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

How Web3 Will Mark a New Era for Wrestling Promoters and Wrestlers

Web3 is a decentralized internet that offers groundbreaking potential for the wrestling industry. By leveraging blockchain technology, promoters and wrestlers can benefit from increased transparency, efficiency, control over their careers, and financial opportunities. This new model can create a more sustainable environment for all stakeholders, along with creating new revenue streams and driving innovation.

Web3 can enable smart contracts for wrestler contracts, ensuring fair and transparent terms. These contracts can be automatically executed, reducing the risk of disputes and delays. Also, blockchain technology can provide a transparent record of payments and transactions, enhancing trust and accountability.

Promoters can explore innovative revenue-sharing models based on blockchain, allowing wrestlers to participate directly in the financial success of their matches and events. For example, wrestlers could receive a percentage of ticket sales or merchandise revenue based on their performance or popularity. The more money the wrestler brings in, the more money they will make. This would motivate the wrestler to put in more effort, improve their skills, and strive for more memorable matches.

Wrestlers can use crowdfunding platforms built on Web3 to raise funds for their own projects, such as merchandise, independent events that they produce themselves, or training. This can empower wrestlers to take control of their careers and pursue their passions without relying solely on traditional funding sources.

Wrestlers can establish their digital identities on the blockchain, giving them greater control over their personal and professional information. This can help protect their brand, prevent unauthorized use of their likeness, and facilitate licensing deals.

Wrestlers can directly sell their merchandise and manage licensing agreements through decentralized marketplaces, reducing the need for a middleman. This can increase their revenue and give them more control over their brand.

Web3 can provide tools for wrestlers to track their performance metrics, build their brand, and connect with fans directly. For example, wrestlers could use blockchain-based platforms to create digital collectibles, engage with fans through social media, or analyze their match data. The metaverse also offers unique opportunities for wrestlers to relate with fans on a deeper level. Wrestlers could host virtual meet-and-greets, offer personalized training sessions, and release exclusive merchandise within the metaverse. By utilizing these interactive features, wrestlers can create memorable experiences for their fans and foster stronger connections with their fanbase.

Of course, along with the promising potential of Web3, there are also challenges to address. Implementing Web3 solutions can be complex and require specialized knowledge. Ensuring that Web3 applications can handle the large number of transactions and users in the wrestling industry is a significant challenge. Also, the regulatory environment for Web3 is still evolving, and promoters and wrestlers must navigate potential legal and compliance issues.

The successful implementation of Web3 in wrestling requires overcoming technical challenges such as scalability and interoperability. Additionally, the evolving regulatory landscape presents uncertainties for promotions navigating legal requirements. To address these challenges, the industry can explore scalable blockchain solutions, foster interoperability, and stay informed about regulatory developments. By addressing these issues in advance, wrestling promotions can harness the full potential of Web3 while mitigating risks and ensuring a sustainable future.

Wrestling promotions must also address in advance challenges such as as hate speech, harassment, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content, in order to ensure a positive and inclusive environment within the wrestling metaverse, a digital realm where virtual worlds converge and interact. By implementing powerful moderation systems, clear community guidelines, and educational campaigns, promotions can create a safe and welcoming space for all fans. Also, addressing discrimination and bias through inclusive guidelines and initiatives is crucial for fostering a diverse and welcoming community within the metaverse.

Web3 offers a groundbreaking potential for the wrestling industry, empowering promoters and wrestlers with greater control, transparency, and financial opportunities. By addressing the challenges and embracing the opportunities presented by this new technology, the wrestling industry can create a more sustainable environment for all stakeholders. This potential is exiting, as Web3 can mark a new era of innovation and opportunity for the industry.

News: AJ Styles Injured! Get the Latest Updates on The Deck

AJ Styles is one of the most popular and talented wrestlers in the world, and if you are looking for information regarding his recent injury and potential recovery timeline, you can find it in my article on The Deck. I go into detail regarding the specifics and cause of the injury, potential treatment options, and I also take a look at Styles' future. Click here to read the article!: https://thedeck.news/update-on-aj-styles-injury-and-a-look-at-his-future/

The Metaverse and Wrestling

The metaverse, a digital realm where virtual worlds converge and interact, is rapidly becoming a reality. Its potential to revolutionize various industries, including entertainment, has captured the imagination of many. And wrestling, with its exciting action and passionate fanbase, is a natural fit for the immersive experiences the metaverse can offer. It will be a groundbreaking opportunity for the wrestling industry to redefine fan experiences, enhance training, create new revenue streams, and more. By leveraging technology, wrestling promotions can connect with fans in new ways and drive innovation within the industry.

The metaverse could provide fans with unprecedented access to events and their favorite wrestlers. Imagine being able to attend a virtual wrestling match from the comfort of your own home, feeling the excitement and energy of the crowd. Fans could also participate in virtual meet-and-greets.

Beyond the individual fan experience, a wrestling metaverse could foster a stronger sense of community among fans by providing dedicated spaces for discussion, virtual fan clubs, and role-playing games. Social gatherings such as watch parties and live events could create opportunities for fans to connect and share experiences, and collaborative features like fan-created content and community-driven initiatives could empower fans to contribute to the metaverse and feel a greater sense of ownership and involvement.

Wrestlers could use the metaverse to train in a safe and controlled environment as they perfect techniques. Also, the metaverse could be used to create virtual arenas for wrestlers to experiment with new styles, characters, and entrances, with advanced computer graphics and artificial intelligence being used to create a realistic and immersive experience. Although it would not 100% be the same as the energy and excitement of a live audience, it would be a powerful tool that could capture a similar, motivating simulation.

Virtual arenas could also provide customizable environments and immersive crowd experiences, enabling wrestling promotions to host global events that cater to fans from all over the world. And the metaverse could also offer unique training opportunities for wrestlers, such as personalized drills and AI-powered training partners. These are just a couple of examples of how the metaverse could change the way wrestling is experienced and produced.

Wrestling could seamlessly integrate with the world of esports and gaming. Fans could compete against each other in virtual wrestling matches, participate in tournaments and interactive storylines, and even create their own custom characters or become virtual wrestlers themselves. By offering these interactive features, wrestling promotions can create a more immersive and personalized experience for fans, fostering a deeper connection to the business and its characters.

Successful metaverse implementations in gaming (Fortnite and Roblox), social media (Horizon Worlds), retail (Gucci Garden), and education (Spatial) demonstrate the potential for this technology to create immersive and appealing experiences. By drawing inspiration from these examples, the wrestling industry can explore innovative ways to leverage the metaverse to enhance fan experiences, generate new revenue streams, and drive growth.





Other revenue streams that can be generated are selling digital collectibles, partnering with brands for sponsored experiences, and offering paid access to exclusive content.

However, it should be noted the current state of technology may limit the level of immersion and realism that can be achieved in the metaverse. Also, it should be ensured that the metaverse will be accessible to all fans, regardless of their technical skills or financial resources. And issues such as safety and privacy need to be addressed to create a positive and inclusive experience.

Protecting fan data is crucial in the metaverse to ensure privacy and build trust. Wrestling promotions must implement strong data security measures to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and the misuse of personal information. Also, transparent data privacy policies should be communicated to fans, outlining how their data is collected, used, and protected. By prioritizing data privacy, wrestling promotions can create a safe and secure environment for fans to enjoy the metaverse.

It is also necessary for wrestling promotions to proactively address challenges such as hate speech, harassment, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content in the metaverse. Powerful moderation systems, clear community guidelines, and educational campaigns can help promotions create a friendly and protected space for all fans. Furthermore, addressing discrimination and bias through inclusive guidelines and initiatives is significant for fostering a diverse and warm community within the metaverse.

In addition, wrestling promotions must make sure that the metaverse is accessible to all fans. This includes implementing features that accommodate fans with disabilities, such as closed captions, audio descriptions, and customizable controls. Also, efforts should be made to bridge the digital divide by providing affordable access to metaverse technology and offering training or support for those who may be new to virtual environments. By focusing on accessibility, wrestling promotions will create a metaverse that welcomes and includes fans of all backgrounds.

While the metaverse can offer unique and engaging experiences, it's important to recognize that live wrestling events have their own irreplaceable appeal. The enthusiasm of the crowd, the social experience of attending a live event with friends and family, being in a venue with people who love the entertainment value of professional wrestling as much as you do, and the opportunity to see your favorite wrestlers perform in person are factors that cannot be fully duplicated in a virtual environment. Ultimately, the metaverse and traditional live events can coexist, with each offering distinct advantages to fans. The metaverse can provide a complementary experience, offering unique content, virtual interactions, and global accessibility, while live events continue to offer the unmatched emotion and passion of a live crowd.

The metaverse is an opportunity for the wrestling industry to innovate and connect with fans in new and exciting ways. By embracing the potential of this technology as the metaverse continues to develop, it is likely that we will see even more groundbreaking applications in the world of wrestling as it evolves.

The Potential for 5G Technology in Wrestling

5G technology, with its ultra-fast speeds and low latency, is poised to revolutionize the world of professional wrestling. By providing a more seamless and immersive experience for fans, 5G is set to redefine how wrestling matches are produced, consumed, and experienced.

One of the most immediate impacts of 5G on wrestling will be via live streaming. With its ultra-low latency, 5G will enable real-time, high-definition streaming of wrestling events, eliminating the lag and buffering issues that can sometimes plague traditional internet connections. This will provide fans with a more seamless and enjoyable viewing experience, whether they are watching on their smartphones, tablets, or smart TVs.

5G technology can also be used to create innovative and interactive fan experiences. For example, fans could also use 5G-enabled devices to participate in virtual reality (VR) experiences that put them right in the middle of the action.

This would be an especially promising source of revenue from fans who are watching a pay per view or Premium Live Event from home and want an immersive VR experience of watching the matches from a ringside perspective. Wrestling fans have consistently demonstrated a willingness to pay a premium for exclusive content. WWE WrestleMania generates millions of dollars in revenue, showcasing the high demand for premium wrestling content. Also, platforms like WWE Network, Peacock, AEW Plus, and TNA+ have gained significant subscriber bases, indicating that fans are willing to invest in monthly subscriptions for exclusive access to content. So, there is no question that VR passes would be a financially sound venture by a wrestling company. The same could be said for AR-enhanced merchandise, 5G powered-powered mobile games, and live streaming subscriptions. Not only would all of these ideas lead to increased revenue, but to increased brand loyalty as well.

5G can also be used to improve the production quality of wrestling events. For example, 5G-enabled cameras can capture high-resolution footage from multiple angles, allowing for more appealing and dynamic broadcasts. Additionally, 5G can enable the use of advanced production techniques, such as virtual sets and real-time graphics, to enhance the visual appeal of events.

In addition, 5G technology could revolutionize training and health monitoring in professional wrestling. Coaches could provide real-time feedback using 5G-enabled devices, while wearable technology could track performance metrics and identify potential injuries. And 5G could enable virtual training environments and make remote medical assistance possible. These advancements have the potential to improve wrestler safety, enhance performance, and reshape the way wrestlers are trained.

Just like AI, VR, and the metaverse, there are both benefits and challenges when it comes to utilizing 5G technology in the pro-wrestling industry. One of the biggest challenges is the cost of deploying 5G infrastructure, which can be expensive. Also, there may be concerns about the potential for network congestion during major wrestling events. Still, by embracing 5G, pro-wrestling companies can provide fans with a more immersive and engaging experience, which would ultimately lead to increased viewership and revenue.

5G technology has the potential to revolutionize the world of professional wrestling. As 5G networks continue to expand, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting applications in the industry. One possibility is that 5G will eventually enable real-time, interactive wrestling matches where fans can participate from home, stepping into the ring virtually. This would shake up fan engagement and create added revenue streams for wrestling companies, while bringing us closer to a future where the lines between the virtual and physical worlds of wrestling blur.

By enabling faster, more reliable, and more synergetic experiences, 5G can redefine how fans consume and enjoy wrestling content. As 5G networks continue to expand, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting applications of this technology in the wrestling industry.

Do You Want to Reach New Fans for Your Wrestling Event?

As a wrestling blogger with readers internationally (and especially in North America, Asia, and Europe), and experience covering international events and catering to a global audience, I offer valuable services. In particular, I have experience with creating written content and promoting upcoming events to a targeted international audience via my blog, which has direct traffic and is experiencing growth, thanks to my connection with a global wrestling fanbase.

I also have experience with providing insightful international livestreaming coverage, being very thorough with content that resonates multi-regionally. You can see an example of livestreaming coverage I have done for Yanagase Pro Wrestling here:

Visit my Samples of My Work page to see more examples of my writing and promotion strategies.

To learn more about my expertise, check out these related blog posts:

How to Use Streaming Services to Reach a Wider Audience for an Independent Wrestling Promotion
How to Market and Brand Your Wrestling Promotion
How to Increase Attendance at Wrestling Events
How to Promote Wrestling Events Effectively
Harnessing the Power of Marketing Strategies to Elevate Your Wrestling Promotion

If you are interested in working with me, I would be happy to discuss how my skills and experience can specifically benefit your promotion. Contact me via info@harold-williams.com

The Impact of NFTs on Wrestling: A New Era of Fan Ownership

NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, are unique digital assets that represent ownership of something one-of-a-kind. They are unique and cannot be replaced, making them valuable as collectibles and can be used to represent ownership of digital or physical assets. The concept of NFTs gained significant attention in 2017 with the launch of CryptoKitties, a game that allowed users to breed and collect digital cats. This early success demonstrated the potential of NFTs to create digital scarcity and value. After that, the NFT market exploded, with various types of digital assets being tokenized, including art, music, gaming items, and even real-world assets. The popularity of NFTs has been driven by factors such as digital ownership, its scarcity and investment potential, as well as its ability to encourage new communities to be formed around specific digital assets while creating new cultural trends. NFTs have become very popular, and in recent years, the wrestling industry has begun to explore the potential of NFTs to revolutionize fan engagement and create new revenue streams.

One of the most obvious applications of NFTs in wrestling is the creation of digital collectibles. Wrestling companies can offer fans the opportunity to own unique, limited-edition digital assets such as digital trading cards, exclusive items in video games, and virtual memorabilia. These digital collectibles can be traded, bought, and sold on NFT marketplaces, offering fans a new way to build collections. Best known so far have been the Topps WWE Slam digital trading card game, and Upper Deck's (under their Evolution banner) “AEW Sensations” digital trading cards which feature three highlights from the previous week’s broadcasts of “AEW Dynamite” and “AEW Rampage”.

Another NFT initiative in wrestling was the June 2022-launched WWE Moonsault, the company's first official NFT collection, and a limited edition that included 10,000+ “NFT Flips,” each featuring a WWE Superstar tied to that year's HELL IN A CELL event.

NFTs can also be used to create exclusive fan experiences. For example, wrestling companies could offer NFT holders exclusive interviews, VIP meet-and-greets, headquarters tours, early access to new merchandise, as well as merchandise that would not be available anywhere else. By offering these experiences, wrestling companies can reward their most loyal fans and foster a stronger sense of community. Imagine, for example, NFT holders being given a tour of the new WWE headquarters, featuring behind-the-scenes glimpses of the company's operations, historical items, and perhaps even appearances by WWE Superstars.

Other ways that wrestling companies could foster a stronger sense of community via NFTs are opening the door to interactions and trading, as well as creating online communities centered around specific wrestlers and factions.

NFTs can provide a new source of revenue for wrestling companies. The sale of NFTs can generate significant income, which can be used to fund new projects, improve production quality, and acquire new talent. Furthermore, the secondary market for NFTs can continue to generate revenue for the original creators. As fans trade and sell their NFTs, a portion of each transaction can be returned to the wrestling company, creating a sustainable revenue stream.

NFTs could also be used to create interactive experiences connected to television broadcasts. Fans could purchase NFTs tied to specific wrestlers or factions that could unlock exclusive content. For example, a fan who owns an NFT tied to a popular heel could receive exclusive access to a backstage segment where the wrestler is cutting a promo on a face minutes before the heel sneak attacks the face after a match.

If combined with augmented reality (AR), NFTs can help create immersive fan experiences. For example, imagine scanning an NFT trading card with your smartphone to see the wrestler come to life in AR. These technologies can enhance the value of NFTs and provide fans with unique and engaging experiences that go beyond traditional digital collectibles.

While the potential benefits of NFTs in wrestling are noteworthy, there are also possible challenges. The value of NFTs can fluctuate widely, making it difficult to predict long-term returns; implementing NFT technology can be complex and expensive, and the regulatory landscape for NFTs is still evolving, which could create legal and compliance risks. Also, the environmental impact of blockchain technology is an emerging concern that needs to be carefully addressed.

However, NFTs offer a promising new avenue for wrestling companies to engage with fans and generate revenue, making them worth the possible difficulties. As the technology continues to mature, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting applications of NFTs in wrestling, from digital collectibles to exclusive fan experiences that will be rewarding. By embracing NFTs, wrestling companies can position themselves at the forefront of the digital revolution, ensuring their continued relevance and success in the years to come.