More About Me

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In addition, I have blogged for the Allied Independent Wrestling Federations.

My articles, "A Look at the History and Future of WOW", "Will WOW Go From Las Vegas Residency to an Even Higher Level?", and "How WOW’s 'Human First' Digital Strategy Works in 2026" were endorsed by WOW - Women Of Wrestling on social media in August 2025, October 2025, and June 2026, respectively. In May 2026, my article, "An Education on The Enlightened: WOW's Psychological Supergroup," was endorsed on social media by the group's founder, Samantha Smart, which was followed by an exclusive Q&A with her, which she shared on social media. My articles, "Why Florida Makes a Perfect WOW Superhero Stronghold", "Miami’s Sweet Heat on Beast Games Season 2: A Major Win for WOW", "WOW Hits the Jackpot: Women Of Wrestling Secures Season 4 & Groundbreaking Las Vegas Residency", A History of Women's Wrestling in America", "The 11 Most Must-See WOW Matches Right Now", "A Potential Game-Changer for Sophie Cunningham: The WOW Opportunity", "Independent Gaijin Dreams and the Japanese Experience of WOW's Superheroes" and, "A History of Wrestling Managers" were endorsed by WOW as well. In November 2025 and December 2025, WOW's official website saw a 122% increase in monthly visits, as my analyses initiated search traffic that the official domain then converted into brand engagement.

My article, "How World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana Is Succeeding Globally," was endorsed by World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana President Taishi Fuwa. I have also written event previews/wrestler spotlights and done social media for Diana.

Many of my articles have been cited as sources in online encyclopedias Wikipedia, Grokipedia, and Hubbry entries on topics including Women of Wrestling, the Global Wrestling Federation (GWF), Michinoku Pro Wrestling, Kyushu Pro-Wrestling, MLW, 3PW, Japan's MMA business, WWE house shows from a business perspective, Right to Censor, the York Foundation, the history of wrestling commentary, Hisashi Shinma as WWE President, the true power of joshi puroresu, the history of wrestling in South Carolina, Alex Shelley, Mad Man Pondo, the early history of WWE video games, WWE Raw on Netflix, Strong Style Pro Wrestling, and more. Additionally, my 2013 interviews with the original cast of GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling) served as a primary historical resource for The Telegraph in their coverage of the true stories behind the hit Netflix series.

My work is used as a resource on learning platforms. My ebook "The Business Side of Wrestling: A Look Behind the Curtain" is available for lending internationally, across two major library systems: CLEVNET Library in Ohio and Dubai Public Library in the Middle East. My article, "The History of American Wrestling," has been used in Google Classroom by an educator.

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

After living in Japan for ten years and writing English content for Asian companies during that time, I am currently based in the US and open to new writing opportunities in the US, Japan, and globally, from event previews & results reports, to press releases, to wrestler spotlights & social media. I offer sponsored content and an international audience. Check out my samples and see how I can take your brand to the next level:
https://harold-williams.com/2012/05/samples-of-my-work.html


My platform averages over 100,000 monthly impressions across the digital ecosystem. This includes direct traffic, high-authority visibility on Google, Bing, ChatGPT, Yahoo, and Yandex, as well as significant engagement from networks like Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Threads, and Reddit.

My rate typically falls within the range of $500 to $800. info@harold-williams.com

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. I am also a Technology Writer specializing in AI, VR, AR, NFTs, 5G, Web3, streaming, and the metaverse in the context of wrestling. My insights on this frontier have been recognized by wrestling-related outlets, including Fightful, which cited my deep dive into specific applications of AI in wrestling as a key resource in an article.

I am a subject matter expert in the business side of Japan's MMA, baseball, soccer/football, lacrosse, and other sports.

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

The $500 Launch Phase: Why Your Promotion Isn’t Growing (And How to Fix It)

In the professional wrestling industry, there is a massive gap between a high-quality in-ring product and a global digital footprint. Many promoters want to take things slow, but in a digital-first economy, slow often leads to being invisible.

When I work as a Strategic Communications Consultant, I don’t only offer marketing. I offer a 30-Day Launch Phase designed to turn local promotions into international destinations. Here is the blueprint I use to bridge that gap.

1. Stop Being Local and Start Being Global
If your digital reach is limited to your local zip code, you’re leaving money on the table. My background in the US (working with promotions like WOW - Women Of Wrestling) and Japan (like being the International Officer of Michinoku Pro and a social media writer & blogger for Yanagase Pro Wrestling) have shown me that fans internationally are hungry for new content- they just need a reason to care about that content.

- The Strategy: Position your brand as a premier destination by framing it through a business lens. If a promotion features international stars, their reputations should be leveraged to ensure the promotion's digital reach matches the talents' in-ring reputations.

2. Leverage Search Authority Over Social Media
Social media is rented land. Search authority is real estate. Most promotions have YouTube channels with solid foundations, but they aren't converting that into ticket sales.

- The Strategy: Use a high-ranking global platform to create strategic event previews. By funneling active search traffic from fans looking for a specific style of wrestling product directly to your ticket pages, you create a measurable ROI.

3. The Power of the Narrative
For unique promotions, growth is about more than the matches; it's about the presentation.

- The Strategy: If it's a medium-size or larger promotion, frame it as an evolving entertainment property. If it's a charity organization, highlight its charitable impact so that it becomes eligible for community-focused media coverage that traditional promotions can't access.

4. Making Small Look Large
By creating high-impact brand analysis, a promotion can be made to appear bigger than it actually is. This can take it from a venue that seats 50 fans to one that seats 600.

- The Strategy: It’s about search authority. If your promotion looks like an international property online, the fans (and sponsors) will treat it like one.

The Bottom Line
If you're driven by a desire for growth, you need a digital strategy. My Launch Phase covers content optimization, search authority, and media syndication for a flat fee, ensuring the work pays for itself through increased visibility and sales. Reach out at info@harold-williams.com

[DIANA LIVE] World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana on 6/24 LIVE

Active since 2011 and founded by former WWWA Champion Kyoko Inoue, World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana features a mix of legends and new-generation talent, making it a promotion that has something for everyone who enjoys women's wrestling. On Wednesday, June 24th, the women of Diana will be in action for "Diana Season 2 - 11th Leg Future Sight". It will start at 19:00 Japan Time, and it will be broadcast via DIANA Live, the promotion's own live streaming service.

The card will be as follows:

Anna (as seen in WAVE)
vs.
Misa Kagura (former Ice Ribbon star)

Haruka Umesaki (W.W.W.D Tag Team Champion)
Yuuka (Ice Ribbon star)
vs.
Mizuki Kato (as seen in Stardom, Sendai Girls, Ice Ribbon, WAVE, and PURE-J)
Chika (as seen in Sendai Girls)

Miran (W.W.W.D Crystal Champion)
Ryoko Sakimura (as seen in ZERO1 and PURE-J)
vs.
Debbie Keitel (former W.W.W.D Tag Team Champion)
Himiko (as seen in Stardom, ZERO1, Ice Ribbon, WAVE, and PURE-J)

Nanami Hatano (former W.W.W.D Crystal Champion)
vs.
Selene Misora

Why a People-Focused Strategy is the Next Growth Frontier in Sports Entertainment

The role of tech in connecting wrestling with other media cannot be overstated, as it will continue to attract new fans and create a more interactive experience. However, a different market reality is emerging simultaneously. Tech adoption can not only inflate overhead, but if it is executed by people who are familiar with the technology industry but not the wrestling industry, it can sometimes lead to current fanbases being alienated, and brand identities being destabilized.

In my recent analysis of the digital strategy of WOW - Women Of Wrestling, I looked at how they prioritize the human element. Looking at the broader sports entertainment landscape in 2026, it's clear that this is not only a unique creative choice but also a highly sophisticated blueprint, as a people-focused strategy is the next growth frontier in sports entertainment. Under the leadership of Jeanie Buss and David McLane, the company is once again being ahead of the curve. Rather than relying solely on pure data analytics or technological advancements, the company demonstrates that positioning a brand around its fans, its athletes, and communities ensures higher emotional engagement, financial health, and long-term fan retention.

The Benefit of Stability: Buffered from Algorithmic Volatility

For many promotions focusing on tech integrations, creative and production directions are heavily connected to real-time digital metrics, which are real-time data points that promotions use to instantly measure fan engagement. Immediate online feedback, YouTube video traction, social media impressions & sentiment spikes, and instant online merchandise surges often lead to a promotion making changes to its shows that are not beneficial for the long-term.

As an alternative, WOW is buffered from the volatility by focusing its IP on a family-friendly, comic book-style format that focuses on the Superheroes' individual personalities, motivations, and backstories, allowing the company to stay true to its values while also being successful. It's common for a company to change in order to compete with companies that have adapted to a changing industry, but WOW shows that this isn't necessary, as it builds deep, predictable brand equity while families and multi-generational audiences return to its product because it offers consistent entertainment value.

The Premium on Tangibility: Real People over Virtual Interactions

VR has the potential to revolutionize wrestling's social media experience, as current VR tech allows meet-and-greets where fans can interact with 3D avatars of wrestlers. Concerts hosted via VR platform have proved that interacting with high-profile digital representations is technically possible, and it's a new phase of engaging and immersive social media experiences, but it doesn't replace the primary emotional driver of sports entertainment: the authentic human connection between the fan and the athlete.

WOW maximizes the value of its intellectual property by keeping the real-life Superhero entirely irreplaceable. The company's character-driven style is reinforced through tangible, physical presence. WOW's meet and greets at events ensure that the brand’s message is delivered through an offline interaction. In an increasingly simulated media market, a fan looking at their favorite Superhero in person and eye to eye remains an unmatched branding asset.

Seamless Scale: The Power of National Accessibility

True scale in media distribution is often equated with having a presence on a big online platform, and with many independent promotions in a situation where they would have to buy airtime in order to be seen nationally, being on a streaming service is definitely a game changer. However, in WOW's case, a focus on weekend syndication is benefiting them because by reaching 100% of US markets through local networks, they are connecting with a diverse audience that includes young and casual fans, as well as a 41% female audience, the largest percentage of female viewership among prominent wrestling organizations.

In addition, free over-the-air television syndication captures massive reach in urban markets and diverse communities where the cumulative cost of streaming platforms can become too expensive to afford. By offering free pro-wrestling entertainment, WOW builds easy, direct access. This matches the promotion's audience footprint; reports indicate that WOW has a highly diverse audience, which includes a 31% Black viewership, the largest percentage of Black viewership among prominent wrestling organizations.

Also, WOW has carved out a distinct and successful path by focusing on traditional licensing that doesn't have the technical barriers of the virtual world. A cornerstone of this strategy is the entry into the tabletop gaming market. WOW partnered with Cation Arts to launch WOW - Women Of Wrestling Card Game, a physical collectible experience- an obvious contrast to digital trading cards. By going the physical card game route, the tangible thrill of collecting and the social connection of in-person play are prioritized. By keeping the barrier to entry non-existent, WOW ensures its market footprint expands organically across every demographic, independent of hardware trends.

Long-Term Value: Media as a Tool for Real-World Action

From a consumer psychology perspective, the highest value of a family-friendly entertainment property isn't found in users staying in a digital environment. It is found in creating an experience that inspires brand loyalty and real-world interaction. This creates an ingrained, institutional trust with parents and partners on a level that is difficult to replicate via technology.

The business blueprint executed by the world of WOW highlights a lesson for the broader sports entertainment sector: innovation is defined by how effectively technology protects and projects a company's brand identity. Positioning a media property around organic, people-focused engagement offers a powerful, sustainable path to growth. As the market continues to diversify, WOW's focus on universal accessibility, physical media, and character-driven stability proves that in a world that is growing digitally, the people element remains incomparable.

Why Some Wrestling Shows Draw 1,000 Fans While Others Draw 45

On a typical weekend, two pro-wrestling shows happen in the same area. One takes place in a venue packed with 1,000 enthusiastic fans, the wrestlers feeding off the crowd's energy. Not far away, another venue hosts 45 attendees, who look around wondering why no one else showed up, while the wrestlers perform moves that are met with reactions where every individual clap can be heard.

The difference between these two outcomes is the direct result of strategic choices. If you want to scale your promotion from double digits to a packed house, you need to employ these five pillars of successful wrestling promoting.

1. Identifying Everything That Makes the Promotion Distinct
What makes your promotion unique?

Just like how many pro-wrestlers struggle with figuring out who they are as a character, promoters often have difficulty deciding on their promotion's identity. They don't recognize everything that makes their promotion different from others and what it provides fans that other promotions don’t. For example, I helped BJW (Big Japan Pro-Wrestling) as a columnist when it was one of the first Japanese wrestling companies to make a website to attract the English market outside of Japan. No matter the promotion, there is a reason for a fan to choose it, and it needs to be figured out what that reason is. And some reasons are less obviously distinctive than others- once it is completely realized what makes a promotion special, it can be communicated to fans in a clear and concise way. This is what creates loyal ticket buyers and scales up your promotion. If it appears to be just a copy of someone else's, that's the one that is going to draw 45 fans at shows, even if the card is great every night.

2. Understanding That You Get What You Pay For

The most important factor in attracting fans is to create a strong product that they want to see. This means presenting exciting matches, and when there is a feud involved, including a compelling storyline. You should also make sure that your events are entertaining and decently produced (good lighting & audio, clean guardrails, stable ring). If you are on a tight budget, you may want to hire wrestlers and staff who are not very experienced and who will likely be low-cost. However, remember that you usually get what you pay for, and they may not be able to produce the same quality of work as someone who is more experienced. If the fans come to your show and experience a badly booked event with low-quality matches and poor production quality, they won't be back, and your promotion will not grow. If you hire wrestlers and staff who are well-respected and have a lot of experience, their fee/rates are likely to be higher than those of less experienced ones, but so will their quality of work. This will lead to better results for your wrestling company. Also, keep in mind that it's possible for high-quality/very experienced wrestlers/services to be expensive yet also affordable.

In addition, remember that 20% of a wrestling promotion's success hinges on what happens on a show, and 80% hinges on a promotion's online visibility because nothing is worse than a great show that wasn't marketed well. I help promotions with that 80%. You can see samples of my work here.

3. Wear Your Promoter's Hat More Often Than Your Fan's Hat

If you are a wrestling promoter, you most likely are a wrestling fan on some level. Otherwise, you probably wouldn't have wanted to be a wrestling promoter. And if you are, there most likely are wrestlers whom you prefer watching more than others. While I think it's a good idea to hire talent for your promotion that you personally enjoy watching, keep in mind that when you are booking matches, your goal is to book the talent and make the matches that your fans would pay to see and would enjoy watching, not you. Your taste is only one amongst many others, and If you create a card based on the matches that you want to see, in the end, you would have a show that you enjoyed, but did not draw well and mostly was not enjoyed by the fans in attendance.

4. Build Digital Authority and Brand Power

Once you have created a strong product, you need to let people know about it, promoting your events effectively. For unique promotions, growth is about more than the matches; it's about the presentation. If it's a medium-sized or larger promotion, frame it as an evolving entertainment property to capture broader commercial and sponsor interest. If it's a charity organization, highlight its charitable impact so that it becomes eligible for community-focused media coverage, public interest spots, and local partnerships that traditional promotions can't access. If a small promotion creates a strong, highly professional online presence, fans and sponsors will treat it like a bigger event. Having effective digital authority allows a promotion to jump from venues holding 45 fans to larger venues that seat hundreds and thousands.

5. Provide a Great Live Event Experience

The complete live event experience -beyond the matches- determines whether a first-time attendee becomes a repeat customer. Make sure that your events are affordable; otherwise, a fan might not be able to return even if they want to. Plus, expensive wrestling tickets can deter some fans from attending events.

Create a fan-friendly environment at events that is welcoming and enjoyable for them. The best-case scenario would be comfortable seating, clean restrooms, and a variety of concessions. Also, have security on hand to maintain order and safety at your events.

By focusing on these details, you ensure an overall excellent event, cementing the momentum needed to help you get closer to drawing a four-figure crowd. And to learn more about why many wrestling promotions stay local despite quality matches, including how weak digital footprints and an over-reliance on rented social media platforms prevent promoters from reaching their goals for their promotion, check out The $500 Launch Phase: Why Your Promotion Isn’t Growing (And How to Fix It). If you need help fixing your promotion's digital footprint and scaling your gates, you can contact me at info@harold-williams.com.

Wrestler Spotlight: Miran - A Rapidly Rising Career

Women's wrestling can be a source of inspiration for young girls, as they see legends and new-generation talent showing what they can do in the ring, motivating the girls to become wrestlers themselves in the future. That was the case for Miran, and her passion for the industry is helping her become a quickly rising star in World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana and beyond.

Miran became a fan of women's wrestling when she was in 5th grade, while watching a Diana event at the Korakuen Hall for the first time. Her biggest inspiration was Haruka Umesaki, who later began helping Miran during practices after she eventually became a wrestler.

Miran made her debut on April 29, 2022, at Korakuen Hall, the same place where she first became a fan. Miran was 12 years old, only a month before her 13th birthday, and starting a pro-wrestling career that young is very rare and notable. With a background in ballet and capoeira, Miran had a foundation for in-ring capability, and she had advanced physical readiness, which is why she was allowed to train before becoming an adult. Miran's athletic background has given her a distinct spatial awareness and fluid mobility, which makes it easier to become comfortable in the ring.

Only three years into her career, Miran won the W.W.W.D Crystal Championship in September 2025, defeating Mizuki Kato. The title is specifically designed to showcase top-tier talent who are under 25 years old or have less than three years of experience, making Miran a foundational piece of the promotion’s spotlighting of younger talent. Winning the championship at 16 years old, she is the youngest champion in the title's history.


At this time of writing, Miran is the second longest-reigning holder of the championship in its history.

Miran has also seen championship success outside of Diana, winning Ice Ribbon's Triangle Ribbon Championship in January 2026 at a Gokigen Pro Wrestling event. She defeated defending champion Kaori Yoneyama and former Princess Of Pro Wrestling Champion Chie Ozora to become Triangle Ribbon Champion.

In addition, Miran has wrestled in many other notable promotions, including WAVE and PURE-J. One of her most prominent appearances outside of Diana was at STARDOM Cinderella Tournament 2024, where she competed with Rina, who was defending the Future Of Stardom Championship.

Miran has also had the opportunity to have many singles matches with Haruka Umesaki, which surely were both career highlights and valuable learning experiences for Miran. In May 2026, Umesaki defended the W.W.W.D Singles Championship against her.

One of Miran's goals is to become the ace of Diana, so she is someone to keep an eye on, especially considering her dedication to pro-wrestling, her accomplishments thus far, and the guidance that she has been receiving from Haruka Umesaki, the current ace of the promotion. By following Miran's journey as she represents the exciting potential of women's wrestling, you can witness her story firsthand, from its early beginnings.

How WOW’s "Human First" Digital Strategy Works in 2026

As we navigate the high-tech horizon of 2026, the professional wrestling industry is splitting into two directions. On one side, we see the promotions that are focusing on tech integrations in professional wrestling. On the other, WOW - Women Of Wrestling is concentrating on a different type of connection: a WOW world that prioritizes accessibility and authentic human connection. Both paths are smart, but while technology in wrestling requires mutual adaptation, WOW’s strategy shows how to build a fan base with no learning curve required.

For the promotions focused on technology, the digital goal is presence. At this point, the industry has had virtual meet & greets, where fans could meet their favorite performers from the comfort of their own home, with no travel costs or geographical limitations, and only requiring the purchase of a ticket. It has utilized highly immersive Mixed Reality (MR) environments, where fans at experiential venues can feel like they're ringside at major events even if the event is taking place thousands of miles away.

While these technological advancements 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.

This is what WOW fully focuses on. Under the leadership of Jeanie Buss and David McLane, the company has prioritized maintaining an ecosystem with the strategy that isn't about pulling you into a virtual world, it's about bringing their Superheroes into yours.

It's very common for sports entertainment programming to be on networks that are not available in the majority of the nation's total households, or accessible to those who pay for a streaming subscription. Meanwhile, WOW maximizes accessibility by reaching 100% of US markets through syndication on local networks. You don't need cable to watch WOW- local broadcast channels can be picked up in high definition for free using an HD over-the-air (OTA) antenna, or you can watch them through a live TV streaming service, entirely free.

WOW's residency at the iconic Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas further illustrates this commitment to physical, "human first" presence. "Fights At Fremont Street Experience" are live events that bring the WOW ring to the heart of the city, offering high-energy spectacles to thousands of tourists and locals alike.

While each evening starts with an exclusive meet and greet, WOW offers access through free raffles, as opposed to requiring high-cost VIP tickets, which is typical of modern meet and greets.

The WOW digital strategy is very detailed. The Superheroes of WOW have their own individual profiles on social media, where their larger-than-life characters can be spotlighted. In addition, WOW's official website is at the center of the world of WOW, featuring biographies and backstories for the individual Superheroes. Some of them also utilize TikTok and Instagram, which means that along with watching a character, a fan also follows the character's journey.

Being that pro-wrestling is now deeply integrated into the technology age, there is a heavy reliance on digital metrics, which are real-time data points that promotions use to instantly measure fan engagement. Companies track YouTube video traction, social media impressions, and instant online merchandise spikes. This constant influx of data can lead to a promotion making changes to its shows that are not beneficial for the long-term. In contrast, WOW's family-friendly, comic book-style format focuses on the Superheroes' individual personalities, motivations, and backstories, making it less reactive to fluctuating daily internet algorithms.

Also, while much of the wrestling world is racing toward a blockchain-driven future, WOW has carved out a distinct and successful path by focusing on traditional licensing that doesn't have the technical barriers of the virtual world. A cornerstone of this strategy is the entry into the tabletop gaming market. WOW partnered with Cation Arts to launch WOW - Women Of Wrestling Card Game, a physical collectible experience- an obvious contrast to digital trading cards. By going the physical card game route, the tangible thrill of collecting and the social connection of in-person play are prioritized.

Technology offers pro-wrestling fans the ability to engage with personalized, immersive entertainment through innovations like virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence, and there are ways that all promotions can focus on technology without alienating their current fanbase and destabilizing their brand identity. However, WOW’s strategy reminds us that technology should serve the promotion, not the other way around. By focusing on free distribution and direct social interaction, WOW makes the high-energy world of professional wrestling accessible to everyone, regardless of how tech-savvy they are.

As we look toward the rest of 2026, wrestling fans will be able to enjoy the best of both worlds across a diversifying media landscape. For some, the preference lies where live audience opinion is captured via real-time data and digital trends, directly influencing who is spotlighted. For others, the preferred choice is where the focus is on character-driven wrestling and telling the stories of larger-than-life Superheroes in a unique way, all available on free television.