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 on Fiverr.

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.

Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan and His Real American Beer Begins Nationwide College Tailgate Tour

The Texas Longhorns will take on the Michigan Wolverines today, September 7th, in Ann Arbor, Michigan at the legendary "Big House" football stadium. It will also be the site where wrestling legend Hulk Hogan and his Real American Beer will begin its nationwide college tailgate tour, which will go to college campuses across the US.

The tailgate will feature bar takeovers, campus tours, "Dyeislife" challenges, and a huge pre-game party. "College football, cold beer, and a wild tailgate—now that's what I call American, brother!" commented Hulk Hogan, who will be appearing at select stops of the college tailgate tour to meet fans and sign autographs. "We're here to take tailgating to the next level, bringing fans together the Real American way."

College football season is the perfect time for Real American Beer to make its debut. “Real American Beer is tapping into the passion that unites college football fans coast to coast,” said Patrick Werksma, Chief Partnership Officer at Real American Beer. “For Real American Beer, the College Tailgate Tour is all about building a sense of community, enhancing game-day traditions, and solidifying its place as the go-to beer for tailgaters and sports fans alike.”

The Real American Beer College Tailgate Tour schedule is as follows:

September 7- Texas @ Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)

September 21- Iowa @ Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN)

September 29- Georgia @ Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL)

October 12- Florida @ Tennessee (Knoxville, TN)

October 19- Georgia @ Texas (Austin, TX)

November 16- LSU @ Florida (Gainesville, FL)

November 30- Michigan @ Ohio State (Columbus, OH)

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.

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.”

[AEW] Collision on 9/6 and All Out on 9/7 at NOW Arena (Hoffman Estates, Chicago)

AEW presents two days of wrestling action in Hoffman Estates (a suburb of Chicago), Illinois this week at NOW Arena! AEW Collision and AEW All Out 2024 will take place on Friday, September 6th (6:30pm CT start time) and Saturday, September 7th (5:30pm CT start time), respectively. AEW Collision will feature high-quality matches and a diverse roster, and as one the most highly anticipated events on the AEW calendar, AEW All Out 2024 will feature many of the stars of AEW competing in matches where either a championship or pride is on the line. Don't miss your chance to be a part of this exciting week of professional wrestling and to see your favorite stars compete live!

One of the exciting matches that will be featured at AEW Collision this Friday will be a clashing of styles, as the flashy MxM Collection (Mansoor & Mason Madden) goes against the dark and mysterious House of Black members Buddy Matthews and former ROH World Tag Team Champion Brody King in a FRIDAY NIGHT FASHION FIGHT.

The MxM Collection issue a FRIDAY NIGHT FASHION FIGHT challenge!

Watch #AEWCollision LIVE on TNT!@SNM_Buddy | @Brodyxking | @GREATBLACKOTAKU | @suavemansoor pic.twitter.com/4T8jK4pJmV

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 1, 2024

One day after AEW Collision, AEW All Out 2024 will take place at NOW Arena this Saturday, September 7th, and the amount of top-tier talent on the card ensures that there will be something for everyone who enjoys wrestling.

In the main event, new AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson will defend his championship against AEW TNT Champion Jack Perry. This match will be an opportunity for Jack Perry to go from being the scapegoat of AEW to its world champion, but there is more on the line than the prestigious AEW World Championship- Bryan Danielson stated that when the day comes that he loses the championship, he will stop wrestling. And along with becoming champion, Jack Perry would love to be the wrestler responsible for ending Bryan Danielson's career. This past May at AEW Double Or Nothing 2024, Perry pinned Danielson to gain the win for his team during the, "Anarchy In The Arena" match. If Perry is able to pin him again this Saturday at AEW All Out 2024, we will have a new AEW World Champion.

In a match between two British high-flyers, Will Ospreay will defend the AEW International Championship against former AEW International Champion and current AEW World Trios Champion PAC. The AEW International Championship highlights AEW's focus on international talent and expansion, signifying the company's success in connecting with fans worldwide. And this particular match will enable fans to watch a competition between two prominent figures in British professional wrestling known for their high-flying style and thrilling high-risk maneuvers, wrestling each other in a singles match for only the second time in their careers.

In a match that may steal the show, Mercedes Mone (w/ Kamille) will put the AEW TBS Championship on the line against former AEW Women's World Champion Hikaru Shida. They faced each other in a match on "AEW Dynamite" last month, where Mone was the winner. This Saturday at AEW All Out 2024, will Shida rethink her strategy and walk out with the AEW TBS Championship, or will Mone retain?

Former AEW World Champions Adam Page and Swerve Strickland (w/ Prince Nana) will face each other in a "Steel Cage" match, and if their previous encounters are any indication, this match will be brutal and intense. The Page-Strickland feud is driven by a combination of professional jealousy and personal animosity, and putting them in a steel cage one-on-one is going to raise the violence of their war to another level. One of the most vicious types of matches in professional wrestling, it will continue no matter how much blood is spilled, until either Adam Page or Swerve Strickland is pinned or submits.

Former AEW World Champion MJF will face off against former ROH Pure Champion Daniel Garcia, and along with this match being a battle of wills and a display of skill, it will also be a match about revenge. After suffering an attack from MJF that left him injured and out of action, Garcia is back for retaliation.

CMLL World Women's Champion Willow Nightingale and Former AEW TBS Champion Kris Statlander (w/ Stokely Hathaway) will go against each other in a Chicago Street Fight, and they are definitely a case of two wrestlers who were good friends and now better enemies. Once allies who teamed for tag matches and supported each other, the two women transitioned from friends to rivals when Statlander betrayed Nightingale, which leads us to the match that will take place this Saturday at AEW All Out 2024 and promises to be chaotic with the rulebook thrown out the window.

Don't miss this excellent double header! Secure your combo tickets now and experience the excitement of AEW Collision and AEW All Out 2024!

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Former WWE Women's Champion Victoria Signs Nostalgic Contract

While at Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville, Kentucky, where she made an appearance for a Meet & Greet as a part of the pre-show for the 8/31 Ohio Valley Wrestling Fight Night event, former WWE Women's Champion Victoria (real name Lisa Marie Varon) made a major announcement via X (Twitter) that she had recently signed a WWE Nostalgic contract.

💥 ANNOUNCEMENT 💥

Here it is, my big announcement! Earlier this week I signed a WWE Nostalgic contract. I am so excited and honored that @wwe reached out to me about this! It's a true honor to be part of the WWE Universe again. This doesn't mean I will be hopping back into the… pic.twitter.com/YtPRQFvE7a

— Lisa Marie Varon (@REALLiSAMARiE) September 1, 2024

Victoria is a two-time WWE Women's Champion, and her career spanned almost two decades, leaving a mark on the pro-wrestling industry with her very impressive toughness, wrestling skills, aggressiveness, and athleticism. Victoria's return to the WWE family will add a touch of nostalgia and excitement to the company that will be appreciated by WWE Universe members of all ages.

Victoria's in-ring career began in the early 2000s, wrestling in the Kentucky-based Ohio Valley Wrestling, the California-based Ultimate Pro Wrestling, the Ohio-based Heartland Wrestling Association, the Memphis-based Power Pro Wrestling, and Memphis Championship Wrestling, promotions that were being used by WWE in a developmental capacity. After honing her skills, Victoria began wrestling on WWE-TV in September 2002, and she won her first WWE Women's Championship only two months later in a hard-fought, "Hardcore" match, which was the first-ever hardcore-style match for the championship.



Throughout her career, Victoria has faced fellow legends of the ring such as Trish Stratus and Lita, and has also been in the ring against the newer generation of WWE Superstars, as she was a surprise Royal Rumble entrant at Royal Rumble 2021.



Victoria's return to WWE has the potential to have a very significant impact on the company and its women's division. Along with her character being used for video games and action figures, Victoria's presence as a veteran could be utilized to provide inspiration to newer generation talent, with her sharing invaluable knowledge that she has gained. Victoria could also be an asset on WWE-TV: Imagine a confrontation between Victoria and Jade Cargill -two women who have presented themselves in WWE as powerful and dominating-; or a reuniting of Victoria and Natalya, who were allies in 2008.

No matter how Victoria will be utilized, her presence will add excitement and nostalgia to WWE, with her once again making a lasting impression on the WWE Universe.

Ohio Valley Wrestling 8/31: Fight Night (Pikeville)

The wrestlers of Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) will be in action this Saturday, August 31st at Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville, Kentucky with an 8PM belltime (doors open at 6:30PM) for Fight Night! And it will also be a legends night, as WWE Hall of Famers Kevin Nash and JBL, The Boogeyman, and former WWE Women's Champion Victoria will be in attendance at OVW Fight Night for a pre-show Meet & Greet!

These four WWE Legends represent a diverse range of styles and personalities. Kevin Nash used his power and intimidating presence to be a dominant force in the ring. JBL's slyness and arrogance always drew a reaction from fans. The Boogeyman often appeared unexpectedly, always utilizing the power of shock value. Victoria displayed her toughness, wrestling skills, aggressiveness, and athleticism to gain success in the form of two reigns as WWE Women's Champion. Don't miss this opportunity to meet these four legends of the ring at Ohio Valley Wrestling Fight Night!

Along with the pre-show Meet & Greet, Ohio Valley Wrestling Fight Night will also feature exciting wrestling action. Kal Herro, Luke Kurtis, Jack Vaughn, and OVW Southern Tag Team Champions Tusk N Chains will team to go against The Revolution in a, "10 Man Lethal Lockdown Cage" match!

There will be a Street Fight for the OVW Women's Title! With an unrestricted style of competition for this championship, expect this match to be intense!

The athleticism of the OVW Rush Division will be on full display when its title is on the line in a, "Ladder" match!

Tickets can be purchased here.

Everyone who has a ticket for Ohio Valley Wrestling Fight Night will have access to the pre-show Meet & Greets. You can purchase autographs and photo ops at the special guests' tables (cash transactions are preferred). OVW is not responsible for setting the prices for the special guests- they will have their own set prices and may have an upcharge for action figures and championship belts.

Ohio Valley Wrestling is based in Louisville, Kentucky. It was founded in 1993 by Nightmare Danny Davis and first became a notable promotion by helping to develop wrestlers from 2000 to 2008 who became superstars, such as John Cena, CM Punk, Randy Orton, Brock Lesnar, and Batista. Today, OVW continues to be a source of the future stars of the industry.

Osaka Sports Culture: A Passionate City

With a population of around 2.6 million, Osaka is renowned for its vibrant culture, bustling atmosphere, and especially, its delicious food, to the extent that the city is called, “the nation’s kitchen”. For many years, Osaka was the capital of Japan. Today, the city has maintained its ancestral traditions, while also adding innovative technology. And in a previous blog post, I discussed the rich history of pro wrestling in Osaka. However, the city's sports culture roots are even deeper than that, and are just as passionate and exciting as any other aspect of its identity.

From professional baseball and soccer to traditional martial arts and other sports, Osaka has something to offer for every sports enthusiast. The city's world-class facilities, passionate fans, and dedicated athletes create a unique and high-spirited sports environment.

Osaka is home to several professional sports teams, including Cerezo Osaka (soccer), Shriker Osaka (futsal), the Suntory Sunbirds (volleyball), the Osaka Evessa (basketball), the NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes (rugby), the Nissay Red Elf (table tennis), the Nippon Paint Mallets (table tennis), and the Osaka Lovvits (handball). These teams have dedicated fanbases and passionate supporters.

Officially, Osaka is the home of the Orix Buffaloes professional baseball team, with its headquarters being located in Nishi-ku, Osaka, and the team being owned by financial services company Orix, which was founded in Osaka. Plus, the Buffaloe's ballpark is Kyocera Dome Osaka. However, the Hanshin Tigers is a prominent team in Osaka as well. Although its headquarters is in Nishinomiya City, the original team name of the Tigers (which is the older team of the two) was the Osaka Tigers. One of the most popular teams in Japanese baseball and deeply rooted in the city's culture, the team has a passionate fanbase known as the "Tigers Army", with many of them living in Osaka. The Buffaloes and the Tigers both have gained a strong following in Osaka and have enjoyed success in recent years, with the Buffaloes winning the Japan Series Championship (the championship series of Japanese professional baseball) in 2022, and the Tigers winning the Central League pennant in 2023. Both teams contribute to the city's energetic sports scene and have fanbases that are dedicated to their respective clubs.

Osaka has a long history of traditional martial arts, such as judo, kendo, and karate. These sports are deeply ingrained in the city's culture and continue to be practiced by many residents. Meanwhile, Osaka City Shudokan, supports the introduction of martial arts to people who are unfamiliar with the sport, believing that it contributes to the establishment of social order and the healthy development of young people.

Osaka is also embracing other sports, such as e-sports and MMA. Launched in 1993, PANCRASE was one of the first organizations in Japan to be synonymous with MMA. PANCRASE Osaka is a mixed martial arts training and fitness gym that is a part of the organization and is located in Osaka, offering a variety of classes for all levels, from beginners to experienced fighters.

Osaka has a strong community sports culture, with numerous amateur leagues and clubs for various sports. This fosters a love of sports from a young age and helps to develop future talent. It also unites people, builds a sense of belonging, and develops valuable life skills in young people.

The sports industry in Osaka supports a wide range of professionals, from athletes and coaches to administrative staff and hospitality workers. Also, sports events and facilities bring economic benefits by generating tourism revenue and supporting local businesses. Additionally, Osaka's sports teams and events contribute to the city's spirited atmosphere and help to promote it as a desirable destination. Osaka's passion for sports is evident in the city's many sports facilities, events, and festivals.

Osaka's sports culture is a full of life and important part of the city's identity. From professional teams to traditional martial arts and other sports, there is something for everyone to enjoy. And beyond the excitement and entertainment, sports play a significant role in Osaka's economy and community, contributing to job creation, tourism, and the development of young people. Whether you're a sports fan or just curious about the city's sports scene, Osaka offers a unique and exciting experience that will surely impress.

[TNA Wrestling] Emergence 2024 on 8/30 at Old Forester's Paristown Hall (Louisville)

TNA Wrestling Emergence 2024 will feature high stakes and exciting action when it comes to Old Forester's Paristown Hall in Louisville, Kentucky on Friday, August 30 with an 8PM ET start time!

In the main event, TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth will face a true test when he defends his championship against former TNA World Champion Josh Alexander in a 1 hour, "Iron Man" match! Alexander proved that he has the stamina to compete at a high level for 1 hour when he wrestled Mike Bailey in late-2022 and the match lasted 59:48 before Alexander picked up the win. He was defending the TNA World Championship at the time, and in this upcoming match at TNA Wrestling Emergence 2024, he is challenging for it, which may make Alexander more relentless and more willing to go the extra mile and willing to take bigger risks. Meanwhile, Nemeth has shown throughout his career that whether he's in a match where he has a strong advantage or the odds are stacked against him, Nemeth is a dedicated wrestler who always strives for victory, and this match will not be an exception.

In another singles match involving top talents, former TNA Digital Media Champion Matt Cardona will go against current TNA Digital Media Champion PCO! This will be their first singles match with each other, and their clash of personalities guarantees that it will be an intense encounter. Recently, Cardona made a surprise return to TNA by crashing PCO's wedding to Steph De Lander.





The Knockouts Division will also be showcased at TNA Wrestling Emergence 2024, as TNA Knockouts World Championship Jordynne Grace teams with Spitfire to go against against Ash By Elegance and the TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Champions, Alisha Edwards and Masha Slamovich!

The X-Division is about high-flying action, and it too will be represented at TNA Wrestling Emergence 2024, when Mike Bailey defends the TNA X-Division Championship against Zachary Wentz, Jason Hotch, WWE NXT Superstar Riley Osborne, and two other opponents in an, "Ultimate X" match!

Ultimate X matches, with suspended cables connected to metal structures 15 feet above the ring, always featured thrilling moments as the match participants climbed the structure in an attempt to claim the prestigious TNA championship that hangs above the ring. TNA fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Ultimate X!

ULTIMATE X RETURNS at #TNAEmergence!

Watch #TNAiMPACT NOW on TNA+: https://t.co/ZoOeNdpoUi pic.twitter.com/tgB5xP0GVH

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) August 2, 2024

Don't miss your chance to experience TNA Wrestling Emergence 2024 live! Secure your tickets now.

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