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.

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.

Celebrity Spirits: The Top 10 Brands

The trend of celebrities launching their own alcohol brands has exploded in recent years. From tequila to whiskey, famous faces are cashing in on their popularity and entrepreneurial spirit. Have you ever wondered which celebrities have the most successful alcohol brands? A recent study has revealed the top 10 most popular celebrity spirits.

To determine the most popular celebrity alcohol brands, business and marketing experts QR Code Generator analyzed Google search data and Instagram follower counts for over 150 brands. A combined index score was created to rank the brands based on both online search popularity and social media engagement.

The Top 10
1. Kendall Jenner's 818 Tequila: This relatively new brand has quickly gained a massive following, thanks in part to Jenner's social media influence.

2. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's Teremana Tequila: The 10-time world champion's tequila brand has been a huge success, known for its quality and Johnson's charismatic promotion.

3. Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder's Brother's Bond Bourbon: This bourbon brand, created by the former Vampire Diaries stars, has a strong fanbase.

4. George Clooney's Casamigos Tequila: One of the pioneers of the celebrity alcohol trend, Casamigos has become a popular choice.

5. Ryan Reynolds' Aviation Gin: The Deadpool star's gin brand has gained a loyal following.

6. Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston's Dos Hombres Mezcal: This mezcal brand, inspired by Breaking Bad, has a unique appeal.

7. Conor McGregor's Proper No. Twelve Whiskey: The former UFC Featherweight and Lightweight Champion's whiskey brand has a strong presence in the market.

8. Kevin Hart's Gran Coramino Cristalino Tequila: Hart's tequila brand offers a premium experience.

9. Mark Wahlberg's Flecha Azul Tequila: Wahlberg's tequila brand has a growing fan base.

10. Kenny Chesney's Blue Chair Bay Rum: This rum brand is popular among country music fans.

While celebrity status can certainly help, it's not the only factor that determines the success of an alcohol brand. Many of the top-ranked brands have unique selling points, such as quality ingredients, interesting flavors, or a strong brand identity that has been built for the brand. Additionally, social media marketing and partnerships play a significant role in building a brand's reputation.

The popularity of celebrity alcohol brands shows no signs of slowing down. As consumers continue to seek out unique and exciting products, we can expect to see even more famous faces entering the spirits industry.

The Role of Tech in Connecting Wrestling With Other Media

In recent years, the media industry has been evolving rapidly, and pro-wrestling companies like WWE, AEW, and TNA are using technology to connect the wrestling industry with other industries that fall under the umbrella of the media industry.

Platforms Instagram, X (formerly branded as Twitter), and TikTok have enabled wrestling companies to communicate directly to fans around the world, creating a sense of community and building brand awareness.

Wrestlers also utilize tech, hosting live streams and further growing their personal brands. They include Kenny Omega, Adam Cole, Johnny Gargano, Dakota Kai, and Michin.

WWE utilizes Peacock as an exclusive streaming partner (and is moving Raw to Netflix) and TNA+ is TNA's streaming platform- these services have made it easier for fans to access wrestling content on demand, expanding the reach of their companies beyond traditional television, similar to how independent promotions have been using streaming services.

The integration of wrestling with gaming, through video games, mobile apps, and virtual reality experiences, can attract new audiences and offer fans interactive ways to engage with the industry.

Advanced video editing software like Adobe After Effects and Cinema 4D have allowed for improved production quality with more creative and visually appealing wrestling content, from highlight segments to documentaries. Also, green screens and virtual sets can create immersive and realistic environments for segments, enhancing the storytelling and production value.

Technology can be used to create unique and personalized merchandise, such as custom T-shirts, action figures, or NFTs.

Platforms that allow fans to interact with wrestlers and each other can generate revenue through subscriptions, virtual goods, or advertising.

Technology has enabled the wrestling industry to expand its reach and collaborate with other forms of media, such as movies, television, video games, music, and podcasts. Wrestlers have transitioned to acting careers, appearing in films and TV shows, while wrestling-themed movies and series have brought the industry to wider audiences. Video games featuring wrestling characters have allowed fans to interact with their favorite stars in new ways, and wrestling-themed music and podcasts have provided platforms for in-depth discussion and analysis. These crossovers have helped to increase the popularity of wrestling and introduce it to new audiences.

It should be noted that there is a potential challenge when using tech in the pro-wrestling industry- there will be pressure to constantly create engaging content. I minored in Computer Applications in college, which enables me to be a bridge between the wrestling industry and the technology industry. Wrestling companies having writers with technical knowledge would help them explore the potential of emerging technologies such as virtual reality or artificial intelligence, and incorporate interactive storylines that would enhance fan engagement.

By leveraging technology, the wrestling industry can connect with other forms of media, further expanding its reach, and enhancing its storytelling, which would attract new fans and create a more interactive experience. Simultaneously, data collected from fans by promotions could be monetized to develop new products and services, therefore creating new revenue streams. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting applications in the wrestling industry.

Augmented Reality (AR) in Wrestling: A New Era of Fan Engagement

Augmented Reality (AR), a technology that overlays digital information onto the real world, has the potential to revolutionize the way fans experience wrestling. By blending the physical and digital realms, AR can create immersive and interactive experiences that enhance live wrestling events, deepen fan engagement, and even change the way matches are produced.  

AR can provide fans with instant access to statistics such as win-loss records and previous match results, as well as give real-time analysis from announcers who could provide background of the matches and discuss the possible strategies of the competitors before each match.

Interactive experiences that AR could provide are fans being able to utilize social media integration by interacting with other fans in real-time and having access to trivia questions with categories including personal data, moves/finishers, career highlights, wrestling history, wrestling rules, and pop culture references.

AR could be used to deliver personalized content to fans based on their preferences, such as highlighting their favorite wrestlers.

AR can be used to enhance storytelling by adding visual elements to a match, such as historical footage or comic book-style panels.

Within the next two to three years, we could see more widespread adoption of basic AR features, such as real-time statistics and simple interactive elements. Five to seven years from now, more complex AR experiences, like interactive storytelling, could become more common. Ten years from now, AR could be fully integrated into the wrestling experience, with matches potentially taking place in entirely virtual environments. However, it's important to note that the timeline for AR adoption in wrestling will depend on factors such as technological advancements and cost. There is also the question of whether AR will be accepted by most fans, since there is a possibility that at least some of them will state that AR distracts from the live experience. However, given the potential benefits of AR, it's likely that we will see increasing experimentation and adoption of this technology in the coming years.

While AR offers exciting possibilities for wrestling, there are also potential challenges, such as possible high cost, ensuring that its integration with live events is seamless, and making sure that the AR experiences are enjoyable for fans of all ages. Nonetheless, AR has the potential to transform the wrestling industry. By providing fans with unique and engaging experiences, AR can help to attract new audiences, increase fan loyalty, and create new revenue streams. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative and exciting applications of AR in wrestling.