More About Me

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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, 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 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.

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

After living in Japan for ten years and writing English content for Asian companies during that time, I am currently based the US and open to new writing opportunities in the US, Japan, and globally, from event previews & results reports 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 rate typically falls within the range of $350 to $800. info@harold-williams.com

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

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

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

If you would like to support me and my blog, a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the pro-wrestling industry, here is the link to my Cash App: cash.app/$HaroldWilliams1313

US-Based Writer With Global Experience Ready for New Opportunities

Get an audio summary of my skills and experience below:



After living in Japan for ten years and writing English content for Asian companies during that time, I have returned to the United States. I have extensive international experience that includes writing for the pro-wrestling industry in the form of everything from event previews and results reports to press releases. In addition, I have experience with news analysis of the American wrestling scene and coverage of the Japanese wrestling scene, with in-depth knowledge beyond the major promotions.

Outside of the pro-wrestling industry, I have experience with other types of content and copywriting needs in the staffing/recruiting, bar, sports merchandise, and luxury bike industries.

I graduated from an American 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 also used my knowledge in the education industry during my time in Japan, giving tailored English instruction to Asian students, focusing on daily vocabulary and professional terminology for business and technology professions.

I am open to opportunities in the US as well as in Japan and other countries around the world. I can be contacted via info@harold-williams.com, and you can see samples of my work here:

https://www.clippings.me/haroldwilliams

https://www.clippings.me/haroldwilliams2

https://www.clippings.me/haroldwilliams3

https://www.harold-williams.com/2012/05/samples-of-my-work.html

Unpacking Professional Wrestling's Diversified Revenue Streams

Professional wrestling, at its core, is entertainment. But beyond the action and characters, there's a business at work behind it. While big television rights deals often draw headlines, they are just one piece of a much larger and increasingly diversified revenue pie that fuels this global industry.

Understanding the financial landscape of professional wrestling is important for anyone involved, from the wrestlers to the promoters to the passionate fans who drive its success. In this post, I'll pull back the curtain on the various income streams that are driving the industry's growth, highlighting how promotions are innovating to maximize their reach and profitability in the modern era.

For an even deeper dive into the specific strategies and detailed procedures behind these revenue streams, including the details of ticket pricing, advanced merchandise branding, and the full business blueprint of the wrestling industry, consider exploring my e-book, "The Business Side of Wrestling: A Look Behind the Curtain".

The Foundational Pillars: Live Events & Merchandise

Traditionally, live events and merchandise sales have been the foundation of wrestling promotions' income.

Live Event Ticket Sales: The roar of a live crowd is not just atmosphere; it's a revenue generator. Major events like WrestleMania consistently draw record-breaking gates, contributing tens of millions of dollars and injecting substantial economic activity into host cities. The return of fuller-capacity crowds following the widespread easing of pandemic-related restrictions has highlighted the enduring power of the live experience as a primary income pillar for promotions worldwide.

Merchandise Sales: From iconic T-shirts like the black & white nWo ones in WCW, to action figures and championship replicas like ones sold by WWE, merchandise is a powerful extension of a wrestling brand. It creates deep fan connection and loyalty, allowing supporters to literally wear their allegiance. This strong revenue stream is a testament to the power of character development and brand building for both the promotion and its talent, turning popular wrestlers and factions into lucrative product lines that contribute significantly to a promotion's bottom line.

The Digital Revolution: Streaming Services Take Center Stage

While foundational, the biggest transformation in wrestling's revenue model has come from the elevation of streaming services, basically reshaping how content is distributed and monetized. The shift from traditional Pay-Per-View (PPV) to subscription-based streaming has been a revolutionary development. Giants like Netflix and Peacock, alongside dedicated wrestling platforms such as Abema, NJPW World, TrillerTV, and TNA+, now offer subscribers vast libraries of current and archival content. This transition provides promotions with a more stable and predictable income stream, moving away from the fluctuating sales of individual PPV events to consistent monthly or annual subscriptions.

These streaming partnerships expand a promotion's international reach, transcending geographical limitations and making content accessible anytime, anywhere, on a variety of devices. This broader audience base translates directly into increased revenue potential, making wrestling rights even more valuable as tech giants aggressively bid for live sports and entertainment content. Even independent promotions are leveraging these platforms to broadcast their shows to a global audience, finding new avenues for growth that were once unattainable.

The New Frontier: Digital Content, Licensing, and Endorsements

Beyond the major media rights, wrestling's business awareness extends into innovative digital content strategies and strategic partnerships.

Digital Content & Social Media: Wrestlers and promotions are increasingly using social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, providing them with a wider audience than they could ever reach through print ads. It enables direct engagement with fans, building strong personal brands and promoting a sense of community. Wrestlers are becoming content creators themselves, producing vlogs, podcasts, and social media skits that showcase their personalities and expand their brands, often leading to additional revenue through advertising or sponsorships. Viral moments can instantly boost merchandise sales and visibility, demonstrating the real-time impact of digital engagement.

Metaverse, Web3, and NFTs: The cutting edge of digital revenue lies in emerging technologies. The metaverse promises immersive virtual experiences, including interactive events and digital fan communities, allowing fans to engage with wrestlers and each other in entirely new ways. Web3 technologies, such as Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), open doors for selling digital collectibles (e.g., digital trading cards, virtual merchandise) that can offer exclusive content or access, creating unique revenue streams and enhancing fan engagement. These technologies represent a forward-looking opportunity for promotions to diversify income and deepen fan interaction.

Licensing and Endorsements: The power of a wrestling brand extends far beyond the ring. Licensing agreements allow promotions to expand their intellectual property into a diverse range of products, including films, video games, and various consumer goods. These strategic partnerships generate significant royalties, expanding brand reach and tapping into new markets. Furthermore, popular wrestlers, leveraging their strong personal brands built both in and out of the ring, attract lucrative endorsement deals, adding another noteworthy layer to the industry's wide-ranging revenue streams.

Independent Promotions: Innovating on a Smaller Scale

While major promotions operate on a large scale, the independent wrestling scene also showcases remarkable innovation in diversified revenue. Often operating on tighter budgets, these promotions and their wrestlers leverage digital tools and direct fan engagement, sometimes with the help of creative consulting. Platforms like Patreon and Kickstarter allow fans to directly support their favorite independent promotions and wrestlers, providing financial assistance for events, tours, and projects. This direct-to-fan model, combined with localized community building and online merchandise sales, demonstrates how smaller entities are diversifying their income streams and finding sustainable paths to growth in the evolving wrestling landscape.

The professional wrestling industry is a dynamic economic force, continually adapting to new technologies and consumer habits. Television deals remain a key component- they provide promotions with significant guaranteed revenue, broader reach to non-streaming households (especially older demographics), and essential advertising exposure that streaming alone may not yet match. However, the explosion of streaming services, the strategic embrace of digital content, and the innovative approaches to licensing and direct fan engagement are collectively driving impressive growth. This many-sided approach to revenue generation ensures that professional wrestling remains a complex and compelling business, always finding new ways to monetize its unique blend of athleticism and entertainment.

To further understand the intricate strategies and detailed business principles that power this interesting industry, delve deeper into my e-book, "The Business Side of Wrestling: A Look Behind the Curtain". It's a comprehensive examination of the professional wrestling industry's business aspects, including key revenue streams, unique challenges and opportunities faced by independent wrestling organizations, talent relations, future trends, and an analysis of the global strategies of WWE and the rise of AEW.

WOW Hits the Jackpot: Women Of Wrestling Secures Season 4 & Groundbreaking Las Vegas Residency

The world of professional wrestling is constantly evolving, and that is most evident in the expanding women's sports entertainment landscape. At a special WOW panel at San Diego Comic-Con on July 25 focused on female representation in sports and discovering new talent, WOW - Women Of Wrestling co-owner and co-founder David McLane announced that the company's weekly product has been renewed for its fourth season, set to premiere the weekend of September 13. It has made accomplishments such as attracting a viewership of over 300,000 via syndication without having a prime-time cable slot, and the most notable amount of regional traffic going to WOW's official website comes from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Japan, indicating the product's international appeal.

However, David McLane's announcement was about more than a TV renewal, it was also about a monumental step forward for WOW and a strategic move that solidifies the company's position & opens up exciting new avenues for growth- WOW's new residency in its fourth season will be the iconic Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas. "WOW Fights on Fremont" marks the first-ever professional wrestling events to be held there, with WOW bringing their signature purple ring to the famous downtown Vegas destination, and the heart of the city's entertainment district.

The Fremont Street Experience has a unique combination of historic charm, dazzling light shows, and energetic atmosphere. It's known as the birthplace of Las Vegas, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the city's past with its vintage casinos and neon signs, while also providing modern entertainment.

David McLane's announcement carries significant weight for WOW's business trajectory. A fourth-season pickup signals strong confidence from broadcast partners and investors. It provides the company with the stability needed to continue building its roster of Superheroes and invest further in production quality. It's also worth nothing that the renewal for a fourth season mirrors the four-season run of GLOW (which was also founded by McLane)- a positive indicator for WOW. It proves that the product has a loyal audience and that the company is relevant in a wrestling scene that is much more saturated than the one that GLOW existed in, before the days of streaming and social media.

In addition, there was a period when women's wrestling was often viewed as a novelty act. Times have changed, as they are now taken more seriously and given the respect they have earned, as audiences are enthused with the athleticism of women's wrestling like never before. Its talent and dedication is drawing in a diverse and enthusiastic fanbase, and television networks are taking notice and recognizing the huge potential. I've learned firsthand that they are actively looking for engaging and high-quality female-focused content to captivate their viewers that will deliver viewership & excitement- and recent data shows a clear upward trend in audience engagement for it. The appetite is there, and the platform is waiting, and WOW, showcasing its talent, is seizing the opportunity.

WOW's Las Vegas residency, particularly on Fremont Street, will give it mainstream visibility. Fremont Street is a high-traffic tourist destination, exposing WOW to millions of potential new fans who might not typically seek out wrestling content. This organic exposure in a major entertainment hub is valuable for brand building.

Beyond television rights, "WOW Fights on Fremont" provides an important live event revenue stream. It's not only ticket sales; it's also potential merchandise sales at the venue, local sponsorships, and leveraging the distinctive Las Vegas experience to create premium fan packages. In the wrestling business, it is key to diversify income beyond traditional media deals.

WOW's continued success and expansion highlight the rising popularity and increasing demand for female-oriented competition. Their ability to secure a major residency such as Fremont Street Experience sends a powerful message about the strength and appeal of women's wrestling to a broader audience and the entertainment industry in general. Also, the company is referring to this as a "takeover", and that terminology reinforces WOW's bold and spirited brand identity, aligning with their mission to present high-energy confrontations and drama.

WOW's strategic moves contribute to overall advancement and recognition of women in the professional sports business. By securing prominent broadcast deals and now a high-profile residency, they are not only building their own brand but also continuing to prove that women's wrestling is a highly marketable form of entertainment.

David McLane's announcement is a testament to WOW's resilience. Having overcome severe economic and media disruptions that led to a hiatus in 2001, WOW's return for its fourth syndicated season and its groundbreaking show at the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas demonstrate how promotions are constantly innovating to maximize their reach and profitability in a dynamic media landscape. It's an exciting time for Women Of Wrestling, and the industry as a whole.

Hulk Hogan: An Unparalleled Legacy in Professional Wrestling

The wrestling world, and indeed the broader landscape of popular culture, mourns the passing of Hulk Hogan, a titan of the industry. His influence was so impactful that it's difficult to imagine professional wrestling as we know it today without his groundbreaking contributions. From the experience of Hulkamania to his revolutionary turn as "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan, he consistently captured the attention of millions, transcending the squared circle to become a global phenomenon.

This post aims to reflect on the unparalleled career of Terry Bollea, the man behind the red and yellow, and later, the black and white. It's a look back at how one man's charisma, showmanship, and business awareness reshaped an entire entertainment genre.

Hulk Hogan's Monumental Career: A Retrospective

Hulk Hogan’s complete impact on the pro-wrestling industry will never be duplicated. Upon winning his first WWE Championship in January 1984, Hogan set a foundation that began a revolution in the wrestling industry, as he captured the attention of wrestling fans (as well as created new wrestling fans) with incomparable showmanship and delivered promos that sold out venues worldwide. As the main face of WWE, Hogan took the company into the mainstream and helped to turn the pro-wrestling industry into a major business.

While in WWE during his first run, Hulk Hogan headlined eight of the first WrestleMania events, with WrestleMania III in 1987 being the largest-attended one, where he defeated Andre the Giant moments after delivering the slam that was heard around the world. This event is the second-largest attended WrestleMania in history.

Hulk Hogan faced Andre the Giant in a 1988 rematch on “The Main Event,” which was broadcast live on NBC-TV and drew 33 million viewers, the largest viewership for a televised pro wrestling event in American history.

By the time Hulk Hogan had completed his first run in WWE, Hogan had become WWE Champion five times, with his first reign being the third-longest in history to date. During Hogan’s second run in WWE, he captured the championship a sixth time.

After Hulk Hogan’s first run in WWE, he eventually went to WCW, where he revolutionized the pro wrestling industry for a second time. As the leader of the New World Order (nWo) faction, which is still popular to this day, Hogan’s presence drew high viewership numbers, attendance figures, and PPV buyrates.

In 1997, Hulk Hogan main-evented Starrcade, which has gone down as the highest-grossing PPV event in WCW’s history. On July 6, 1998, he main-evented “WCW Monday Nitro” in front of an attendance of 41,412 fans, the largest live-televised crowd for a non-PPV in history.

Hulk Hogan won the WCW World Heavyweight Championship six times, and this championship later became known as the World Heavyweight Championship in WWE after they gained ownership of it. No matter the name, this championship is one of the most prestigious titles in pro-wrestling history. During his first reign, Hogan held the championship for 469 days, the longest reign in the championship's history. During his second reign, Hogan made history again by holding it for 359 days, the second-longest reign in the championship's history.

For all of his contributions to the pro wrestling industry via WWE and WCW, Hulk Hogan has been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame on two occasions- individually, and as a member of the nWo.

In October 2009, Hulk Hogan joined TNA, brought in to help take TNA to a higher level. He pushed for TNA-TV to go live, going as far as stating that doing so would solve 75% of the issues in TNA. Going live had a positive effect on the roster, its morale improving due to the motivation involved with putting on a live show.

Also during Hulk Hogan’s time with TNA, the company became involved with new sponsors. Advertisers look for opportunities that will give them exposure. If your brand is not popular and marketable, it will not be sponsored. Hogan was the biggest name in TNA, and his being connected to the company made the TNA product attractive to advertisers who may not have heard of TNA otherwise or may not have been interested in them previously.

Hulk Hogan is a significant member of the pro-wrestling industry outside of US-based companies as well. In Japan’s NJPW, he became a part of the original IWGP Heavyweight Championship lineage in June 1993, and was the first holder of the championship in fact.

Hulk Hogan’s success in pro wrestling led to success in the world of acting, where he appeared in films such as "Rocky III," (which Hogan was a part of before he became the superstar that he is today), “No Holds Barred,” “Mr. Nanny,” “Gremlins 2: The New Batch,” and “Spy Hard.” Hogan also appeared on the television series “The A-Team.”

Beyond the Ring: Hulk Hogan's Enduring Influence on the Business

Beyond the impressive statistics and memorable matches, Hulk Hogan's true genius lay in his ability to fundamentally alter the business of professional wrestling. Hogan didn't only perform; he mainstreamed it. Before Hogan, wrestling was often seen as a niche, regional attraction. He transformed it into a family-friendly, nationally televised spectacle, drawing in audiences who had never considered watching before. Hogan's accessible, patriotic, "Real American" persona, combined with his larger-than-life presence and catchphrases, made wrestling digestible and exciting for a broad demographic, from children to their parents.

Hulk Hogan's appeal wasn't limited to North America; he cultivated a significant and passionate fanbase in Japan as well. Hogan's work in NJPW, particularly becoming the inaugural IWGP Heavyweight Champion, cemented his status as a global icon. Japanese fans, known for their appreciation of technical skills and Japanese wrestling's unique style of physicality, embraced Hogan's larger-than-life persona and powerful offense, solidifying his international drawing power and demonstrating his worldwide appeal across different wrestling cultures.



This mainstream appeal had a ripple effect throughout the industry. It led to unprecedented merchandise sales, record-breaking pay-per-view buyrates, and packed arenas, proving that professional wrestling could be a major entertainment business. Hogan's success set the template for what a top-tier wrestling superstar could achieve, influencing generations of performers who aspired to match his drawing power and connection with the audience. Even the stars of the Attitude Era, a period defined by its edgy content, pushing boundaries, and often sparking controversy, were reacting to and building upon the foundation Hogan firmly established.

Being involved with the formation of the New World Order further demonstrated Hulk Hogan's business awareness and adaptability. This heel turn was a daring, shocking gamble that paid off hugely. The Monday Night War, a fierce and competitive head-to-head ratings battle between WWE's Raw and WCW's Nitro, was back and forth when it began in 1995 but the Hulk Hogan-led nWo took WCW to another level when the faction launched the next year, keeping the company at the top of the ratings and giving them a remarkable edge in the war. Hogan proved that a performer could reinvent themselves and remain relevant at the very top for years, and successfully doing so is a mark of exceptional talent.

A Legacy That Will Not Be Duplicated

Hulk Hogan's impact on professional wrestling is endless. He was more than a wrestler; he was a cultural icon who brought the business into the homes and hearts of millions worldwide. Hogan's ability to connect with an audience, to generate excitement, and to consistently deliver memorable moments made him a central figure in wrestling. Hogan's contributions to the growth and popularity of the industry will forever be etched in its history. He was, and remains, a one-of-a-kind phenomenon.

Continuing the Legacy: The WWE Shop Collection

In recognition of his endless impact, WWE has released the Hulk Hogan Legacy Collection on WWE Shop. This new collection allows fans to celebrate the permanent mark he left on the wrestling world and to own a piece of his legendary career and support the legacy of one of wrestling's greatest figures.

YouTube's Champions: How WWE Outranks Music Superstars in Online Searches

Professional wrestling, specifically WWE, is dominating online searches on YouTube. This isn't only about viewership; it's also about active fan interest and search intent, revealing a powerful digital footprint that highlights the evolving business landscape of sports entertainment.

According to fresh research from Riverside, an all-in-one podcast and video creation platform, WWE stands as the fourth most searched YouTube channel in the U.S. based on average monthly Google searches. This places them ahead of a number of global music sensations.

To put this into perspective, here is the Top 10, listed in order of average monthly Google searches:

1. Cocomelon: 87,607
2. MrBeast: 26,863
3. Taylor Swift: 9,828
4. WWE: 9,227
5. Dude Perfect: 4,409
6. Mark Rober: 3,101
7. Masha and The Bear: 3,045
8. Ariana Grande: 1,779
9. Vlad and Niki: 1,769
10. Billie Eilish: 1,658

While children's content (Cocomelon, Masha and The Bear, Vlad and Niki) and mega-creators like MrBeast hold the top spots, WWE's strong showing is remarkable. It highlights the sustained, passionate engagement its fanbase has with WWE's digital content.

WWE's YouTube channel isn't just a supplementary platform; it's a critical component of its global business strategy. The high search volume indicates consistent fan engagement, the power of episodic & live content, brand building & discovery, as well as a broader entertainment appeal than pure music channels.

It's also worth noting the presence of Dude Perfect, a sports and comedy group, at fifth place. This further solidifies the idea that highly engaging, personality-driven sports and entertainment content thrives on YouTube, even against traditional media giants.

As Abel Grunfeld, VP of Marketing at Riverside, notes, this data provides valuable insights for all content creators. For professional wrestling promotions, understanding these digital preferences is key to tailoring strategies that effectively reach specific audiences and, in turn, generate more revenue. The battle for eyeballs isn't only on cable or streaming services; it's intensely competitive across digital platforms, and WWE is clearly winning a significant share of that fight.

The future of professional wrestling's growth isn't only about securing the next big TV deal; it's also about leveraging social media, and understanding how online consumption drives fan interest and overall brand value.

Independent Gaijin Dreams and the Japanese Experience of WOW's Stars

The allure of wrestling in Japan has long captivated foreign talent, creating the "Gaijin Dream" – the pursuit of success and respect in the Land of the Rising Sun. While names like Kenny Omega, Vader, and Scott Norton often dominate these narratives, the depth of this phenomenon lies not only in the main eventers, but in the journeys of independent wrestlers who also dedicate themselves to the Japanese scene.

Simultaneously, as the global industry continues to evolve, we see promotions like Women Of Wrestling (WOW) continuously rising in prominence. What's unknown to many is how deeply intertwined WOW and the Japanese pro-wrestling scene are. As someone who analyzes the business and cultural differences of wrestling, I've connected with independent foreign wrestlers who have pursued their dreams in Japan. Furthermore, a closer look at the WOW roster reveals a number of female stars who have significant, often unacknowledged, experience in Japanese promotions. This post will explore both areas, shedding light on the independent "Gaijin Dream" and revealing the Japanese experiences that enrich WOW's talent pool.

The Independent Gaijin Experience

The journey of an independent foreign wrestler in Japan is often one of, along with dedication, cultural adaptation and never-ending hard work. They immerse themselves in the local scene, learning the customs and the unique wrestling styles. I have helped some of them share their stories.

Thunder Melendez: Originally known as Thunder Summers at the time that he began wrestling in Japan, Thunder Melendez has a unique journey as a "gaijin" wrestler in Japan, stemming from his extensive training in both the United States and Japan. Melendez has wrestled in Michinoku Pro many times, where he impressed veterans and integrated his hybrid wrestling style, appreciating the blend of American and Japanese pro-wrestling. Melendez has also appeared in BJW.

Sidney Shota Stephens: Making his debut in 2017, Sidney Shota Stephens is an American who was raised and wrestles in Japan, where he utilizes a brawler/semi-powerhouse style. Stephens trained at MMA gym Mouri Dojo under former Japanese Tag Team Champion Michiko Omukai and MMA gym T. K. Esperanza under Tsuyoshi Okada, who has made appearances in DDT. In addition to wrestling in independent promotions, Stephens has also appeared in AJPW.

Jack Kennedy: As a wrestler who born & raised in America, trained to wrestle in Japan, Jack Kennedy uniquely received his training directly in Japan at Yanagase Pro Wrestling (YPW). He debuted in December 2021 after training under notable figures like Team Japan Olympic wrestler Akinobu Takeuchi and former WWE Superstar/former AJPW World Tag Team Champion Yoshitatsu, and aims for an international pro-wrestling career while appreciating both American and Japanese wrestling styles. With YPW being Kennedy's home promotion, he has also wrestled in other promotions, including AJPW, DDT, BJW, and ZERO1. In addition, Kennedy has experience with Japan's acting world.

These men represent the many independent wrestlers who contribute to the Japanese professional wrestling industry. It's a noteworthy career accomplishment and an important step in their development as performers.



WOW's Japan Forged Gems

Women Of Wrestling (WOW) has built a loyal following by utilizing the late-1980s/early-1990s style of having a big focus on characters, while empowering female athletes and telling their stories in a unique way. Meanwhile, an interesting layer of their talent's development often goes unmentioned: their experience in the tough and respected world of Japanese professional wrestling. For those looking to truly understand the depth of the WOW roster, recognizing these Japanese experiences provides invaluable insight.

Here are some prominent WOW Superheroes who have honed their craft in Japan:

Santana Garrett: The third-longest-reigning WOW Champion in history, Santana Garrett has also wrestled in Stardom (2015 to 2016), where she became the eighth-longest reigning Wonder Of Stardom Champion in history. Garrett's experience in Japan contributed to her technical skills and ability to connect with diverse audiences.

Chantilly Chella (as Ray Lyn): Known in WOW for her fluid and energetic in-ring style, Chantilly Chella wrestles outside of the promotion as Ray Lyn and had a tenure in Japan (2019), where she wrestled in Sendai Girls, Marvelous, and World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana. This gave her the opportunity to experience adapting her style to one very different from her own, with the Japanese pro-wrestling scene having a more intense environment.

Holidead: Her aggressive and mysterious persona makes Holidead a WOW standout. Her experience wrestling in Stardom (2015 to 2016) allowed her to hone her technical wrestling ability and develop a deeper understanding of wrestling psychology that transcends cultural boundaries, and that she can utilize if the need arises.

Island Girl Kalaki (as Tracy Taylor): With a powerful presence, Island Girl Kalaki is recognized in WOW for her in-ring resilience. Her time in Japan (2007) wrestling as Tracy Taylor in ZERO1 and other Japanese promotions early in her career exposed her to a more physical style, contributing to her demeanor.

Selina Majors (as Bambi): A top member of the WOW roster during the promotion's beginnings and currently a trainer and mentor in WOW, Selina Majors is a veteran of the wrestling world and a key figure in the company. She also has a historical connection to Japan, wrestling as Bambi in FMW (1994). Her experience added another dimension to her career. With FMW having a distinctive and intense style, due to its hardcore elements, its fans were passionate and had specific expectations. Performing for them exposed her to a new audience and added valuable international experience to her resume, which ultimately enriched her legacy as a versatile and experienced performer.

These women's journeys through Japan highlight the global nature of talent development in professional wrestling. Their time in Japanese promotions, known for their demanding training and emphasis on a stiffer style, has contributed to their performances in WOW.

Why These Journeys Matter

The stories of independent male gaijin and the Japan-influenced WOW Superheroes present a powerful truth about professional wrestling: it is a worldwide ecosystem. The "Gaijin Dream" isn't only about individual ambition; it's about a continuous exchange of talent, styles, and ideas that supplements the entire industry.

For promotions, understanding these interconnected pathways is crucial. It highlights the depth of experience within a roster, the different influences that shape a wrestler's style, and the potential for cross-promotional collaboration. For fans, recognizing these journeys adds another layer of appreciation for the athletes they watch, knowing the commitment and global experience that often lies beneath the surface. This international talent pipeline is vital for the wrestling industry's continued innovation and growth.

The Future of Global Talent

The future of professional wrestling is global, driven by both wrestlers seeking new horizons and the strategic vision of promotions building diverse rosters. From the independent gaijin forging their paths in Japan to the WOW Superheroes who carry the lessons learned in Japanese rings, these stories are central to understanding the industry's evolution.

As the wrestling world continues to expand its reach, the ability to analyze these global trends, understand talent development across different cultures, and identify strategic opportunities will become increasingly vital.

Keep visting Harold-Williams.com for more in-depth analysis on the business side of professional wrestling, global market trends, and talent spotlights. And if you are a promoter looking for assistance with writing, content creation, public relations, talent recruitment, and securing TV opportunities, by someone with extensive global experience in the wrestling industry, contact me via info@harold-williams.com