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Sunday, January 3, 2100

More About Me

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


info@harold-williams.com


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

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

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

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

Friday, February 14, 2025

Former World Tag Team Champions Demolition Signs Legends Deal With WWE

For years, the future of Demolition (Ax and Smash) in the WWE Universe was fractured. Legal battles, including a high-profile CTE lawsuit, kept the legendary tag team at arm's length from WWE. However, that has changed, as Demolition is back in the WWE fold.

It has been reported that Bill Eadie and Barry Darsow have officially signed Legends deals with WWE. This is very significant, as Demolition's impact on tag team wrestling is undeniable. A dominant force in the late 1980s and early 1990s, they are considered by many to be one of the best tag teams to ever step in a WWE ring.

Ax & Smash were true to their team name, as they would demolish their opponents with an aggressive ring style, before delivering their "Demolition Decapitation" finisher, which was a combination of a pendulum backbreaker by Ax and a diving elbow drop by Smash. This aggressive style, combined with seamless teamwork, led to considerable success and their tag team expertise gained them success in the form of three reigns as World Tag Team Champions. This particular tag team championship was WWE's first, and was retired in 2010- Demolition are the longest reigning holders of the World Tag Team Championship, and that is a record that will never be broken.



The signing of this Legends deal signifies more than just a reconciliation. It opens up a world of possibilities for Demolition's future with WWE. Most significantly, the signing clears the path for their long-overdue induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. Their contributions to the pro-wrestling industry have earned them that honor, and many members of the WWE Universe have been passionately advocating for their addition for years.

Beyond the WWE Hall of Fame, thsse Legends deal paves the way for Demolition to be featured in various aspects of the WWE brand. From classic t-shirts and action figures, fans will finally have a chance to celebrate the tag team via merchandise. Also, Legends deals often include opportunities for former WWE Superstars to make appearances at WWE events. Whether it's a Hall of Fame ceremony, a special segment on WWE Raw, or meet-and-greets, Ax and Smash will be back in the WWE spotlight.

In addition, a Legends deal often leads to the legend's character being used for video games. Imagine being able to create a match featuring Demolition brawling with The War Raiders.

Demolition's return to the WWE family is a testament that new leadership at the helm of WWE has a focus on mending bridges, as well as the enduring legacy of wrestling legends. It's a win for WWE and Demolition, as well as the WWE Universe.

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Aces & Eights: How It Could Have Hit a Jackpot in TNA

Aces & Eights had all the potential to become a wrestling empire. Their initial success, culminating in Bully Ray's championship win and leadership reveal, positioned them for a long and impactful run. However, opportunities that were not taken in branding and long-term storytelling ultimately prevented them from reaching their full potential. In this second part, I will explore how a stronger foundation could have been built for Aces & Eights to have lasting success.

As well presented that the Aces & Eights storyline and faction were in TNA, one aspect that could have been improved on was strengthening the brand. For example, the Aces & Eights would have notably benefited from having their own website, as the nWo did, to further establish their brand and extend their storyline. Such a platform could have provided a space for "manifestos", cryptic messages, recruitment videos, and behind-the-scenes content (in character), adding more realism to the faction. Furthermore, it could have promoted a community of ride-or-die-ers (like how the nWo had nwo-ites) through forums, Q&As, online interactions with the Aces & Eights (in character), and contests & giveaways (perhaps for signed merchandise or even "honorary membership" in the faction, which would have incentivized participation and built a sense of belonging), reinforcing fan engagement and transforming casual viewers into invested fans who would have been excited to be part of the Aces & Eights' world. Merchandise sales through the site would have further solidified their brand and generated revenue. The website could also have served as a central hub for all Aces & Eights information, including a timeline of key moments in the Aces & Eights storyline (presented from their perspective), member bios, news, match results, and videos of televised segments featuring the Aces and Eights.


A well-executed website that was promoted heavily on social media would have been a valuable asset in elevating the Aces & Eights brand. Fans who were on the fence between supporting the faction and thinking that they were a fad would have identified with the Aces & Eights better if they were visiting the faction's website regularly which was extending the storyline beyond television.

It's also worth noting that Aces & Eights having a high level of focus on the X-Division, World Tag Team, and Knockouts World Championships could have remarkably strengthened their presence in TNA. Targeting all divisions would have fully established them as a dominating force, intent on controlling the entire company, raising the stakes of their actions.

Additionally, feuding with established stars in these divisions would have provided exposure and the opportunity for those wrestlers to elevate their own status. This would have been a form of marketing, both for the faction itself and for TNA as a whole. And TNA/Aces & Eights were not lacking the talent to take on these roles- Kenny King would have been a good recruitment choice to pursue the X-Division Championship, and the faction had a young & improving team in Wes Brisco & Garrett Bischoff going after the World Tag Team Championship, although there was not a strong program around their pursuit. Brooke did pursue the Knockouts World Championship, but only as a part of, "#1 Contendership" and "Three Way" matches, as opposed to a program. Brooke winning the Knockouts World Championship and then engaging in a series of singles matches with ODB would have been something fresh for fans, as the only time that Brooke and ODB have ever had singles matches with each other was at TNA house shows in 2011. A televised series of matches between the two women would have helped elevate the division.

In late 2013, TNA underwent restructuring, which included changes in TNA's creative team. As a result, the decision was made to wrap up the Aces & Eights storyline. Bully Ray lost the TNA World Heavyweight Championship in October, and in November, he lost a match that had the stipulation that if he lost, the Aces & Eights would have to disband. TNA wanted to go in a new creative direction, however, had the Aces & Eights brand been stronger, perhaps the company would have been willing to continue the storyline. Remember, no one had any idea that the nWo would become as popular as it did. Excellent creativity gave the nWo appeal, but strong branding kept the appeal lasting- even today, wrestling fans wear nWo merchandise. How the Aces and Eights was branded made the difference between whether the storyline lasted the one year plus that it did, and the three years plus that the nWo storyline lasted. The nWo's enduring legacy is a testament to the power of strong branding. Had Aces & Eights focused on building a stronger brand, they could have achieved similar longevity.

The Aces & Eights storyline had significant potential for long-term development. Had it continued beyond a year, the Aces & Eights could have dominated TNA completely, controlling multiple championships, key positions, and even the company's direction in a "takeover" angle, while they run the show and dictate who gets opportunities, increasing the faction's heat. This power dynamic could have created storylines with other wrestlers fighting for their place, challenging the faction's authority, and creating genuine underdog stories. Internal conflict, betrayals, and power struggles within the Aces & Eights would have added layers of drama and plotting. Could Bully Ray maintain control, or would a new leader emerge, shifting the faction's direction and creating new rivalries? This internal tension would have kept fans guessing and invested in the group's changes. Also, the "mystery" element that launched the storyline could have been utilized again, with there being a hint that there was an authority within the Aces of Eights above President Bully Ray, or that there were more complex motives behind the faction's motives than previously believed. This constant evolution would have motivated fan speculation and made fans become more engaged for the long-term.

Aces & Eights is potential proof that having a strong marketing strategy and creating a strong brand identity are not only a necessity for a promotion, but for wrestlers and factions as well. The initial mystery and intrigue, the reveals, and the dominant presence of the group were all promising elements. However, TNA's unwillingness to continue the storyline longer than it could have is a reminder that a powerful marketing plan and sturdy brand identification is what leads to taking someone/something to another level and experiencing things such as a stronger presence, drawing good crowds, and having successful sales. In poker, aces & eights is a strong hand that helps you win a jackpot if it's played right. The same can be said for the Aces & Eights period in TNA. The faction had all the ingredients for a wrestling jackpot: intrigue, shock value, and a dominant presence. However, opportunities that were not taken in branding and long-term storytelling likely prevented them from achieving their full potential. In the world of professional wrestling, a powerful story needs a powerful brand and a long-term vision to leave the greatest lasting impression possible.


Aces & Eights: The Rise of TNA's Motorcycle Gang Faction

Aces & Eights.




The name creates images of rebellious bikers creating chaos while they make it be known that, "When you ride with the Aces & 8s, you never walk alone!" When TNA introduced the faction in 2012, Aces & Eights dominated storylines for over a year, creating a sense of intrigue and anticipation. It was masterfully executed, and had the potential to deliver even more than it ultimately did. The nWo is considered by many to be one of the best pro-wrestling factions of all time, and Aces & Eights had the ingredients to earn that distinction as well.

It started off with three masked men appearing and sneak attacking Sting in the middle of the ring while he was cutting a promo during the June 14, 2012 episode of, "IMPACT WRESTLING". For maximum impact, it was done during the last segment of the show.



Storylines play a large role in American pro-wrestling. Fans enjoy seeing a storyline encapsulate the action that takes place in the ring, especially if it's of the mystery genre. That style of storyline makes fans sit on the edges of their seats while they watch the story unfold, wondering what is going to happen next. After the show is over, they go online and speculate with fellow fans, the angle's details still fresh in their minds. And most importantly, they come back for more.

In the early stages of the Aces & Eights storyline, masked assailants ran rampant throughout the company with possibly a mastermind within TNA controlling them behind the scenes, and there was suspense of not knowing what was going to happen next. It reminded me of how WCW was in 1997, complete with closing segments that were the best part of the show. The last five minutes of the August 23, 2012 episode of, "IMPACT WRESTLING" was the most exciting closing segment I had seen on an American pro-wrestling show all summer.



The storyline was kept under wraps very well, which was beneficial to it. Both fans and the pro-wrestling media were speculating on a regular basis regarding who it would turn out was supposed to be behind Aces & Eights (much like they speculated on who would be next to join the nWo back in the 90s). Always having an aura of mystery and suspense around them, it was never known when the Aces & Eights were going to show up, and if it was obvious that they were going to show up, it was never certain regarding in what capacity it was going to happen. And with TNA talent "crossing enemy lines" and joining the Aces & Eights, it was never clear who was going to join next, or when. During a promo segment? During a match? The only way to find out was to keep watching. After not being seen on "IMPACT WRESTLING" for weeks, Mr. Anderson returned as an ally of the Aces & Eights. During a wedding segment, Taz went from being the best man to being revealed as the newest member of the Aces and Eights in the blink of an eye.




At TNA Lockdown 2013 in front of the biggest domestic crowd ever for a TNA show, Bully Ray won the TNA World Heavyweight Championship while simultaneously revealing that he was the president of the Aces and Eights faction. This championship victory gave the Aces & Eights new life and brought them to the forefront of TNA, just as Hulk Hogan brought the nWo to the forefront of WCW when he was revealed as the leader of the nWo and shifted the balance of power. The heel heat was raw when Bully Ray cut his post-match heel promo, as the ring was pelted with garbage thrown into the ring by angry fans, which was the same way that WCW fans reacted when Hogan revealed that he had turned heel. The Aces & Eights had reached an nWo-level of dominance in TNA.



It was the Aces and Eights' time to be highlighted to their fullest potential, especially Bully Ray. Many had been praising him for over a year. Even Ray himself had noted that his career had new vitality. For the first time in Ray's career, the weight of a pro-wrestling company was resting on his shoulders.



When reviewing the eventual reveal of Bully Ray as the president of the Aces & Eights, it's obvious that choosing Ray was not a last-minute decision, as there were hints during the months leading up to it. With the Aces & Eights getting involved in Bully Ray-related situations on more than one occasion (to the benefit of Ray) since they made their debut, it's quite clear what Ray was referring to when he would constantly mention Bully Nation. And it appears that Ray threw a major hint regarding his affiliation with the Aces & Eights during the summer of 2012 on Twitter.



The night before Bully Ray posted that tweet, he was on an episode of "IMPACT WRESTLING" appearing to make a save against Aces & Eights.



Also, Ray would rarely join in on brawls against the Aces & Eights members, and when he did, they didn't put up much offense (if any). And one time, Bully Ray -limping with a chain- was keeping seven members of the Aces & Eights at bay. Unrealistic? Of course it was- it was all "a part of the plan".

In addition, Eric Bischoff (who was TNA Executive Producer at the time) was a red herring suspect, posing as the president of the Aces & Eights on an episode of, "IMPACT WRESTLING". He clearly wasn't Bully Ray, and Bischoff certainly did his job well, convincing viewers that he was the president. Bischoff barely tried to disguise his voice, making it obvious who he was. This created a tremendous wave of gossip, as fans and members of the pro-wrestling media were sure that they knew the identity of the President of the Aces and Eights.



Bully Ray's reveal as the leader of Aces & Eights at Lockdown 2013 was a pivotal moment, solidifying their dominance and elevating them to the top of TNA. The faction had reached an NWO-level of prominence, and the future seemed limitless. But this was just the peak of their ride. In Part 2, I'll take a look at the opportunities that were not taken that prevented Aces & Eights from achieving legendary status and examine how their brand could have been built for long-term success.

Monday, February 10, 2025

What is Chrome Efficiency Mode and Why Is It On?

If your Chrome browser pages are loading slower, or your battery life isn't as long as it used to be, there's a high chance Chrome Efficiency Mode is functioning. But what exactly is Efficiency Mode, and why is it suddenly on?



Chrome Efficiency Mode is a feature designed to help you conserve system resources, primarily CPU and battery power. It's like a power-saving mode for your browser, aimed at making your browsing experience smoother and more efficient, especially on laptops and mobile devices. Think of it as Chrome trying to be more eco-friendly with your computer's energy.

Efficiency Mode limits the resources distributed to inactive tabs. When you have multiple tabs open, Chrome prioritizes the active tab (the one you're currently using) and reduces the processing power given to the other tabs that are running in the background. This can translate to improved battery life, reduced CPU usage, and smoother browsing.

However, while Efficiency Mode can be beneficial in many situations, it can also have some drawbacks, because it limits the resources given to inactive tabs. As a result, you might experience slight delays when switching back to an inactive tab, or interrupted background activity- for example, if you have web apps or extensions (like a music streaming service) running in the background of inactive tabs, it might experience occasional pauses. In a worst-case scenario, Google Chrome will freeze, which I have experienced while writing posts.

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Big Boss Man: The Underrated Legacy of Ray Traylor

Ray Traylor, best known to wrestling fans worldwide as the tough, no-nonsense former corrections officer Big Boss Man, was a constant and impactful presence in professional wrestling throughout the late 80s and 90s. Although he has been acknowledged for his contributions to the industry by being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, Boss Man never captured a world championship in a major promotion. Considering his consistent popularity, in-ring ability, and dedication to the business, this was a significant missed opportunity.



After legitimately working as a corrections officer, Ray Traylor’s career in the pro-wrestling industry began in Jim Crockett Promotions, one of the most important wrestling promotions in the history of North Carolina. He initially wrestled under his real name, but was soon repackaged as Big Bubba Rogers, the bodyguard of Jim Cornette.



It was quickly established that when Big Bubba Rogers was in the ring, he was a powerful force, capable of delivering a stunning offense.



After spending a month in Japan wrestling for AJPW, Ray Traylor moved to WWE, where he became Big Boss Man, his most successful persona. The gimmick, a corrections officer turned wrestler, was instantly memorable. Boss Man entered the arena wearing a blue prison guard uniform and carrying a nightstick. The character was a perfect fit for Traylor’s large size and serious facial expression. He engaged in his first major feud only five months after his debut, attacking Hulk Hogan during an episode of, "The Brother Love Show".



Big Boss Man's feud with Hulk Hogan put him in main event WWE matches across the country, where Boss Man was able to best prove his ability to deliver hard-hitting matches.



Throughout his time in WWE, Big Boss Man consistently delivered solid performances. He was a reliable wrestler who could be counted on to present a good match, regardless of his opponent. Boss Man also demonstrated an impressive ability to adapt and reinvent his character, transitioning from a heel to a face and becoming as much of an ally to Hulk Hogan as he had previously been an enemy.



Big Boss Man's WWE run began in 1988, and after being utilized regularly for five years straight, the company wanted to reduce his match frequency for a period of time. This would ensure Boss Man's longevity and maintain his special attraction status, while also allowing WWE to highlight other talents and build anticipation for Boss Man's eventual return which likely would have been met with renewed excitement from fans. However, Boss Man, not wanting to wrestle less, decided to leave WWE in March 1993. He returned to AJPW in July, wrestling as "Big Bubba" (although still wearing the blue prison guard uniform), where he remained until December.



Ray Traylor made an unannounced WCW debut on December 13 as "The Boss", attacking and then defeating Rick Rude during an episode of WCW Saturday Night. Shortly before Rude abruptly left WWE in 1990, he instigated a feud with The Boss by making negative comments about his mother and calling him out. With Rude gone from WWE, their feud was unfinished, so with both of them finally now in a company together three years later, The Boss' attack looked like he was paying Rude back for those negative comments.



Due to legal complaints from WWE that "The Boss" was similar to "Big Boss Man", Ray Traylor was renamed "The Guardian Angel" in 1994, inspired by the international volunteer organization, Guardian Angels.


Ray Traylor maintained this gimmick until turning heel in 1995 and again being known as Big Bubba.



During Big Bubba's heel run in WCW, he was briefly a member of two notable heel factions- the Dungeon of Doom and the nWo.




In 1998, Ray Traylor returned to WWE as Big Boss Man, in the role of a heel enforcer for Vince McMahon in his Corporation faction, which later merged with The Undertaker's Ministry Of Darkness faction to form the Corporate Ministry. This was an updated version of Boss Man, his blue prison guard uniform replaced by black riot gear.


Just as Ray Traylor did in his first WWE run and in WCW, Traylor maintained his credibility as a standout rugged figure.

Although Big Boss Man did become a 4-time WWE Hardcore Champion, he was rarely a part of a top singles title scene while in a major promotion, despite his popularity, talent, and longevity. Boss Man was a dependable and valuable asset to any roster, but was not given much opportunity to be a world champion, although he did earn it. However, Boss Man was in WWE and WCW during times when both promotions were at their strongest in terms of having top-tier stars like The Undertaker, Triple H, The Rock, Bret Hart, Steve Austin, Ric Flair, and Hulk Hogan- reaching the top was a difficult task when sharing a roster with stars of that level.

While Big Boss Man remained a consistent and popular performer in WWE and WCW, one has to wonder if his career direction might have been different had Boss Man focused more on Japan. AJPW was known for its physically demanding King's Road style. This style emphasized aggressive action, making it a fitting showcase for his brawling and power moves. During his time in AJPW, he faced top stars like Kenta Kobashi, Akira Taue, and Jumbo Tsuruta, gaining valuable experience against world-class competition. His presence in AJPW, alongside other foreign talents like Stan Hansen, Steve Williams, and Jimmy Snuka underscored his standing as a respected international competitor. Did Big Boss Man miss an opportunity to achieve greater heights, including a potential Triple Crown Championship run, by not dedicating more of his career to the Japanese wrestling scene, a scene where his solid, direct, and hard-hitting style might have made him stand out even more than he did in WWE and WCW?

In any case, Big Boss Man's legacy isn't defined by championship gold, but by something perhaps even more valuable: consistency, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. He proved himself a reliable and versatile performer, capable of excelling whether he was a heel or face. Ray Traylor's Big Boss Man character remains a memorable and impactful figure in professional wrestling history, a testament to his talent and dedication, even without a world title reign. He was a skilled professional and a dependable performer who consistently elevated the matches he participated in, a legacy worthy of celebration.

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Hulk Hogan vs. Sgt. Slaughter: A Patriotic Clash Revisited – The Business of Patriotism

The 1991 feud between Hulk Hogan and Sgt. Slaughter wasn't just a wrestling storyline; it was a cultural occurrence, a reflection of the national mood during the Gulf War. While the angle, with Slaughter as an Iraqi sympathizer, was without a doubt sensitive and now raises questions about its portrayal of real-world conflict, it's undeniable that from a business perspective, it was a success. This wasn't just about entertainment; it was about capitalizing on a moment, further solidifying Hogan's patriotic image, and driving revenue.



Sgt. Slaughter, a previously established patriotic character, turned heel and aligned himself with General Adnan, becoming an Iraqi sympathizer. This move, while controversial, generated immense heat. In a time of national uncertainty, Slaughter became a target for public anger, a convenient villain for a nation on edge. This heat, however uncomfortable in retrospect, was gold for the wrestling business.



Enter Hulk Hogan, the embodiment of American patriotism. His role was clear: defend America's honor against the "traitor" Slaughter. This feud played perfectly into Hogan's established persona, increasing his image as the ultimate American hero. It wasn't just a wrestling match; it was a symbolic battle for national pride, a narrative that resonated deeply with the audience.



Hulk Hogan defeated Sgt. Slaughter for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania VII. While the event's financial performance has been debated, it was ultimately a commercial success. Bruce Prichard, who worked for WWE at the time, has indicated on his podcast, Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard (episode #9), that it likely broke even or was in the black, showing that even if it wasn't a record-breaking event, it still achieved a level of financial viability.

WrestleMania VII was also an achievement for WWE and both wrestlers. For many pro-wrestling fans, WrestleMania VII is completely linked to the historical Gulf War due to several reasons. Sgt. Slaughter being an Iraqi sympathizer mirrored the real-world conflict and made him a heat magnet, while giving Slaughter the opportunity to show how great of a heel he truly could be. Hulk Hogan, WWE's top star, was positioned as the American hero who would defeat Slaughter and defend the nation's honor, resonating with audiences during the war, enabling the feud to play right into Hogan's patriotic persona. The event was even moved to a smaller venue due to security concerns related to the Gulf War and Slaughter's controversial character. These elements combined to make WrestleMania VII one of the most memorable and controversial events in wrestling history, forever associated with the Gulf War in the minds of many fans.

The WrestleMania VII match was just the beginning of the Hulk Hogan-Sgt. Slaughter feud. After the match, Slaughter sneak attacked Hogan backstage with a fireball to the face, leading to them having more matches across the country, with a number of them being, "Desert Storm" (no disqualification) matches.



The Hulk Hogan-Sgt. Slaughter feud ended at SummerSlam 1991, when Hulk Hogan and The Ultimate Warrior teamed to defeat Sgt. Slaughter and his fellow members of The Triangle Of Terror faction (General Adnan and Colonel Mustafa) in a, Three On Two Handicap" match. These matches allowed WWE to further capitalize on the storyline's momentum and generate additional revenue. By extending the feud beyond WrestleMania, WWE demonstrated an understanding of how to maximize the financial potential of an angle. After the feud, Hulk Hogan moved on to engage in a feud with Ric Flair, and Sgt. Slaughter became a face again, expressing regret for all of his anti-American actions.

From a purely business standpoint, the feud was a win. It generated notable attention and kept pro-wrestling relevant in the national conversation, further strengthened Hogan's position as the top star, and left a lasting impression on fans due to its historical context. While the ethical considerations of using a real-world conflict for entertainment are valid and important, they don't cancel out the achievements of the angle.

This feud perfectly demonstrates how professional wrestling can capitalize on current events and public sentiment to create compelling storylines. It also was an example of how a compelling storyline should start with a strong concept, as discussed in my post on how to write a compelling wrestling storyline. It wasn't just about athleticism; it was about storytelling, marketing, and understanding the cultural climate.

Looking back, the Hulk Hogan-Sgt. Slaughter feud is an interesting case study in the business of professional wrestling. It highlights the complex relationship between business, entertainment, and patriotism. While the angle's sensitivity cannot be ignored, its success and impact on Hogan's career and Slaughter's heel run are undebatable. It serves as a reminder that wrestling, at its core, is a business, and sometimes, the most controversial angles can be the most beneficial.