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Sunday, January 3, 2100

More About Me

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


info@harold-williams.com


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

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

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

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

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Natalya's NWA Appearance: A New Era of WWE Collaboration

In a move that has quickly become a hot topic in the wrestling world, it has been announced that WWE Superstar Natalya will be making an appearance at the NWA Crockett Cup on May 17th, 2025. This news has sparked much discussion, not just for Natalya's involvement, but for the implications it holds for the new partnership between WWE and the NWA. As Natalya herself stated via X, "So proud of this partnership. Best is yet to come."



WWE has given its support for Natalya’s appearance at the NWA Crockett Cup. This is more than a one-off appearance; it signals a shift in the way these two organizations interact.

The NWA has a rich history and legacy. It was formed in 1948, acting in the role of a governing body for regional wrestling promotions. Eastern States Championship Wrestling (ESCW), promoted by Jim Crockett Sr., joined the NWA in 1950 and changed its name to Jim Crockett Promotions (JCP) in 1952. JCP represented the organization with its show names having "NWA" in the titles. However, JCP was such a major presence on national television, many fans considered JCP to be the NWA, instead of a member of the governing body. Jim Crockett Jr. created the Crockett Cup in honor of his father and the event was held annually by the NWA (via JCP) in the late 1980s. The NWA has been undergoing a resurgence in recent years, now under the leadership of Billy Corgan since 2017. The promotion is carving a new niche, appealing to longtime fans of traditional wrestling as well as a new generation of fans. The appearance of Natalya, whose fanbase transcends generations, will be a significant step in this process.

The cooperation between WWE and the NWA is worthy of attention primarily because it opens up a world of new possibilities. It again demonstrates a willingness on the part of WWE to acknowledge and engage with other promotions, potentially leading to more collaborative ventures in the future. For the NWA, it potentially provides a valuable platform to showcase its talent and brand to a wider audience.

While WWE is often perceived as only operating within its own domain, history shows that they have engaged in cross-promotional activities, even before the current WWE NXT/TNA relationship, and WWE's recent collaborations with NOAH and AJPW. For example, in the past, WWE had a working relationship with NJPW, and even feuded with the USWA. However, the current level of cooperation, especially under Triple H's leadership, marks a new era. This is shown by WWE allowing Natalya to compete at the NWA Crockett Cup.

A total package on WWE's roster, Natalya has a great mind for the pro-wrestling business and represents the company very well. Plus, when WWE needs someone to work with newer female talent on the main roster or in NXT, Natalya is the wrestler WWE turns to. With 25 years of in-ring experience, she is well-suited for the role of representing the partnership between WWE and the NWA. Natalya will bring credibility to the Crockett Cup, and her presence will add prestige to the event, attracting attention from fans. NWA events include talent that is not familiar to the majority of the wrestling audience- this helps to keep the interest of wrestling fans, who are always interested in seeing something new. Natalya will attract fans to the NWA Crockett Cup who will be checking out the NWA for the first time, and the "new faces" of the NWA will turn them into fans of the promotion. This will lead to the NWA becoming more popular.

Most importantly, Natalya will be in action, competing in a match at the Crockett Cup, adding a competitive element to her appearance that notably increases the event's appeal. This is the best way for the NWA to show the WWE Universe what the NWA roster brings to the table. But a question remains- what will Natalya's match be at the Crockett Cup?

The best option is a match between Natalya and NWA World Women's Champion Kenzie Paige. She is the most familiar woman wrestler on the NWA roster, not only because Paige is its world champion, but also because she has appeared on national television, as well as wrestled in IWA MS and SHIMMER. A match between Natalya and Paige, with the NWA World Women's Championship on the line, would be very beneficial no matter who wins.

If Kenzie Paige successfully defendeds the NWA World Women's Championship, defeating someone of Natalya's level of recognition would boost Paige's credibility as a world champion. And if Natalya defeats Paige to become the new NWA World Women's Champion, the championship would become one of the most legitimate world women's championships in the industry, via it being held by a WWE Superstar.

Even if Natalya were NWA World Women's Champion for only a couple of months, it would boost the championship's image. A WWE Superstar as NWA World Women's Champion would garner attention from the pro-wrestling media, and if Natalya went on to defend it at a WWE event, the NWA World Women's Championship's history in WWE could be promoted. For example, it was defended at WWE events in the early 1980s. Meanwhile, the NWA World Women's Championship would be getting exposure om WWE's global platform.

Also, a WWE Superstar added to the NWA World Women's Championship lineage would be a positive for the NWA years after they eventually lose the championship. Natalya is a top member of the WWE roster, and she is currently associated with the world women's championships owned by only one company: WWE. Natalya as NWA World Women's Champion would add the NWA to that very exclusive list.

In any case, Natalya's appearance will be a competitive one that will reshape the landscape of professional wrestling. As we look ahead to The 2025 Crockett Cup, it will be interesting to see what this collaboration will be like and what it means for the future of both WWE and the NWA. As Natalya said via X, "Best is yet to come."

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Nathan Jones: Potential vs. Passion

Nathan Jones had the tools to succeed in professional wrestling. Standing at a massive 6' 10" and with the ability to make facial expressions that made him look like he was about to kill someone, it was easy for Jones to gain attention. Many people believed that he was going to have many years of success in WWE. However, despite the pre-WWE debut hype and the obvious physical gifts, Jones' professional wrestling career never reached the heights that was predicted, becoming a story of the dynamic between potential and passion.



Before entering the world of professional wrestling, Nathan Jones had an eventful past, which included time spent in an Australian prison. Ex-convict gimmicks have been used in the wrestling business, and they make for an intriguing character. But in his case, it's fact instead of fiction. Jones was jailed in the infamous maximum security Boggo Road prison for committing eight armed robberies.



While in prison, Nathan Jones spent time powerlifting, which led to him becoming National Powerlifting Champion of Australia. After being released from prison, Jones went on to compete in strongman contests. As Australia's Strongest Man, he entered the World Strength Championship in 1995, taking first place. In 1996, Jones won the World Strongman Challenge.

After working as a bodyguard as well as participating in MMA, Nathan Jones began his pro-wrestling career in 2001. He experienced championship success in 2002, winning the WWA World Heavyweight Championship in Australia, and the NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Championship while in the Japan-based ZERO1. Jones' career progressed quickly, he was in WWE later that year, wrestling in non-televised matches.



When WWE was ready to make Nathan Jones a part of their programming, WWE capitalized on the dangerous aura that Jones' size and prison background had, presenting a series of vignettes featuring him, with most of them taking place in a prison while Jones could be heard in a voice-over, talking about his time in prison in the most threatening, yet calm voice possible. This conveyed a cold and calculated personality.






Nathan Jones' debut was highly anticipated, and fans were eager to see what he was going to do in WWE. During Jones' first interview, he made it known that he had unfinished business with, "the biggest dog in the yard"- The Undertaker, Jones’ demeanor giving the impression that a feud between the two would take place in the near future.



However, it turned out that the "unfinished business" was that The Undertaker had promised to train Nathan Jones after he was released from prison.



The Nathan Jones/Undertaker storyline was planned to be a "slow burn", meaning that tension was going to gradually build over time, leading to Jones turning on The Undertaker and, reportedly, a match taking place between the two of them at a WrestleMania. However, this never happened. Instead, Jones was eventually removed from WWE-TV and finally returned seven months later, now with no connection to The Undertaker, and as a monster heel. It appeared that Jones was going to be the newest dominant heel giant in WWE.



However, 11 months after Nathan Jones' WWE debut, he cut his run short due to the demands of the travel schedule, which Jones described in an interview as a "rock star's lifestyle" when explaining that he's a homebody by nature. The schedule involved constant travel with very little downtime, and for someone who is not used to that lifestyle, it can be very draining, both physically and mentally, wearing down even the most durable individuals. For Jones, being that he's a self-described homebody, these demands likely decreased the level of enthusiasm for the pro-wrestling business that he originally had.

Nathan Jones clearly had great potential. His size and presence made him stand out, which is an asset in professional wrestling, and his promo style was unique. However, the passion required to endure and overcome the constant travel and the specific lifestyle of a WWE Superstar wasn't fully present. Working for WWE is demanding, and not everyone is suited for its distinctive way of life, regardless of their talent and physical abilities. Jones' situation highlights how even with sizable potential, a lack of passion for the specific demands of something (career as a WWE Superstar in his case), can lead to its end.

Back at home in Australia, Nathan Jones returned to the ring in October 2005 to wrestle in WSW, retiring that same month. Much time has passed since his days in a pro-wrestling ring, yet it still remains interesting to ponder how things would have turned out if traveling had been an easier situation for Jones or he had at least found ways to adapt to it, and if Jones had continued his career in WWE, even with him still retiring in 2005. If the originally planned Nathan Jones/Undertaker feud eventually took place, it would have been student vs. teacher- would Jones have been the wrestler who ended The Undertaker's WrestleMania Streak? How would Jones have fared in a Royal Rumble? He likely would have eventually faced the high-flying Rob Van Dam, the highly athletically gifted Booker T, and perhaps even fellow powerhouse Kane- what would those matches have been like? Also, the final year of Jones' wrestling career was the same year that The Boogeyman made his WWE debut and Hulk Hogan returned to the company. Nathan Jones vs. The Boogeyman would have been a clash between two of WWE's most unique characters, and it was commonplace to see Hogan wrestle monster heels like Jones- what would have been the fan reactions to these matchups? The fact that these questions will remain unanswered proves the power of passion in shaping a career.

With Nathan Jones' pro-wrestling career behind him, there was room in Jones' life for something more fitting for him- acting. It is worth noting that Jones had done some acting in the past, appearing in, "First Strike" (1996) and, "Doom Runners" (1997). He also appeared in, "Troy" while working for WWE.

In the acting industry, Nathan Jones' look and performing ability can be utilized without him having to experience the frequent travel that a full-time pro-wrestler often does. While actors also travel, it's project-based. When an actor is cast in a film, they may travel to a location and stay there for the duration of the shoot. This could range from a few weeks to several months. Once filming is complete, actors commonly return home. Along with being able to live a more agreeable lifestyle, working as an actor has given Jones the opportunity to appear in well-known films such as "Mad Max: Fury Road", and "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" as Rictus Erectus, and "Mortal Kombat", as Reiko.




Even though Nathan Jones had transitioned from wrestling to acting, he maintained a connection to the WWE brand. In 2007, Jones appeared in "The Condemned", which was produced by WWE Films (today known as WWE Studios Inc.), the film studio that is owned by WWE. The picture below is from when a scene featuring Jones was being filmed in Boggo Road, the same prison that he had been in for nearly a decade. Being there again was a heavy experience for Jones.



Nathan Jones' pro-wrestling career serves as a lesson that someone having the potential to be successful at something doesn't necessarily mean that it's the right path for them. His story is not one of failure. Even if Jones had become a main eventer in WWE and held many championships, he still wouldn't have enjoyed the lifestyle, which likely would have made the path feel unrewarding. A fulfilling life requires considering passion, as well as overall well-being. While only Jones knows for sure whether his life became fulfilling after Jones transitioned from pro-wrestling to acting, it's clear that his transition has been a successful and significant part of Jones' life. Acting has allowed him to utilize his talents in a way that brought Jones greater satisfaction and well-being, which is more success than anyone could ask for.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Luna Vachon: Breaking Barriers and Challenging Norms in Women's Wrestling

Luna Vachon was a true original in the world of professional wrestling. With her distinctive look, intense persona, and aggressive in-ring style, Vachon carved a unique path for herself in an industry that was very male-dominated at the time. More than a wrestler, Vachon was a trailblazer, challenging conventional notions of femininity and pushing the boundaries of what women could be in sports entertainment. Despite her talent, charisma, and influence, Vachon never received the same level of recognition or the same opportunities as her male counterparts, highlighting the challenges women of Vachon's time faced in the wrestling world, and posing the question of what her legacy would be if the level of fan interest in women's wrestling in the 1990s were at the level that it is today.



Luna Vachon grew up in a successful pro-wrestling family- her father was former NWA Georgia Southern Heavyweight Champion Butcher Vachon, her uncle was former AWA World Heavyweight Champion Mad Dog Vachon, and her aunt was former AWA World Women's Champion Vivian Vachon. This gave Luna Vachon a deep understanding of the industry and a passion for the art of professional wrestling. And she wanted to continue her family's wrestling legacy.

Out of all the members in the Vachon family, Vivian Vachon had the biggest influence on Luna Vachon, as she explained in an interview: "I used to be so close with my aunt because she was only 11 years older than me her being the baby in the family, so I grew up going on the road and following her and cleaning up the dressing room for her and helping her put the curlers in her hair, and that's all I wanted to do was be like my Aunt Vivian."

Before she became known as the wild and crazy Luna Vachon character with a mohawk and face paint as she defied traditional notions of female beauty in wrestling, she made her debut in Championship Wrestling From Florida as Sports Revue Magazine journalist Trudy Herd, who was standing at ringside when a brawl suddenly broke out near her. During the brawl, she was slapped twice by Kevin Sullivan. Soon after the incident, she joined Sullivan's Army of Darkness faction, where she began embracing a dark persona.



Luna Vachon's unique look set her apart from the typical image of women in wrestling at the time. This unconventional appearance, combined with her fierce in-ring style, made her a standout performer who intrigued fans of women's wrestling.



Luna Vachon was a true pioneer, challenging the traditional image of women in wrestling. She rejected the stereotypical roles of "Divas" or "valets," instead opting for a more mixed and complex character. Vachon was a heel, a face, and fans supported her either way, showcasing a range that was rare for women in the industry at that time. Vachon was willing to take risks and push boundaries, in terms of both promo work and character work. She proved that you don't have to be like everyone else to be successful and impactful.



Luna Vachon has also had a career of firsts, becoming the first woman wrestler in a WWE game (RAW), the first woman wrestler to be in an intergender singles match in WWE, and the first woman wrestler to participate in an intergender, "Steel Cage" match in ECW.




Despite Luna Vachon's contributions, accomplishments, and the impact she had on the women who followed, Vachon never became a women's champion during her time in WWE and WCW. Also, during the three years that Vachon was in WWE (two separate stints), she was not in many programs; instead, Vachon was often used as a ringside manager. However, when WWE and WCW did use her in a program, they would give it the opportunity to generate interest.

A WWE example was Luna Vachon's feud with Sherri Martel, which featured matches between the two of them being booked across the country. Vachon and Martel were given the opportunity to promote their feud during WWE programming.



The same was done when Luna Vachon feuded with WWE Women's Alundra Blayze. Before they had a series of matches nationwide, Vachon and Blayze faced each other on an edition of Jerry Lawler's, "King's Court" interview segment.



In WCW, Luna Vachon made her surprise debut by sneak attacking Madusa live on "WCW Monday Nitro" during an interview segment, to generate excitement and establish Vachon as a threat in WCW's women's division. Also, she was interviewed a number of times on WCW-TV after this segment, to help push her feud with Madusa.






However, Luna Vachon's matches and storylines often were overshadowed by the men's storylines. The lack of consistent focus on women's wrestling during her active years in WWE and WCW limited her opportunities to truly shine and reach the heights that she had earned. During that period, if women's wrestling was a main focus for a fan, they were in the minority. If women's wrestling was on the TV, many fans changed the channel to see what the competition was doing. If they were in attendance at a venue, that was when they would leave their seat to buy beer and hot dogs or check out the merchandise that was on sale. Giving their audiences what they seemed to want, women's wrestling was not a major focus for WWE and WCW.

As for Luna Vachon never being a women's champion in either company, along with being a heel, likely, her character might not have been seen as a traditional choice for a champion during that era. Even when WWE or WCW had a conservative women's champion in place, fans' interest in women's wrestling was lacking.

Women's wrestling in America has come a long way in recent years, as today's level of fan interest in women's wrestling is a different story, with the matches often either being in the main event or the match that fans are talking about the next day. Women wrestlers are now taking center stage in WWE. While this progress is due to the efforts of many individuals, Luna Vachon's contributions should not be forgotten. She was an innovator who helped pave the way for future generations of female wrestlers.

While Luna Vachon's on-screen persona was often wild and aggressive, her impact behind the scenes was equally notable. Vachon played an important role in training and mentoring aspiring wrestlers, shaping their skills and instilling in them the values of hard work and dedication. Angel Orsini's experience is a testament to this: "Luna Vachon broke me in my first two years." This demonstrates her commitment to the craft and Vachon's desire to invest in the future of wrestling.

Luna Vachon's influence extended beyond her in-ring experience. She was a supporter to up-and-coming wrestlers, offering encouragement and belief in their potential. Lita, in an interview, recalled the impact Vachon had on her early career: "she meant a lot to me when I was getting into the business early on I was on the indies and she said 'you're going to be a star I believe in you', and she actually wrote me a fan letter to my PO Box that I got from Luna when I was on the indies and she'll always be really close to me I have a special place in my heart for Luna." This shows how she was not only a performer but also actively supported the next generation of female wrestlers. Vachon's belief in Lita's potential clearly had a deep impact.

Luna Vachon also touched the lives of fans in unexpected ways. Big Swole shared a story of meeting her as a young fan at a Walmart: "I just talked her ear off for like, five, ten minutes, and she was just so gracious with her time with a young fan, and that just kinda stuck with me." This illustrates Vachon's kindness and generosity, even taking time for a young fan. It speaks to her genuine passion for the wrestling business and her willingness to connect with people on a personal level.

In recognition of Luna Vachon's groundbreaking contributions to the wrestling industry, she was posthumously inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame's legacy wing in 2019. This honor serves as a powerful reminder of her lasting influence and her status as a true groundbreaker in women's wrestling.

Luna Vachon's legacy is one of talent, resilience, and underutilized potential. She was a leader who challenged norms and broke barriers, leaving a permanent mark on the wrestling world. While Vachon may not have achieved the same mainstream recognition as some of her male counterparts, Vachon's influence on women's wrestling is undeniable. She was a true original, a performer who dared to be different and paved the way for the women's wrestling revolution we see today.

Monday, February 24, 2025

Unleash Chrome's True Potential: Tips and Tricks to Boost Speed

Google Chrome is a powerhouse of a browser, packed with features and extensions. However, it can become very slow sometimes, which I have experienced while writing posts. Common reasons include having too many tabs open, using resource-heavy extensions, accumulated browsing data, outdated software, and hardware limitations. If you're tired of waiting for pages to load and Chrome lagging, this guide's tips and tricks will elevate your Chrome browser to peak performance.



Browser Basics

Close Unused Tabs: The most effective way to improve performance is to close any tabs that you're not currently using. If you tend to accumulate tabs, consider using a tab management extension.

Clear Browsing Data: Regularly clearing your browsing data can significantly improve Chrome's speed. Here's how to do it:

- Click the three vertical dots in the top right corner of Chrome.
- Go to "Settings" > "Privacy and security" > "Delete browsing data".
- Choose a time range. I recommend that you choose "All time", for the most thorough cleaning.
- I recommend that you only select "Cached images and files". Choosing the other two options will lead to your cookies being deleted (you will be signed out of most sites), or your history being deleted.

Update Chrome: Keeping Chrome up-to-date ensures you have the latest performance improvements and security patches.
- Click the three vertical dots.
- Go to "Help" > "About Google Chrome".
Chrome will automatically check for updates and install them if available. Restart Chrome to apply the updates.

Extension Management

Disable Unused Extensions: Review your installed extensions and disable any that you don't use regularly. They might be running in the background and consuming resources even if you're not actively using them.
- Click the three vertical dots.
- Go to "Settings" > Extensions".
Toggle the switch to disable an extension.

Identify Memory Consumers: Some extensions are more resource-intensive than others. Use Chrome's Task Manager to identify extensions that are using a lot of CPU or memory.
- Click the three vertical dots.
- Go to "More tools" > "Task manager".
- Look for extensions that are using a high percentage of CPU or memory. Consider disabling or removing them.

Advanced Techniques

Hardware Acceleration: Enabling hardware acceleration can offload some processing tasks to your computer's graphics card, improving performance.
- Press the Windows Key + S, type in, and click on, "Graphics Settings". Click on Change default graphic settings. Toggle on or off.
- Type in, and click on, "Graphics Setting".
- Toggle on, "Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling".
- Restart your PC.

Reset Chrome Settings: If you're still experiencing performance issues, you can try resetting Chrome to its default settings. This will disable all extensions and clear temporary data.
- Click the three vertical dots.
- Go to "Settings" > "Reset settings"
- Click on,"Restore settings to their original defaults".
- Click, "Reset settings".

If none of these options resolve the problem, check for malware, which can notably impact browser performance. Run a scan with a reputable antivirus program.

If you've tried all the above steps and Chrome is still slow, as a last resort, consider a different browser. However, this is usually only necessary if there's a specific compatibility issue or if your hardware is very limited.

By implementing these tips and tricks, you can greatly improve Chrome's speed and get back to browsing smoothly. Remember to start with the basics (closing tabs, clearing data) and then move on to more advanced techniques if needed. With a little effort, you can unleash the true potential of your Chrome browser!

Friday, February 21, 2025

Right To Censor: A Look Back at Wrestling's Most Controversial Faction

Right To Censor (RTC).




The name alone is enough to evoke strong reactions from wrestling fans, especially those who are fans of WWE. This faction, led by Steven Richards, was born during the Attitude Era in WWE, a period defined by its edgy content, pushing boundaries, and often sparking controversy. The RTC positioned themselves as moral crusaders, severely criticizing the elements that defined the era they were a part of. The RTC remains one of the most talked-about and controversial factions in wrestling history. Were they misunderstood? The RTC's mission, combined with the factions execution, make the RTC an intriguing case study in wrestling history, prompting a re-evaluation of the faction's legacy years later.



The Attitude Era was represented by its adult-oriented content. Scantily clad women, suggestive storylines, and violent matches were common. In this environment, the RTC emerged, presenting themselves as the opposite of everything the Attitude Era stood for. They condemned the "vulgarity" and "excess" that had become the norm, targeting everything from the scantily clad women (like The Godfather's "hos") to the violent hardcore matches that were becoming increasingly popular.

RTC's gimmick was a satire of censorship and moral panic. Steven Richards took his protests to extreme levels, forcing scantily clad women to cover up, interrupting matches to impose his own brand of morality, and attempting to clean up the characters of other wrestlers. This approach was intended to be satirical and make a statement that censorship is often hypocritical.




The group's members- including Bull Buchanan, The Goodfather (The Godfather's name after joining the RTC), Val Venis, and Ivory, played their roles well as they refused to allow people to become "corrupted" by WWE programming. Steven Richards, as the group's leader, delivered impassioned-sounding promos, condemning the "sinful" behavior of his fellow wrestlers. The group's presentation, with their matching white shirts and black ties, further emphasized their image as self-righteous moralists.

The RTC had all bases covered. While the faction cut promos that generated heat by pushing social buttons and leveraged existing social tensions, the RTC had its own website to support its campaign against WWE, complete with a mission statement. And for those who wanted to support the RTC, there was a Right To Censor T-Shirt available for them to buy...for their own good.



While the RTC continued to "fight the good fight", and defend what is right in the world through selective censorship, the faction also won championships, as Bull Buchanan & The Goodfather captured the World Tag Team Championship and Ivory won the WWE Women's Championship. Holding championships gave the RTC a sense of legitimacy and authority- making them seem like a genuine threat and not just a group of whiners. It also generated more heat, and the more the fans hated the RTC, the more successful they were as heels.




Looking back, the Right to Censor's gimmick, while controversial, seems almost predictive in today's climate. While initially perceived as over-the-top heels, their message about censorship and social control resonates in a new context. The rise of social media, the constant debates about free speech, and the increasing examination of online content have made the issues the RTC tackled even more relevant. Whether you viewed them as satirical commentators or hypocritical moralizers, the Right to Censor remains an intriguing and thought-provoking part of wrestling history. They were undoubtedly a product of their time, but their themes—power, control, and the ever-shifting lines of acceptable expression—continue to spark debate and discussion, making their legacy far more complex than a simple good versus evil narrative. At the time, the idea of a PG-focused WWE seemed far-fetched, especially during the height of the Attitude Era. However, as WWE evolved, it gradually shifted towards a more family-friendly product, echoing the very goals the RTC advocated. This shift highlights how the RTC, despite their satirical and controversial nature, tapped into underlying trends within the wrestling industry.

The involvement of artificial intelligence in wrestling adds another layer of complexity to the issues raised by the Right to Censor, making their message, perhaps unintentionally, even more meaningful. While the RTC focused on obvious forms of censorship and moral supervision, AI introduces more subtle yet potentially powerful forms of control and manipulation. AI-generated storylines raise questions about authenticity and the blurring lines between reality and fiction within the wrestling narrative. Furthermore, AI's potential to automate various aspects of the business, from content creation to replacing promoters, brings forward ethical considerations regarding job displacement and the definition of human performance in a traditionally human-centered industry. Just as the RTC challenged the boundaries of acceptable content, AI forces us to confront new ethical dilemmas surrounding the potential for algorithmic bias in shaping the future of professional wrestling. In this context, the RTC's concerns about power dynamics and media influence take on a new, more technologically advanced aspect, highlighting the ever-evolving nature of ethical challenges in the entertainment world.

Lastly, the RTC demonstrated the power of persuasion by being able to convert a pimp (The Godfather) and an adult film actor (Val Venis) into RTC members and supporters of censorship. In this same fashion, AI could be used to control narratives and shape fan reactions in new and unforeseen ways. The ability to influence and persuade, a key tactic of the RTC, becomes even more forceful with AI's capacity to personalize and target information. The core issue of power and influence remains, even as technology evolves.

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Curt Hennig: Perfect Potential to Be WWE Champion

Curt Hennig, known to the wrestling world as Mr. Perfect, was a performer whose name perfectly encapsulated his in-ring abilities. Hennig's technical skills were top-notch, his athleticism was remarkable, and Hennig had the ability to make even his most complex maneuvers look effortless. Hennig gave off an aura of confidence, and when he was a heel, arrogance. Meanwhile, Hennig was able to back it up with his flawless execution, making Hennig stand out whether he was a heel or a face at the time. Yet, despite having all of the attributes of a main eventer, Hennig never held a world championship in WWE (then known as the WWF).



Before joining WWE, Curt Hennig wrestled in the AWA, where he won the AWA World Heavyweight Championship, defeating Nick Bockwinkel at AWA SuperClash II.


Hennig's reign as AWA World Heavyweight Champion from May 1987 to May 1988 was the seventh-longest reign in the history of the championship, and it showcased his ability to carry a promotion as the face of the company, demonstrating not only Hennig's in-ring skills but also his ability to generate interest. WWE, JCP, and the AWA were considered the "Big Three" of the industry, with AWA programs broadcast on ESPN. However, Hennig's early success gave many the impression that he was destined for even greater things on a larger stage. With a dominant AWA reign on Hennig's resume, July 1988 was when it was time for him to move on to WWE's grander stage- where he could make more money, receive broader exposure, and where the Mr. Perfect gimmick was born.

The Mr. Perfect character was a masterpiece of execution and presentation. Curt Hennig portrayed a conceited athlete who claimed to be perfect at everything he did, from playing basketball and golf to bowling the perfect game and, of course, wrestling. Vignettes promoted the gimmick, showcasing Hennig’s “perfection” in various sports, which were brilliantly produced and added a unique dimension to his character.


The inspiration for the Mr. Perfect gimmick was that during a meeting with Vince McMahon prior to Hennig joining WWE, McMahon asked him "What do you like to do?", and Hennig replied that he was good at everything he did.

Curt Hennig was a master technician, capable of having a great showing no matter the style of wrestler he was in the ring with. Hennig's feud with Hulk Hogan proved Hennig was a perfect foil for a top face champion. It was common to see Hogan defend the WWE Championship against powerhouses like Andre The Giant, King Kong Bundy, and Kamala, with it being made clear that Hogan could overcome that style of wrestler. However, unlike the powerhouses, Hennig was faster and more agile than Hogan, and would blend technical expertise with heelish tactics. And on top of that, Hennig had been undefeated until November 1989. Coming off an undefeated streak that lasted over a year combined with his excellent wrestling technique made Hennig a distinctive opponent for Hogan and a legitimate threat to his WWE Championship reign.


Hennig’s style enabled fans to see Hogan wrestle a faster-paced match than they often would, his powerhouse opponents replaced by a more energetic wrestler. Hennig's rapid counters and fluid movement gave Hogan the opportunity to show that he could wrestle with an athletic-based wrestler just as well as he could wrestle with a power-based one.

Given Curt Hennig’s previous undefeated streak and his ability to push Hulk Hogan to the limit in their matches, it’s easy to see why many believed Mr. Perfect was world championship material. He had the talent, charisma, reputation, and popularity to be a legitimate main eventer. Considering this, the question is often posed: why didn't he ever have a world title run in WWE? Bruce Prichard, who worked for WWE during the time Hennig was feuding with WWE Champion Hulk Hogan, revealed on his podcast, Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard (episode #304), "Hennig was pitched as being a WWE Champion and Hennig was somebody that we all felt could have carried the championship". However, during the 1980s and early 90s, WWE operated as a "face territory," meaning the top championship was primarily held by a face, which is very different from the WWE of today, where top heels have held a top championship for long stretches. Vince McMahon’s philosophy revolved around creating larger-than-life heroes who would hold the WWE Championship for extended periods while facing a rotating cast of strong heels, whose role was to be obstacles for the face to conquer. Hogan was the company's biggest star and top face, so his feuds were built around overcoming heels. Meanwhile, Hennig was a strong heel, and although he was popular, it was a different kind of popularity than being a face- Hennig wasn't popular in the sense that many fans were cheering him and buying Mr. Perfect merchandise because they admired him, Hennig instead was popular because he was very good at being a heel and respected for his proficiency in the ring. Because the champion needed to be a face the audience rooted for, and because Hennig was a classic heel, it would have gone against McMahon's established booking philosophy at the time to have Hennig defeat Hogan for the championship. Rather than represent the company, Hennig's role was to be a strong challenger for Hogan to defeat, further solidifying his position as the dominant, much-loved face champion. This philosophy is a major reason why Hennig, despite his talent, never won the WWE Championship.

Keeping in mind that WWE was a face territory, one possible path to Curt Hennig becoming WWE Champion could have been via his January 15, 1990 match with Hulk Hogan on WWF on MSG Network. In reality, Hennig won by disqualification due to The Genius’ interference. But imagine if that interference had led to a pinfall victory instead, making Mr. Perfect the new WWE Champion, who would then begin defending the championship against Hulk Hogan and others at non-televised events in the following weeks.



With Curt Hennig as WWE Champion, WWE’s booking in early 1990 would have shifted. Instead of Hulk Hogan facing Randy Savage on The Main Event III on February 23, 1990, WWE could have booked a rematch: Hulk Hogan vs. Curt Hennig for the WWE Championship. Hogan, determined to reclaim the title, would have defeated Hennig and won back the championship, reestablishing himself as the face champion of WWE. This change would have delayed the setup for WrestleMania VI. In real life, after Hogan and Ultimate Warrior crossed paths at Royal Rumble 1990, Hogan issued The Ultimate Challenge to Warrior on February 3, 1990. However, under this scenario, Hogan wouldn’t put forth the challenge until February 24, 1990, after reclaiming the championship. On that same day, WWE President Jack Tunney would officially announce Hogan vs. Warrior as the main event of WrestleMania VI, with both the WWE Championship and Intercontinental Championship on the line. While Hennig’s reign would have been brief, it would have further solidified him as a credible world champion. Hennig would have joined the ranks of WWE Champions and been remembered as one of the few to defeat Hulk Hogan for the championship. Even with a short reign, a WWE Championship victory would have added a defining milestone to Hennig’s career, adding to his believability as a main eventer.

While WWE rarely booked heel champions for short transitional reigns in this era, Ric Flair’s two 1992 WWE Championship runs lasted 41 days and 77 days, showing that the company's stance was shifting by this point. This possibly indicates that even though Curt Hennig could not be a long-term champion, WWE may have pulled the trigger on him having a 39 day reign if it had been pitched. Hennig would have given Hulk Hogan a fresh obstacle before WrestleMania VI, and even with a short reign, defeating Hogan for the WWE Championship would have cemented Hennig as more than a prominent challenger.

Though Curt Hennig never captured the top prize, he still left a lasting impact in WWE. Hennig's two reigns as WWE Intercontinental Champion are highlights of his career that were highly regarded, especially Hennig's second reign, which was -just like his reign as AWA World Heavyweight Champion- the seventh-longest reign in the championship's history. Hennig's alumni page on WWE's official website states, "He brought the Intercontinental Title a new level of credibility during his two reigns and set a higher standard for technical wrestling in WWE when he defended the championship against Bret Hart at SummerSlam 1991." Hennig's Intercontinental Championship reign shifted it from a stepping stone for future stars to a showcase for the best technical wrestlers in the company, as he demonstrated a level of in-ring excellence that fans still talk about today and influenced later technical wrestlers.


As impressive as Hennig's performance obviously was, it's even more impressive when the fact is considered that he was wrestling in this match with a pre-existing back injury. That injury was a major setback, as this was Hennig's final match until 1992.

When Curt Hennig returned to the ring in 1992 (as a face), WWE was prioritizing its currently-established main event scene. Also, his back issue likely made WWE hesitant to invest a lot in Hennig, thinking the possibility was high that his back would get injured again. In fact the occurrence of a back issue led to Hennig leaving WWE in 1994. When he returned in 1995, it was as an announcer instead of a wrestler.

After leaving WWE in 1996, Curt Hennig made a surprise return at Royal Rumble 2002, entering at #25 and delivering a notable performance. He was one of the final three competitors and fans responded positively to Hennig's return, sparking speculation about whether he could make a serious run in the company once again. Following the Rumble, Hennig won many matches, but most of them were either dark matches or at non-televised WWE events. One key reason why he was not pushed into a major role was the company's creative direction at the time. WWE was still adjusting after the end of the Attitude Era and the WCW/ECW Invasion storyline, focusing heavily on WWE Superstars like The Undertaker, Triple H, and The Rock. While Hennig still had the charisma and in-ring ability to contribute, WWE’s priorities were on further solidifying the current roster at that time rather than focusing on returning talent. It's worth noting that Hulk Hogan, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall had also returned that year, and unlike Hennig, were heavily featured. But Hogan's nostalgia appeal was at a level where he was a bigger draw than most of WWE's current roster at that time.

As for Kevin Nash and Scott Hall, while they had originally performed in WWE as Diesel and Razor Ramon, their time in WCW as part of the nWo had reshaped their identities in the eyes of WWE's Creative Writing Team. When WWE brought them back in 2002, they were positioned as Vince McMahon's henchmen who had been in WCW rather than returning stars, giving WWE's audience something new. By contrast, Curt Hennig was the same Mr. Perfect who been in WWE during the early '90s.

Later that year, Curt Hennig was released, bringing an end to his final WWE run. While short-lived, Hennig's return showed flashes of the greatness that made fans believe he could have been a WWE Champion had circumstances played out differently earlier in Hennig's career.

Although the reasons make sense, the absence of the WWE Championship on Curt Hennig's resume seems like a significant missed opportunity. He had a complete package of promo skills, charisma, in-ring skills, and the ability to connect with the audience. Hennig was a true main event-worthy talent who, for various reasons, never reached the very top of the mountain.

Curt Hennig’s legacy is one of indisputable talent, perfect execution, and a sense of untapped potential. He is remembered as one of the greatest Intercontinental Champions of all time and a performer who consistently delivered exceptional performances. While Hennig did not hold the WWE Championship, his influence on the wrestling world is undeniable, making him one of the best to never hold the top gold.