More About Me

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


info@harold-williams.com

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

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

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

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

Read my writing on The Deck

News website The Deck is where you can see more of my coverage of:
- Wrestling (WWE, independent wrestling, Japanese wrestling / プロレス, and international wrestling
- Soccer / Football
- Other sports and combat sports
- Gaming
- Technology

https://thedeck.news/author/hwilliams1313/

AI: The Fashion Revolution

Last year, I explored the unexpected fashion trend of Madison Square Garden bags in Japan. This time, I will look at another unexpected fashion trend: AI-powered fashion, which is reshaping the fashion world from the design studio to the retail floor.

One of the most notable applications of AI in fashion is personalized style recommendations. By analyzing your shopping history, social media activity, and personal preferences, AI algorithms can curate a wardrobe tailored to your unique taste. No more searching through endless racks of clothes; AI will do the work for you.

Imagine trying on clothes without ever leaving your home. With AI-powered virtual try-on technology, you can visualize how different outfits will look on you. This innovation enables shoppers to make educated decisions, without having to go to a store and having to deal with crowds and lines.

AI is also playing a crucial role in promoting sustainable fashion. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI can identify environmentally-safe materials, optimize production processes, and reduce waste. Additionally, AI can help predict future trends, allowing brands to plan production more efficiently and avoid overproduction.

AI is not just changing the way we shop for clothes. It's also transforming the way fashion is designed. AI-powered design tools can generate new designs, patterns, and a combination of colors. By analyzing historical trends and consumer preferences, AI can help designers create innovative and appealing collections.

Of course, while AI does and will continue to benefit the fashion industry, the dark side of AI must be remembered and ethical implications should be considered. Issues such as job displacement, data privacy, and algorithmic bias must be addressed to ensure that AI is used responsibly as it continues to evolve and help the fashion industry create a more inclusive, personalized, and sustainable experience for consumers worldwide.

The Future of Wrestling Broadcasting: A Digital Revolution

The way we watch wrestling has evolved significantly over the years, from live events to television broadcasts. Now, the future of wrestling broadcasting is being shaped by cutting-edge technologies that promise to revolutionize the fan experience.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way wrestling is produced and consumed. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI can provide valuable insights into fan preferences, match ratings, and social media engagement. This data-driven approach allows broadcasters to make informed decisions about programming, scheduling, and marketing. Additionally, AI can be used to personalize the viewing experience for each individual fan, recommending content based on their interests and preferences.

Imagine a future where wrestling events are not limited by physical venues. With the advancement of virtual and augmented reality, fans could attend live events from anywhere in the world, experiencing the thrill of the crowd and the intensity of the action in real-time. These virtual events could feature interactive elements, such as virtual merchandise and meet-and-greets with wrestlers. Additionally, AI could be used to enhance the live experience, providing real-time analytics, historical trivia, and personalized recommendations. While these concepts may seem futuristic, they are becoming increasingly feasible as technology continues to evolve.

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies have the potential to shake up the way fans experience wrestling. By immersing viewers in a virtual world, VR can transport fans ringside, providing a unique and personalized viewing experience. AR can enhance the broadcast experience by overlaying digital information, such as statistics, trivia, and behind-the-scenes footage, onto the live feed. These technologies can create a more immersive and interactive experience for fans.

While full-scale VR wrestling events are still in their infancy, WWE has taken steps to provide fans with immersive VR experiences. WWE has been a pioneer in Virtual Reality (VR) experiences. In 2018, the company began a partnership with NextVR, a virtual reality distribution technology company that specializes in broadcasting live events in virtual reality. For free, members of the WWE Universe were able to watch a WWE channel within the NextVR app and see WWE action as if they were ringside at the event.


By partnering with NextVR, WWE offered fans the opportunity to experience the excitement of a WWE event from a unique, ringside perspective. As VR technology continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative and immersive wrestling experiences in the future.

Imagine watching a wrestling match from ringside, feeling the energy of the crowd, and seeing the action unfold in stunning detail. With VR technology, this can become a reality. Fans could be transported to the arena, sitting in the front row or even inside the ring. They could experience the sights, sounds, and even the smells of a live event, all from the comfort of their own homes. By utilizing these technologies, wrestling promotions can create a more connected and immersive fan experience, fostering a deeper connection between fans and the product.

An AI-powered announcer could transform the way we experience wrestling. Imagine an AI that can analyze the match in real-time, providing insightful commentary and interesting context. This could lead to a more appealing viewing experience, with the AI uncovering patterns and trends that human commentators might miss. While this concept may seem futuristic, advancements in AI technology suggest that it could become a reality sooner than we think. However, human commentators will still be needed to provide the passion, personality, and storytelling that AI would struggle to replicate. A likely scenario is a collaborative approach, where AI assists human commentators by providing data, suggesting commentary points, and even generating simple phrases. The human commentator would then use this information to present engaging commentary that will add to the match. This combination of human creativity and AI intelligence would lead to an exceptional viewing experience.

Social media has transformed the way fans connect with wrestlers and each other, and it could change fan interaction. By integrating social media into the broadcast, fans can interact with each other, share their opinions, and participate live in real-time polls to vote on their favorite moments, and contests. They could chat with each other, share opinions, and discuss the show online. Fans could get exclusive access to interviews. Additionally, AI-powered chatbots can provide personalized recommendations and answer fan questions. These interactive features can foster a sense of community among fans and create a more engaging viewing experience.

Streaming services have made it easier than ever for fans around the world to access wrestling content. By offering livestreams, on-demand libraries, and exclusive content, streaming platforms have expanded the reach of wrestling and created a global community of fans. Yanagase Pro Wrestling broadcasts shows on TwitCasting, a livestreaming service based in Japan that has over 33 million registered users worldwide. Michinoku Pro joined WRESTLE UNIVERSE this March, and before then, the wrestling company was using general-purpose streaming platform YouTube to stream, "Michinoku Pro Wrestling LIVE". World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana has its own live streaming service, Diana Live. Meanwhile, the Singapore independent wrestling scene also uses streaming to introduce its top stars. After a five-year hiatus, WOS Wrestling made its return this past September, and content from the event will be made available online for fans both inside and outside of the UK. And in January 2025, WWE Raw will become exclusive to Netflix, plus WWE also utilizes Peacock as an exclusive streaming partner and partnered with Abema in Japan with the partnership involving WWE making its live content available exclusively via a streaming service. Also, WWE has created "WWE Speed", a program that is streamed exclusively via X. As streaming technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative ways to deliver wrestling content to fans worldwide.

Imagine a future wrestling broadcasting studio, a high-tech hub filled with advanced technology. Large screens display live matches, while holographic displays showcase real-time statistics and analysis. A diverse team of producers, directors, and analysts work together to create engaging content. As AI continues to advance, we can expect even more innovative tools and techniques to be used in the production of wrestling broadcasts.

While the integration of AI and social media into wrestling broadcasting offers many possibilities, it also raises important ethical considerations. As AI systems collect and analyze vast amounts of personal data, it's crucial to ensure that this data is handled responsibly and securely. Strict privacy measures must be implemented to protect fan data from unauthorized access and misuse. Additionally, transparency is essential. Fans should be informed about how their data is being collected, used, and protected. Furthermore, the potential for AI to influence fan behavior and manipulate opinions raises ethical concerns. While AI can be used to enhance the fan experience, it's important to avoid using it to control fans.

While the potential of VR and AR in wrestling is exciting, there are significant challenges to overcome. The high cost of developing and implementing these technologies can be unaffordable for many promotions. Additionally, the technical limitations of current VR and AR technology may hinder the creation of truly immersive experiences. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of VR and AR devices is still in its early stages, and it may take time for these technologies to become mainstream.

Despite these challenges, the future of wrestling broadcasting is promising. By embracing technology and adapting to the changing landscape of media consumption, the wrestling industry can continue to thrive and entertain fans.

The Dark Side of AI: Take Caution

I often post about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize the wrestling industry. However, as with any powerful technology, it also carries notable risks and ethical implications. Not only in the wrestling industry, but many others as well, making it fair to say that AI has a dark side.

One of the most important concerns with AI is the potential for bias. AI algorithms are trained on very large datasets, which can accidentally perpetuate social biases and prejudices. If these biases are not addressed, AI systems can make discriminatory decisions, leading to unfair outcomes in areas such as hiring, lending, and criminal justice.

As AI becomes increasingly knowledgeable, there is a growing fear that it could lead to widespread job displacement and economic imbalance. AI-powered automation can replace human workers in a variety of industries, from manufacturing to customer service. While AI can create new jobs, it's needed for the potential negative impact on the workforce to be considered.

AI-powered surveillance systems can collect and analyze very big amounts of personal data, raising concerns about privacy and surveillance. This data can be used to track individuals' movements, monitor their online behavior, and even predict their future actions. While this technology can be used for acceptable purposes, such as crime prevention, it also has the potential to be misused.

Deepfake technology, a subcategory of AI, can be used to create highly realistic but fake videos and audio. This technology has the potential to be misused to spread misinformation, damage reputations, and create social agitation. Deepfakes can be used to create misinformation, manipulate public opinion, and even interfere with elections.

As AI becomes more advanced, an increasing amount of people ask important ethical questions about the nature of consciousness, the value of human life, and the future of humanity. It is crucial to develop ethical guidelines and regulations to ensure that AI is used responsibly and for the benefit of society.

While AI offers great potential for good, it is necessary to be aware of its potential dangers. By understanding the risks and taking steps to lessen them, we can utilize the power of AI for the upgrading of humanity. This can be accomplished by promoting moralistic AI development, investing in AI training to prepare workers for the future, administering strong regulations to govern the use of AI, and encouraging international cooperation to establish global standards for AI ethics and governance.

The Impact of AI on Wrestling Jobs: A Look into the Future

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed various industries, and the professional wrestling industry is no exception. As AI continues to advance, it's crucial to examine its potential impact on the jobs within the industry. While some may fear job displacement, others see AI as a tool to enhance creativity and efficiency.

One of the types of positions that could potentially be impacted is creative roles. AI-powered writing tools could assist in generating storylines, character backstories, and even promotional materials. However, human creativity remains essential for creating compelling storylines and knowing how to promote wrestling events effectively.

AI can automate tasks like video editing, color correction, and sound mixing, allowing editors to focus on more complex creative aspects.

In the performance analysis area, AI can analyze wrestler performance through motion capture technology, providing valuable insights into technique, timing, and overall athleticism. Meanwhile, AI-powered analytics can identify potential injury risks based on movement patterns and historical data.

In the fan engagement domain, AI can examine fan preferences to deliver tailored content, merchandise recommendations, and event experiences. Also, AI-powered tools can help manage social media accounts, schedule posts, and engage with fans. However, human creativity will still be needed to grow the wrestling promotion's fanbase.

In addition, AI can be used in many other ways in the pro-wrestling industry, such as optimizing scheduling, travel logistics, merchandise inventory management, and analyzing financial data to identify trends and make informed business decisions.

While AI offers various aids to a wrestling promotion, it's essential to acknowledge potential challenges. Implementing AI systems can be costly, especially for smaller promotions. Collecting and analyzing large amounts of data raises privacy concerns. Overreliance on AI-generated content could lead to a lack of originality and creativity. If AI algorithms are trained on biased data, AI-generated wrestling content could unintentionally perpetuate stereotypes or harmful narratives, highlighting the importance of developing fair and inclusive AI systems. Finally, AI may lead to job displacement in certain areas, although it can also create new opportunities. By carefully considering these challenges and developing strategies to lessen them, the wrestling industry can utilize the power of AI while preserving its unique character.

AI-powered virtual reality (VR) could offer fans immersive experiences, allowing them to step into the wrestling ring, interact with their favorite wrestlers, and witness matches from unprecedented angles. AI algorithms could generate realistic virtual environments, lifelike character models, and dynamic simulations of wrestling matches. These VR experiences could provide fans with a deeper level of engagement and a more personalized connection to the world of wrestling. It's important to note that while AI can generate realistic virtual environments and character models, human writers and designers can be used to create storylines, character arcs, and dialogue for VR experiences. This ensures that the virtual wrestling world retains its human touch, even as it becomes increasingly technologically advanced.

While AI offers numerous benefits, it's important to strike a balance between technological advancements and human creativity. The key is to use AI as a tool to enhance human capabilities, rather than replace them. By combining the strengths of both human ingenuity and AI, the wrestling industry can continue to grow and succeed.

As AI technology continues to advance, it's important for wrestling organizations and individuals working in the industry to stay informed and adapt to the changing environment. By embracing innovation while preserving the human element, the future of wrestling can be both exciting and thriving.

[Michinoku Pro] Ticket Information for Michinoku Pro's 12/13/24 event at the Korakuen Hall!

Join Michinoku Pro on December 13 (6:30 PM start time) at the Korakuen Hall for Michinoku Pro's biggest show of the year! This will also be the last time that Michinoku Pro will be appearing at the Korakuen Hall this year. You can read a preview of the event here.

Tickets are available at Lawson, Ticket Pia, e +, Famiport, Korakuen Hall 5th Floor Office, Champion, and via Michinoku Pro Wrestling Telephone Reservation- 019 (687) 2431.