.
The potential benefits are many. Fans gain access to premium events that they might not otherwise be able to attend. The shared environment creates a sense of community and mutual excitement, the enthusiasm of the crowd, and being in a venue with people who love the entertainment value of professional wrestling as much as they do. Plus, the enhanced viewing angles and immersive visuals can provide a more engaging and dynamic experience than even being at the event in person.
The Cosm and WWE partnership represents a bold step into the future of live event entertainment. Shared Reality has the potential to revolutionize how fans experience wrestling, offering a new level of engagement and accessibility. This partnership is a clear indication that both companies are committed to pushing the boundaries of sports entertainment through state-of-the-art technology.
Thursday, January 16, 2025
WWE Raw on Netflix: A New Era of Wrestling Viewing
WWE's move to Netflix has been a hot topic of discussion in the wrestling world, and now we're getting a glimpse of how this partnership will revolutionize the viewing experience. In January 2024, I stated that WWE Raw moving to Netflix would mean a wider audience and new possibilities. One of those possibilities was a significant upgrade in production quality, with Netflix bringing its expertise in streaming and high-quality video to the table, pushing for a more cinematic and engaging viewing experience, along with WWE investing heavily in cutting-edge production technology. That possibility has come to fruition, with WWE Raw having its best production quality yet. In this post, I will look at how these changes will impact viewers long-term.
Already used in American Football, Canadian Football, and many other sports for quite some time, WWE now has point-to-point Skycam available. This is a camera system that allows for smooth, sweeping camera movements throughout a venue. Imagine gliding over a crowd, following a wrestler's high-flying maneuver from an aerial perspective, or switching from the ring to the entrance ramp with ease. This can create a more appealing viewing experience, and is now possible.
WWE also has several other new camera systems designed to capture the action from unique perspectives. These include the techno-crane for closer shots of the action in the ring, and indoor / outdoor drones for capturing backstage arrivals and unique perspectives of the in-ring action.
These technological advancements will significantly enhance the fan experience in several ways. One of them is that the dynamic camera movements and close-up shots will create a more immersive viewing experience, making viewers feel like they're right in the arena. Another is that the use of drones will provide distinctive angles that haven't been seen before in WWE broadcasts, adding a new level of visual excitement and innovation to the product.
Even the classic and popular overhead camera shot will benefit from this production upgrade. Imagine seeing a perfectly executed suplex from directly above, with every detail of the impact – the wrestlers' expressions, the way their bodies hit the mat – captured in stunning clarity thanks to the higher resolution cameras. This enhanced clarity, combined with improved lighting and color grading, will make even this familiar angle fresh and more impactful.
The camera systems could also be used to enhance storytelling. For example, a dramatic close-up of a wrestler's face could be shown after someone turns heel on them, the Skycam could smoothly circle a new champion celebrating in the ring, or a sweeping Skycam shot could be done during an angle in a match to get a bigger reaction from fans before showing wide shots of the crowd reacting to the angle. In addition, drones could be used for backstage video, providing the WWE Universe with access to the production process and giving them a deeper connection to the show.
The journey to this stage of the pro-wrestling industry began when independent promotions started using streaming services. When WWE announced that Raw would be leaving USA, it was unknown where the program would go, but the most likely decision was that WWE would choose a streaming service, especially considering the fact that the company had already partnered with Abema. In the end, WWE chose Netflix, in order to reach a wider audience and generate new revenue streams. This will set a new standard by making streaming the main way for major promotions to broadcast their products, along with creating new and innovative ways to use streaming in the future.
WWE's investment in this cutting-edge technology signals a shift in how wrestling is presented to fans. As streaming becomes increasingly dominant, with the number of video streamer users worldwide expected to increase to 4.6 billion by 2027, other promotions will follow suit, adopting similar technologies to enhance their own productions. This will usher in a new era of wrestling broadcasting, where the viewing experience is more immersive, dynamic, and engaging than ever before.
In December 2023, I looked at how WWE is an industry leader and how it could reboot live events in the future- a future that could feature drones, lasers, and much more. Based on what is being presented by the Raw on Netflix era, that potential future is becoming more real.
Already used in American Football, Canadian Football, and many other sports for quite some time, WWE now has point-to-point Skycam available. This is a camera system that allows for smooth, sweeping camera movements throughout a venue. Imagine gliding over a crowd, following a wrestler's high-flying maneuver from an aerial perspective, or switching from the ring to the entrance ramp with ease. This can create a more appealing viewing experience, and is now possible.
WWE also has several other new camera systems designed to capture the action from unique perspectives. These include the techno-crane for closer shots of the action in the ring, and indoor / outdoor drones for capturing backstage arrivals and unique perspectives of the in-ring action.
These technological advancements will significantly enhance the fan experience in several ways. One of them is that the dynamic camera movements and close-up shots will create a more immersive viewing experience, making viewers feel like they're right in the arena. Another is that the use of drones will provide distinctive angles that haven't been seen before in WWE broadcasts, adding a new level of visual excitement and innovation to the product.
Even the classic and popular overhead camera shot will benefit from this production upgrade. Imagine seeing a perfectly executed suplex from directly above, with every detail of the impact – the wrestlers' expressions, the way their bodies hit the mat – captured in stunning clarity thanks to the higher resolution cameras. This enhanced clarity, combined with improved lighting and color grading, will make even this familiar angle fresh and more impactful.
The camera systems could also be used to enhance storytelling. For example, a dramatic close-up of a wrestler's face could be shown after someone turns heel on them, the Skycam could smoothly circle a new champion celebrating in the ring, or a sweeping Skycam shot could be done during an angle in a match to get a bigger reaction from fans before showing wide shots of the crowd reacting to the angle. In addition, drones could be used for backstage video, providing the WWE Universe with access to the production process and giving them a deeper connection to the show.
The journey to this stage of the pro-wrestling industry began when independent promotions started using streaming services. When WWE announced that Raw would be leaving USA, it was unknown where the program would go, but the most likely decision was that WWE would choose a streaming service, especially considering the fact that the company had already partnered with Abema. In the end, WWE chose Netflix, in order to reach a wider audience and generate new revenue streams. This will set a new standard by making streaming the main way for major promotions to broadcast their products, along with creating new and innovative ways to use streaming in the future.
WWE's investment in this cutting-edge technology signals a shift in how wrestling is presented to fans. As streaming becomes increasingly dominant, with the number of video streamer users worldwide expected to increase to 4.6 billion by 2027, other promotions will follow suit, adopting similar technologies to enhance their own productions. This will usher in a new era of wrestling broadcasting, where the viewing experience is more immersive, dynamic, and engaging than ever before.
In December 2023, I looked at how WWE is an industry leader and how it could reboot live events in the future- a future that could feature drones, lasers, and much more. Based on what is being presented by the Raw on Netflix era, that potential future is becoming more real.
Thursday, January 9, 2025
The Independent Wrestling Scene in North Carolina: A 2025 Guide
North Carolina has a rich history in professional wrestling, from its days as a key territory for Jim Crockett Promotions to its current active independent scene. While the memories of legendary names like Ric Flair and Terry Funk still resonate, a new generation of wrestlers and promoters is shaping the future of wrestling in the state. This guide explores the diverse and thriving independent wrestling scene in North Carolina today. Having lived in North Carolina for two years before moving to Japan, I've maintained an interest in the wrestling scene there, and I'm impressed with the quality of wrestling presented by promotions in the southern states these days.
North Carolina's independent scene offers a variety of experiences for wrestling fans, catering to different tastes and preferences. We can divide the promotions into two categories: those that continue the tradition of bringing in established names, and those that focus on showcasing and providing opportunities for wrestlers who live in North Carolina and its surrounding area.
Promotions Featuring Established Talent
These promotions often bring in former WWE, AEW, or other nationally recognized stars to small venues, which enables them to connect with fans more easily. These promotions also often feature talented independent wrestlers from around the country. Some of the promotions in this category include:
WrestleCade Entertainment: Known for its family-friendly WrestleCade conventions, legends and current stars are brought in.
America's Most Liked Wrestling: Focuses on a traditional style of wrestling and potential stars of the future.
Revolution Wrestling Authority: Based in High Point, North Carolina.
Tarheel Championship Wrestling: Based in Lumberton, North Carolina.
DEADLOCK Pro-Wrestling: DEADLOCK Pro-Wrestling roster members have appeared on AEW-TV.
Fortitude Wrestling Entertainment: Based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
United Pro Wrestling: Based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
ASÉ: Live events include matches, DJ Sets, and musical performances, spotlighting multiple art forms.
Promotions Focusing on Local Talent: These promotions provide a platform for local wrestlers to build a following and grow their careers in a less competitive environment. This type of independent wrestling promotion is where many professional wrestlers started their career. Some of the promotions in this category include:
North American Wrestling Alliance: Founded in 1982, it is one of North Carolina's longest-running currently active promotions.
Allied Independent Wrestling Federations: A sanctioning body similar to how the NWA was originally a governing body.
AIWF Mid Atlantic Wrestling: The charter territory of the Allied Independent Wrestling Federations.
Ring Wars Carolina: Prioritizes entertainment that is fun for the entire family.
Premier Wrestling Federation: Features wrestlers with a diverse range of styles.
World Class Elite Wrestling: Originally known as World Class Extreme Wrestling, this promotion rebranded in 2023 after a change in ownership.
United Pro Wrestling Association: Although this promotion has featured established talent, it focuses more on new-generation talent.
Xtreme World Wrestling: Extreme action and extreme violence.
GOUGE Wrestling: Over-the-top characters and often comedic, sometimes extreme, style of professional wrestling.
Pure Pro Wrestling: Promises family friendly action.
Fire Star Pro Wrestling: Students from this promotion's training school have appeared in WWE and AEW.
Apple City Championship Wrestling: Based in Hiddenite, North Carolina and known for family-friendly live events.
Versus The World Wrestling: Prioritizes story and showmanship within its matches.
Fantasy Super Cosplay Wrestling: Blends cosplay and pro-wrestling.
American Lucha Wrestling: Has utilized talent that later moved on to larger promotions.
Icon Pro Wrestling: Based in Burlington, North Carolina.
See No Evil Wrestling: Based in Lincolnton, North Carolina.
Foothills Wrestling Alliance: Based in King, North Carolina.
Wrestling Evolution: Based in Denver/Lincolnton, North Carolina.
New Born Wrestling: Based in Knightdale, North Carolina.
The independent wrestling scene in North Carolina continues to increase in popularity, offering a diverse range of styles and experiences for fans, from promotions showcasing established stars to those developing local talent. I hope to see promotions there publicized as effectively as possible so that fans both in and outside of North Carolina become aware of what the state has to offer, increasing the visibility and show attendance of North Carolina-based promotions.
North Carolina's independent scene offers a variety of experiences for wrestling fans, catering to different tastes and preferences. We can divide the promotions into two categories: those that continue the tradition of bringing in established names, and those that focus on showcasing and providing opportunities for wrestlers who live in North Carolina and its surrounding area.
Promotions Featuring Established Talent
These promotions often bring in former WWE, AEW, or other nationally recognized stars to small venues, which enables them to connect with fans more easily. These promotions also often feature talented independent wrestlers from around the country. Some of the promotions in this category include:
WrestleCade Entertainment: Known for its family-friendly WrestleCade conventions, legends and current stars are brought in.
America's Most Liked Wrestling: Focuses on a traditional style of wrestling and potential stars of the future.
Revolution Wrestling Authority: Based in High Point, North Carolina.
Tarheel Championship Wrestling: Based in Lumberton, North Carolina.
DEADLOCK Pro-Wrestling: DEADLOCK Pro-Wrestling roster members have appeared on AEW-TV.
Fortitude Wrestling Entertainment: Based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
United Pro Wrestling: Based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
ASÉ: Live events include matches, DJ Sets, and musical performances, spotlighting multiple art forms.
Promotions Focusing on Local Talent: These promotions provide a platform for local wrestlers to build a following and grow their careers in a less competitive environment. This type of independent wrestling promotion is where many professional wrestlers started their career. Some of the promotions in this category include:
North American Wrestling Alliance: Founded in 1982, it is one of North Carolina's longest-running currently active promotions.
Allied Independent Wrestling Federations: A sanctioning body similar to how the NWA was originally a governing body.
AIWF Mid Atlantic Wrestling: The charter territory of the Allied Independent Wrestling Federations.
Ring Wars Carolina: Prioritizes entertainment that is fun for the entire family.
Premier Wrestling Federation: Features wrestlers with a diverse range of styles.
World Class Elite Wrestling: Originally known as World Class Extreme Wrestling, this promotion rebranded in 2023 after a change in ownership.
United Pro Wrestling Association: Although this promotion has featured established talent, it focuses more on new-generation talent.
Xtreme World Wrestling: Extreme action and extreme violence.
GOUGE Wrestling: Over-the-top characters and often comedic, sometimes extreme, style of professional wrestling.
Pure Pro Wrestling: Promises family friendly action.
Fire Star Pro Wrestling: Students from this promotion's training school have appeared in WWE and AEW.
Apple City Championship Wrestling: Based in Hiddenite, North Carolina and known for family-friendly live events.
Versus The World Wrestling: Prioritizes story and showmanship within its matches.
Fantasy Super Cosplay Wrestling: Blends cosplay and pro-wrestling.
American Lucha Wrestling: Has utilized talent that later moved on to larger promotions.
Icon Pro Wrestling: Based in Burlington, North Carolina.
See No Evil Wrestling: Based in Lincolnton, North Carolina.
Foothills Wrestling Alliance: Based in King, North Carolina.
Wrestling Evolution: Based in Denver/Lincolnton, North Carolina.
New Born Wrestling: Based in Knightdale, North Carolina.
The independent wrestling scene in North Carolina continues to increase in popularity, offering a diverse range of styles and experiences for fans, from promotions showcasing established stars to those developing local talent. I hope to see promotions there publicized as effectively as possible so that fans both in and outside of North Carolina become aware of what the state has to offer, increasing the visibility and show attendance of North Carolina-based promotions.
Monday, January 6, 2025
Could AI Replace Wrestling Promoters?
A wrestling promoter's responsibilities range from organizing shows, and overseeing advertising (where working with a skilled wrestling writer can be very beneficial), ticket distribution, and venue preparation. A promoter also shapes the overall style of the wrestling promotion. But what if all of that control shifted from human hands to artificial intelligence? Could AI algorithms one day replace wrestling promoters?
The idea might seem impossible, but the increasing sophistication of AI in various creative fields raises some interesting questions. AI is already being used in music composition, scriptwriting, and video game development. In fact, in 2023, Colombian rum brand Dictador made an AI robot the CEO of the company. Could the same principles be applied to professional wrestling?
AI could be used to scout and evaluate new talent, identify potential breakout stars, and even manage wrestler schedules and contracts. In a marketing and promotion capacity, AI could analyze market trends, identify target audiences, and create targeted marketing campaigns to promote wrestling events and merchandise.
Also, with an AI pro-wrestling promoter at the helm, efficiency would increase. AI could automate many of the time-consuming tasks involved in promotion, freeing up the human promoter to focus on other aspects of the business.
However, along with the benefits of an AI wrestling promoter running a promotion, there would also be drawbacks. Professional wrestling is a business, and a business is an art form- planning and strategy is used to succeed, like how a painter uses paint and canvas to create a masterpiece. The passion, emotion, and understanding of human psychology that a human promoter can bring to the table and create that art cannot be replicated with AI.
Also, while AI can generate new content based on existing data, it would struggle to create compelling storylines and promote wrestling events effectively, both which require creativity. And when it comes to making good creative decisions, industry experience and understanding crowd psychology are vital. Also, in order for a story to resonate with fans, making an emotional connection with fans is necessary,
If AI pro-wrestling promoters ever exist, many ethical concerns would be raised- Who is responsible if an AI-generated storyline is offensive or harmful? How is it verified that AI is used morally in a wrestling promotion?
And the most important concern is the potential for job displacement. If AI performs the responsibilities of a pro-wrestling promoter, what happens to the human promoters who currently hold those positions? In general, it's safe to assume that there will be an impact of AI on wrestling jobs in the future.
Meanwhile, keep in mind that there will be times that the impact of AI on wrestling jobs will lead to new opportunities. For example, AI could create new job opportunities in areas like managing and maintaining AI systems.
AI is already being used in the movie industry to create more realistic and believable special effects. For example, AI reportedly was used to generate the realistic appearance of the dinosaurs in Jurassic World, and was used to create the de-aged versions of Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci in The Irishman.
In the future, AI will likely play a large role in many aspects of the pro-wrestling industry, from streaming, to creating the next wrestling superstars, to live events, to broadcasting, to even training and performance. Therefore, it's reasonable to expect it to be involved in the management of a wrestling company as well.
However, it's very unlikely that AI will completely replace human promoters. Instead, it's possible that AI could become a valuable tool, assisting with various tasks and providing data-driven insights. The future of management in wrestling might involve a combined approach, where humans and AI work together to create a good product in the best possible working environment. If you're looking for someone with a deep understanding of both the wrestling industry and technology to help your promotion navigate this exciting new era, I'd love to connect.
The idea might seem impossible, but the increasing sophistication of AI in various creative fields raises some interesting questions. AI is already being used in music composition, scriptwriting, and video game development. In fact, in 2023, Colombian rum brand Dictador made an AI robot the CEO of the company. Could the same principles be applied to professional wrestling?
AI could be used to scout and evaluate new talent, identify potential breakout stars, and even manage wrestler schedules and contracts. In a marketing and promotion capacity, AI could analyze market trends, identify target audiences, and create targeted marketing campaigns to promote wrestling events and merchandise.
Also, with an AI pro-wrestling promoter at the helm, efficiency would increase. AI could automate many of the time-consuming tasks involved in promotion, freeing up the human promoter to focus on other aspects of the business.
However, along with the benefits of an AI wrestling promoter running a promotion, there would also be drawbacks. Professional wrestling is a business, and a business is an art form- planning and strategy is used to succeed, like how a painter uses paint and canvas to create a masterpiece. The passion, emotion, and understanding of human psychology that a human promoter can bring to the table and create that art cannot be replicated with AI.
Also, while AI can generate new content based on existing data, it would struggle to create compelling storylines and promote wrestling events effectively, both which require creativity. And when it comes to making good creative decisions, industry experience and understanding crowd psychology are vital. Also, in order for a story to resonate with fans, making an emotional connection with fans is necessary,
If AI pro-wrestling promoters ever exist, many ethical concerns would be raised- Who is responsible if an AI-generated storyline is offensive or harmful? How is it verified that AI is used morally in a wrestling promotion?
And the most important concern is the potential for job displacement. If AI performs the responsibilities of a pro-wrestling promoter, what happens to the human promoters who currently hold those positions? In general, it's safe to assume that there will be an impact of AI on wrestling jobs in the future.
Meanwhile, keep in mind that there will be times that the impact of AI on wrestling jobs will lead to new opportunities. For example, AI could create new job opportunities in areas like managing and maintaining AI systems.
AI is already being used in the movie industry to create more realistic and believable special effects. For example, AI reportedly was used to generate the realistic appearance of the dinosaurs in Jurassic World, and was used to create the de-aged versions of Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci in The Irishman.
In the future, AI will likely play a large role in many aspects of the pro-wrestling industry, from streaming, to creating the next wrestling superstars, to live events, to broadcasting, to even training and performance. Therefore, it's reasonable to expect it to be involved in the management of a wrestling company as well.
However, it's very unlikely that AI will completely replace human promoters. Instead, it's possible that AI could become a valuable tool, assisting with various tasks and providing data-driven insights. The future of management in wrestling might involve a combined approach, where humans and AI work together to create a good product in the best possible working environment. If you're looking for someone with a deep understanding of both the wrestling industry and technology to help your promotion navigate this exciting new era, I'd love to connect.
Friday, January 3, 2025
Wrestling Against Bullying: Outside and Inside of the Ring
Professional wrestling is known for its larger-than-life personas, thrilling athleticism, and drama. But beyond the spectacle, wrestling has also become a powerful force for positive social change, particularly in the fight against bullying. Several initiatives, from national partnerships to local events, demonstrate the commitment of the wrestling world to creating a safer and more cooperative environment for young people. In this post, I will spotlight two of them.
WWE and Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Be a STAR
In 2016, WWE and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) began a multi-year national partnership to empower youth across the country. This collaboration has led to numerous programs, including the Be a STAR (Show Tolerance and Respect) bully prevention program.
Be a STAR was created with the goal of promoting positive behaviour and preventing bullying by providing resources and education to young people. WWE Superstars, due to being seen as role models by many young fans, were quickly utilized as a key part of the initiative. WWE Superstars visited Boys & Girls Club locations nationwide, offering a unique opportunity for young people to connect and interact with their heroes and learn about the importance of respect, tolerance, and standing up to bullying, as the Superstars share their personal stories and provide valuable resources for individual clubs. Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, Naomi, and Titus O’Neil have even been inducted into the Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame, highlighting the dedication that they have shown to the cause.
Other WWE Superstars, like Sheamus, have also been vocal advocates against bullying. In 2011, Sheamus visited a school in Bridgeport, Connecticut to spread awareness about the issue.
Yanagase Pro Wrestling: Eliminating Bullying and Creating Energy
On a local level, Yanagase Pro Wrestling (YPW), based in Gifu, Japan, has been making a significant impact on its community for 17 years with its annual "Eliminating Bullying and Creating Energy" event. YPW events are a source of local pride, drawing fans from all walks of life to cheer on wrestlers from Gifu and surrounding areas. The promotion not only provides a platform for local talent but also contributes to local businesses and tourism by attracting fans from across the Chubu and Kansai regions.
The "Eliminating Bullying and Creating Energy" event is a testament to Yanagase Pro Wrestling's commitment to social responsibility. By using the excitement and drama of professional wrestling, the event raises awareness about the important issue of bullying. It demonstrates how wrestling can be more than just entertainment; it can be a powerful tool for social change and positive community impact.
These initiatives, while different in scale, share a common goal: to empower young people to stand up against bullying. Whether through national partnerships like Be a STAR or local events like those held by Yanagase Pro Wrestling, the wrestling world is demonstrating its commitment to creating a safer and more supportive environment both inside and outside the ring.
WWE and Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Be a STAR
In 2016, WWE and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) began a multi-year national partnership to empower youth across the country. This collaboration has led to numerous programs, including the Be a STAR (Show Tolerance and Respect) bully prevention program.
Be a STAR was created with the goal of promoting positive behaviour and preventing bullying by providing resources and education to young people. WWE Superstars, due to being seen as role models by many young fans, were quickly utilized as a key part of the initiative. WWE Superstars visited Boys & Girls Club locations nationwide, offering a unique opportunity for young people to connect and interact with their heroes and learn about the importance of respect, tolerance, and standing up to bullying, as the Superstars share their personal stories and provide valuable resources for individual clubs. Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, Naomi, and Titus O’Neil have even been inducted into the Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame, highlighting the dedication that they have shown to the cause.
Other WWE Superstars, like Sheamus, have also been vocal advocates against bullying. In 2011, Sheamus visited a school in Bridgeport, Connecticut to spread awareness about the issue.
Yanagase Pro Wrestling: Eliminating Bullying and Creating Energy
On a local level, Yanagase Pro Wrestling (YPW), based in Gifu, Japan, has been making a significant impact on its community for 17 years with its annual "Eliminating Bullying and Creating Energy" event. YPW events are a source of local pride, drawing fans from all walks of life to cheer on wrestlers from Gifu and surrounding areas. The promotion not only provides a platform for local talent but also contributes to local businesses and tourism by attracting fans from across the Chubu and Kansai regions.
The "Eliminating Bullying and Creating Energy" event is a testament to Yanagase Pro Wrestling's commitment to social responsibility. By using the excitement and drama of professional wrestling, the event raises awareness about the important issue of bullying. It demonstrates how wrestling can be more than just entertainment; it can be a powerful tool for social change and positive community impact.
These initiatives, while different in scale, share a common goal: to empower young people to stand up against bullying. Whether through national partnerships like Be a STAR or local events like those held by Yanagase Pro Wrestling, the wrestling world is demonstrating its commitment to creating a safer and more supportive environment both inside and outside the ring.
How AI is Fighting Online Harassment of Wrestlers
Feeling the energy of the crowd, thriving in the spotlight, and the connection with fans- these are some of the positives of being a professional wrestler. However, for many performers, the online world can be a very different story. Social media, while offering a platform for engagement, has also become a breeding ground for online abuse. And the more successful they are, the more likely that the wrestler is a target, being that there are people who feel envious or resentful of the success of others. Thankfully, artificial intelligence is making the save for wrestlers.
Wrestlers, like many public figures, are often victims of a constant stream of negativity online. Examples are racist or sexist remarks directed at their character or personal life, threats of violence or physical harm, and personal attacks on the wrestler's appearance, family, or personal relationships. This online abuse can have an overwhelming impact on wrestlers' careers, mental health, and well-being.
The devastating consequences of online harassment are tragically demonstrated by the situation of Hana Kimura, a Japanese professional wrestler who took her own life in 2020 after experiencing a never-ending campaign of cyberbullying. Her story is a reminder of the potential impact of online abuse and the urgent need for effective solutions.
Artificial intelligence defends against online harassment in a number of ways. It can scan very large amounts of text, images, and videos on social media platforms, identifying and flagging potentially harmful content, using natural language processing (NLP) to understand the context and meaning of words that allows it to detect sly forms of abuse that might be missed by human moderators. While social media companies rarely make public the specifics of their AI moderation systems, it's widely known that they are heavily reliant on them. These systems are used to filter out spam and bot accounts, detect and remove hate speech, and prioritize human review.
Some AI systems can predict potential harassment before it happens by analyzing user behavior and recognizing patterns associated with abusive language, which allows platforms to take proactive steps to prevent harassment from increasing. AI can analyze the overall attitude of online conversations, identifying trends and patterns of negativity directed at specific wrestlers, and this information can be used to understand the scope of the problem and develop targeted interventions. Also, modern AI is getting better at understanding context, sarcasm, and coded language, which is key in detecting online harassment- for example, a simple word might be harmless in one context but strongly offensive in another, and AI is improving at making these distinctions.
AI represents a significant step forward in the fight against online harassment. As its technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more sophisticated tools being developed to protect wrestlers and other individuals from online abuse.
While AI is helping on the technical side, fans also have a major role to play. If they see someone being harassed online, fans should report it to the platform. They should spread positive messages and support their favorite wrestlers. Fans should also avoid responding to or engaging with abusive comments from trolls in defense of the wrestler, as this usually adds fuel to the situation. In addition, they should support positive initiatives and campaigns. Responsible online behavior would help create a safer and more beneficial environment for wrestlers and everyone else.
Meanwhile, beyond powerful AI solutions and responsible fan behavior, wrestlers themselves can take preventative steps to lessen the extent of online harassment. This includes utilizing platform tools like blocking, muting, filtering, reporting, and adjusting privacy settings to manage their online presence and limit unwanted interactions.
It's important for wrestlers to set clear boundaries between their public and private lives online, avoid engaging with trolls, and, while continuing to promote themselves on social media, prioritize their mental health by taking breaks from social media when necessary. Seeking support from trusted individuals, professional help, or support organizations can provide valuable coping mechanisms. In severe cases involving threats, consulting legal professionals is advised.
Furthermore, wrestlers can leverage their platform to advocate for change by raising awareness about online harassment and advocating for stronger measures to combat it, and supporting organizations and initiatives that are working to create a safer online environment. Examples of such initivates are the Be a STAR program by WWE and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and anti-bullying events like those held by Yanagase Pro Wrestling. For a more in-depth look at anti-bullying initiatives within the wrestling community, check out this post.
Wrestlers, like many public figures, are often victims of a constant stream of negativity online. Examples are racist or sexist remarks directed at their character or personal life, threats of violence or physical harm, and personal attacks on the wrestler's appearance, family, or personal relationships. This online abuse can have an overwhelming impact on wrestlers' careers, mental health, and well-being.
The devastating consequences of online harassment are tragically demonstrated by the situation of Hana Kimura, a Japanese professional wrestler who took her own life in 2020 after experiencing a never-ending campaign of cyberbullying. Her story is a reminder of the potential impact of online abuse and the urgent need for effective solutions.
Artificial intelligence defends against online harassment in a number of ways. It can scan very large amounts of text, images, and videos on social media platforms, identifying and flagging potentially harmful content, using natural language processing (NLP) to understand the context and meaning of words that allows it to detect sly forms of abuse that might be missed by human moderators. While social media companies rarely make public the specifics of their AI moderation systems, it's widely known that they are heavily reliant on them. These systems are used to filter out spam and bot accounts, detect and remove hate speech, and prioritize human review.
Some AI systems can predict potential harassment before it happens by analyzing user behavior and recognizing patterns associated with abusive language, which allows platforms to take proactive steps to prevent harassment from increasing. AI can analyze the overall attitude of online conversations, identifying trends and patterns of negativity directed at specific wrestlers, and this information can be used to understand the scope of the problem and develop targeted interventions. Also, modern AI is getting better at understanding context, sarcasm, and coded language, which is key in detecting online harassment- for example, a simple word might be harmless in one context but strongly offensive in another, and AI is improving at making these distinctions.
AI represents a significant step forward in the fight against online harassment. As its technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more sophisticated tools being developed to protect wrestlers and other individuals from online abuse.
While AI is helping on the technical side, fans also have a major role to play. If they see someone being harassed online, fans should report it to the platform. They should spread positive messages and support their favorite wrestlers. Fans should also avoid responding to or engaging with abusive comments from trolls in defense of the wrestler, as this usually adds fuel to the situation. In addition, they should support positive initiatives and campaigns. Responsible online behavior would help create a safer and more beneficial environment for wrestlers and everyone else.
Meanwhile, beyond powerful AI solutions and responsible fan behavior, wrestlers themselves can take preventative steps to lessen the extent of online harassment. This includes utilizing platform tools like blocking, muting, filtering, reporting, and adjusting privacy settings to manage their online presence and limit unwanted interactions.
It's important for wrestlers to set clear boundaries between their public and private lives online, avoid engaging with trolls, and, while continuing to promote themselves on social media, prioritize their mental health by taking breaks from social media when necessary. Seeking support from trusted individuals, professional help, or support organizations can provide valuable coping mechanisms. In severe cases involving threats, consulting legal professionals is advised.
Furthermore, wrestlers can leverage their platform to advocate for change by raising awareness about online harassment and advocating for stronger measures to combat it, and supporting organizations and initiatives that are working to create a safer online environment. Examples of such initivates are the Be a STAR program by WWE and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and anti-bullying events like those held by Yanagase Pro Wrestling. For a more in-depth look at anti-bullying initiatives within the wrestling community, check out this post.
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