More About Me

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Since the "About Me" section of this blog is limited to a specific number 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.

From 2001 to 2013, I worked as a Sports Desk Assistant for Southern Westchester BOCES Athletics, responsible for inputting schedules and assigning officials for all public high school athletic events in the greater New York metropolitan area. This gave me an opportunity to hone my skills in organization and logistics. I also acted as in-house technical support.

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 my having come into contact with many talents being underused and going unnoticed in the industry over the years. 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 they 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, where I worked as a columnist.

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 to have written for a Chinese wrestling organization in history.

In 2019, I began writing for Michinoku Pro Wrestling, in charge of international wrestling as its International Officer. 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.

My articles, "A Look at the History and Future of WOW" and "Will WOW Go From Las Vegas Residency to an Even Higher Level?" were endorsed by WOW - Women Of Wrestling on social media in August 2025 and October 2025, respectively. My articles, "Why Florida Makes a Perfect WOW Superhero Stronghold", "Miami’s Sweet Heat on Beast Games Season 2: A Major Win for WOW", "WOW Hits the Jackpot: Women Of Wrestling Secures Season 4 & Groundbreaking Las Vegas Residency", A History of Women's Wrestling in America", "The 11 Most Must-See WOW Matches Right Now", "A Potential Game-Changer for Sophie Cunningham: The WOW Opportunity", "Independent Gaijin Dreams and the Japanese Experience of WOW's Superheroes" and, "A History of Wrestling Managers" were endorsed by WOW as well.

Many of my articles have been cited as sources in online encyclopedias Wikipedia, Grokipedia, and Hubbry entries on topics including Women of Wrestling, the Global Wrestling Federation (GWF), Michinoku Pro Wrestling, MLW, 3PW, Japan's MMA business, WWE house shows from a business perspective, Right to Censor, the impact of Japanese wrestling on the global wrestling scene, a comprehensive comparison of Japanese and American wrestling, the history of wrestling commentary, Hisashi Shinma as WWE President, the true power of joshi puroresu, the history of professional wrestling in Canada, the history of pro-wrestling in Osaka, the future of women's wrestling in America, Alex Shelley, Mad Man Pondo, Angel Orsini, GAINA, the early history of WWE video games, WWE Raw on Netflix, Strong Style Pro Wrestling, and more. Additionally, my 2013 interviews with the original cast of GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling) served as a primary historical resource for The Telegraph in their coverage of the true stories behind the hit Netflix series.

My work is used as a resource on learning platforms. My ebook "The Business Side of Wrestling: A Look Behind the Curtain" is available for lending internationally, across two major library systems: CLEVNET Library in Ohio and Dubai Public Library in the Middle East. My article, "The History of American Wrestling," has been used in Google Classroom by an educator.

In July 2025, I developed the core corporate communications and original strategic press release for the founding team of youth sports platform True Lacrosse announcing their strategic partnership with the incoming Private Equity partner, TZP Group, launching the new national platform, True Sports. The final deliverables were used as the basis and foundation for the final, official, public-facing, published corporate release and announcement. The document passed final approval by the founders and TZP Group.

After living in Japan for ten years and writing English content for Asian companies during that time, I am currently based in the US and open to new writing opportunities in the US, Japan, and globally, from event previews & results reports, to press releases, 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

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. My insights on this frontier have been recognized by wrestling-related outlets; including, Fightful cited my deep dive into specific applications of AI in wrestling as a key resource in an article.

I am a subject matter expert in the business side of Japan's MMA, baseball, soccer/football, lacrosse, and other sports.

In additon, I am working for TELUS Digital as an Online Data Analyst, developing and improving AI models by contributing data, assessments, and insights via writing and data collection/annotation/labeling.

Social Media's Toll on Wrestlers' Well-being

While social media offers wrestlers unprecedented opportunities for engagement and promotion, it also casts a long shadow, exposing them to an assault of negativity that can severely impact their mental and emotional health. Cyberbullying, online harassment, and the constant pressure of public evaluation are very real challenges that wrestlers face in the digital age.

This past week, we saw the digital spotlight turn predatory once again following a match where Harley Cameron & Willow Nightingale worked a match with Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford on the February 25 episode of "AEW Dynamite", during which Ford was injured. Despite the on-the-spot physical complexities of a match, the immediate, abusive reaction from online appears to have led to Cameron leaving X. If this is true, the deactivation of her account is proof that while athletes of the pro-wrestling industry are digitally accessible on a regular basis, there needs to be more protection from the psychological toll that comes with it.

The anonymity given by the internet inspires some individuals to engage in disrespectful behavior, knowing their identity is not known. Being that wrestlers are constantly within reach through social media, they are vulnerable to harassment at any time of day or night. Beyond personal attacks on a wrestler's professional capability and character, examples of online harassment are racist or sexist remarks directed at their character or personal life, threats of violence or physical harm, personal attacks on the wrestler's appearance, family, or personal relationships, and doxing (revealing personal information). Groups of individuals can target wrestlers, engaging in organized campaigns of harassment and abuse.

Constant exposure to negativity can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Online harassment can erode self-esteem and create feelings of failure. Wrestlers may withdraw from social interaction due to being sick of elecronic abuse. The constant stream of notifications and negative comments can disrupt sleep patterns. It's also important to keep in mind that the pressure to maintain an unrealistic and potentially perfect online image and respond to criticism can be incredibly stressful.

Every post, comment, and action is subject to public scrutiny and judgment, and is taken notice of the moment it's posted, and might even be screenshotted to be saved in order to use against the poster in the future. Meanwhile, they may feel that they have to be active on the internet in order to maintain relevance (because sometimes out of sight is out of mind in pro-wrestling when there is a lack of internet-based branding) and satisfy audience demands who follow them on social media. Adding to all of this pressure, minor mistakes or misinterpretations can be amplified and lead to calls for cancellation. However, I believe that it's not possible to cancel a top-tier professional wrestler over something like this, particularly once they have achieved main event status in a major company. Many major ones over the years have had a high tolerance for controversy, and a wrestler’s established value can outweigh public backlash, depending on what the backlash is regarding. Nonetheless, history shows that social media disasters can still significantly damage or even end careers depending on the severity, and mental toll doesn't care about their spot on the card- a main eventer can be mentally affected by online harassment as much as a midcarder can.

Some fans confuse a wrestler's character with the person behind it, directing attacks based on the wrestler's actions on TV and at shows. Or course, this is not a problem for some of the wrestlers who leverage the power of social media by blurring the lines between a work and a shoot, a narrative that I call, "kayfabe 2.0", which drives social engagement. These particular wrestlers maintain character online, so those reactions from fans add realism to the wrestler's persona, which is what they want if they are a heel. However, other wrestlers choose to separate their on-screen characters from their real-life identities, which makes negative feedback a challenge for them to cope with. When the character is attacked for something that they said or did as part of a storyline, it's business; but when the person behind the character is attacked, it's personal.

Wrestlers should set clear boundaries for their social media usage and limit their exposure to negativity. The block button is a beautiful thing, and haters are not worth replying to- blocking (or at least muting) abusive accounts can help to minimize exposure to harassment. Wrestlers should seek support from friends and family, and wrestlers promoting a positive and respectful cyber culture would benefit both themselves and their brothers and sisters in the industry. In addition, reporting instances of harassment and cyberbullying to social media platforms and law enforcement is essential.

Wrestling promotions can also be an asset in fighting online harassment. Along with providing resources and support for wrestlers who are victims and reminding fans that the wrestlers on the promotions' shows put their safety at risk for the entertainment of the audience, AI can be used in opposing online harassment of wrestlers. It can scan very large amounts of text, images, and videos on social media platforms, identifying and flagging possibly harmful content, using natural language processing (NLP) to understand the context and meaning of words, which allows it to detect sly forms of abuse that might be missed by human moderators. Some AI systems can even predict potential harassment before it happens by analyzing user behavior and recognizing patterns associated with abusive language, which allows platforms to take proactive steps to prevent harassment from increasing. These systems are now being used to hide abusive comments before the target sees them.

The negative impacts of social media on wrestlers' well-being are a serious concern. It would be beneficial to the wrestling industry for these challenges to be addressed and for steps to be taken to create a safer and more supportive web-based environment for its performers.

Wrestlers: Track Your Finances While on the Road!

You know how it can be: You get a good payday in another state and sold some merchandse, but after you factor in the 6-hour drive, the bridge tolls, the hotel, and the pre-show restaurant meal, you realize you actually lost $20 to take a booking.

If you aren't tracking your numbers, it makes your business feel like an expensive hobby.

I created a financial tracker formatted specifically for a wrestling career, and most importantly, there are no complicated apps or a steep learning curve- just a clean Google Sheet that you can update from your phone in the car or locker room.

What it tracks for you:
- Real-Time Profit: Automatically subtracts your travel and gear costs from your booking fees.
- The Ledger: A simple way for you to list every show, promotion, and location you've worked.
- Expense Breakdown: You will see exactly how much you're spending on gas vs. gear.

Currently, the Pro-Wrestling Financial Tracker costs a one-time purchase of $0.99 while I look for 20 wrestlers to test this financial tracker before it's available on Gumroad for a one-time purchase of $15. I want to make sure it works perfectly for everyone.

How to get it:
1. Click the link below.

2. Hit the "Buy this" button.
3. Hit the "Make a copy" button.
4. Start entering your bookings.

If you find a bug or think a feature needs to be added, let me know.

Get the Pro-Wrestling Financial Tracker (beta) here.

Social Media Crisis Management for Wrestling Promotions

Social media can be one of the best OR worst things to happen to your business, so it must be used wisely. A single post, a leaked video, or a misinterpreted statement can ignite an unnecessary social media controversy. Wrestling promotions, therefore, must be prepared to navigate social media with a powerful crisis management strategy.

The blurring of lines between kayfabe is evolution driven by social media and modern storytelling. This shift is a tool for deeper audience engagement; however, it can also lead to misunderstandings and controversies, since wrestlers -along with promoters and staff- are human, and mistakes can happen. Also, wrestling fans are passionate, and their opinions can spread like wildfire on social media. Because AI is deeply integrated into social media, things can go viral in seconds, no matter whether the source is someone who is a member of the industry or a fan of it.

Speaking of AI, deepfake technology is a very concerning application of it and has the potential to create incredibly realistic fake audio. AI has advanced to a level where a fake "leaked" audio clip of a promoter or pro-wrestler can go viral before the real person even wakes up. For this reason, it's important to establish a team responsible for monitoring social media, responding to crises, and communicating with stakeholders.

Utilize social media monitoring tools to track mentions, hashtags, and sentiment, allowing for early detection of potential crises. Develop templates for common crisis scenarios, such as apologies, clarifications, and counterarguments. Define clear communication protocols for internal and external communication during a crisis. In addition, have a system in place for quickly assessing the situation, developing a response, and circulating information. It's also worth noting, though, that a major source of crises in wrestling is when the social media team isn't told if a controversial post is a work or a shoot- the crisis team needs a direct line to the bookers/creative to make sure they don't accidentally apologize for a planned storyline.

Don't ignore or try to hide from the crisis. Acknowledge the issue immediately and take responsibility where appropriate. Maintain a calm and professional tone in all communications, even when faced with criticism or negativity. Ensure that all information shared is accurate and verified- avoid speculation or rumors. Directly address the concerns of fans, media, and other stakeholders. If necessary, take concrete action to address the issue, such as issuing an apology, suspending a wrestler, or revising a policy. And If possible, move conversations with upset individuals to private messaging.

Develop clear social media guidelines for wrestlers, staff, and other personnel. Provide training and education on social media best practices and crisis management. Maintain open and transparent communication with fans and media. Conduct regular audits of social media accounts to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities. Also, analyze previous social media problems, and take steps to ensure they do not repeat.

If an apology is necessary, ensure that it is sincere and genuine. Be transparent about the steps taken to address the issue. Remember that social media is about connecting with people, so show empathy and understanding.

A well-executed social media crisis management plan can help wrestling promotions lighten the damage caused by online controversies or misunderstandings, preserve their reputation, and maintain the trust of their fans.

The desire of every wrestling promotion owner is to see their company grow. Having a social media account is an important resource that will help make that happen, but what is written on that resource is just as important, and in the digital age, your reputation is only as strong as your last post. Don't let a social media mistake derail your momentum. Whether you need a fresh brand identity, new online strategies, or engaging content that would reach potential customers globally, I can help. Contact me today at info@harold-williams.com

The Parallel Journeys of AJ Styles and Hiroshi Tanahashi

The winter of 2026 will forever be remembered as the season that two of the most talented wrestlers laced their boots for the final time. One was AJ Styles, who proved himself over and over again by dominating in major companies internationally as a two-time former WWE Champion, a WWE Grand Slam Champion, a two-time former TNA World Champion, and a two-time former IWGP Heavyweight Champion. The other was Hiroshi Tanahashi, an icon who has been at the forefront of NJPW during very important times, cementing his place as one of the most respected wrestlers in Japanese wrestling.

In the span of just twenty-seven days, the professional wrestling landscape lost two of its most resilient foundations. On January 4, 2026, at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20, Hiroshi Tanahashi wrestled his last match in the Tokyo Dome, where he had many classic contests during his career, with him being considered one of the greatest performers in Tokyo Dome history, headlining a record 11 NJPW January 4 Tokyo Dome shows. Less than a month later, on January 31, AJ Styles threw up the P1 on his gloves one more time in the center of the ring at WWE Royal Rumble 2026.

Their careers ended on opposite sides of the globe, but their journeys were remarkably parallel. More than wrestlers, one was the Ace of Aces, while the other was Phenomenal in every one of his matches, and both of them were top-tier, foundational, and generation-defining performers for major companies.

To understand why their retirements feel so linked, we have to go back to exactly twenty years. Before AJ Styles became "The Face That Runs the Place" in WWE or Hiroshi Tanahashi became the Ace of NJPW, they crossed paths in a TNA ring.

In January 2006, at TNA Final Resolution, Hiroshi Tanahashi made his first appearance in an American pro-wrestling company. He faced AJ Styles in a special attraction between two wrestlers who were established stars in their respective companies.



The most cited matches between AJ Styles and Hiroshi Tanahashi took place in 2014 and 2015. Styles joined NJPW and adapted to the company's unique style of intense, action-packed, fast-paced matches, and Tanahashi was one of his frequent opponents.

At King Of Pro-Wrestling on October 13, 2014, Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated AJ Styles to win his record-breaking 7th IWGP Heavyweight Championship, in a match that was considered the best of that year by many fans. It can be seen in its entirety via the NJPW World streaming service.

AJ Styles reclaimed the IWGP Heavyweight Championship on February 11, 2015, at The New Beginning in Osaka, in a match that became bloody. You can see it in its entirety on NJPW World here.

The match between AJ Styles and Hiroshi Tanahashi on August 14, 2015, at G1 Climax 25 is considered a masterpiece by many fans, and can be seen on NJPW World. The G1 Climax tournament reached a new level of international recognition that year, and Tanahashi was the winner of this match, securing his place in the finals and going on to win the tournament.

The AJ Styles vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi matches in 2014 and 2015 made both men fully realize that they speak the same in-ring language, as their seamless chemistry was proof of it. Styles and Tanahashi have expressed immense mutual respect, praising each other as one of the best in the world.

Something very noteworthy about their dual retirements is what their farewell tours were like. With WWE's current administration allowing Superstars more input into their characters and how they are used, and with Hiroshi Tanahashi now the President and Representative Director of NJPW, both he and AJ Styles could have spent their final months as professional wrestlers in the center of the spotlights of their respective companies, and they earned the right to do so. However, neither one of them did that.

Hiroshi Tanahashi spent his final year having more tag team matches than singles matches, helping newer generations of wrestlers grow and evolve. Meanwhile, AJ Styles focused on tag teaming as well, becoming WWE World Tag Team Champions with Dragon Lee, helping elevate Lee to his first championship on the WWE main roster.

Also, the events where AJ Styles and Hiroshi Tanahashi's pro-wrestling careers concluded are equally symbolic, full-circle events. After headlining a record 11 Tokyo Dome main events, Tanahashi finished his legendary 26-year career at that same venue, which he helped rebuild. Meanwhile, Royal Rumble is the same event where AJ Styles made his WWE debut 10 years earlier, beginning one of the most dominant and decorated WWE careers of the modern era.

With AJ Styles and Hiroshi Tanahashi now moved on from full-time in-ring competition, the statistics -the championships, the merchandise sales- although notable, matter less than the example they set, that pro-wrestlers can follow. Styles and Tanahashi proved that blending technical wrestling and psychology with high-paced athleticism is a key to success in the pro-wrestling industry.

Shifting the Power: The Impact of Decentralized Social Media Platforms in Pro-Wrestling

Decentralized social media platforms, built on blockchain technology, represent a transformation in how we can interact online. Unlike traditional platforms controlled by centralized corporations, decentralized platforms aim to give users more control over their data, content, and online experience. This shift has the potential to significantly impact various sectors, including pro-wrestling

Decentralized platforms allow users to own their data, giving them greater control over how it is collected, used, and shared. By distributing data across a network of nodes, decentralized platforms reduce the risk of large-scale data breaches. Also, if the platform uses Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP), users can choose what information they share and with whom, enhancing their privacy and anonymity.

Decentralized social media separates the content from the app. The protocol ensures your data is permanent and uncensorable, while the apps handle the viewing experience. This gives users the power to own their audience, monetize directly without a middleman, and participate in how the platform is governed.

NFTs can be used to create exclusive fan experiences, such as virtual meet-and-greets, digital collectibles, and access to exclusive content like digital season passes or permanent proof-of-attendance (POAP) for fans who were at a specific independent wrestling show. Many independent wrestlers and smaller promotions present edgy or violent content that can get flagged by AI filters on social media platforms- they can use decentralized platforms to connect directly with their fans, hosting match highlights without fear of a strike that would impact finances.

Along with gaining mainstream user adoption being a large hurdle, decentralized platforms face challenges in terms of scalability and user experience, making them less accessible to mainstream audiences. It's also worth noting that blockchain technology is not immune to security vulnerabilities, and decentralized platforms must take steps to protect against cyberattacks. In addition, decentralized platforms must develop effective content moderation and administration mechanisms to prevent the spread of harmful or illegal content, such as hackers, scammers, spam bots, and cybercriminals, which decentralized platforms often struggle with.

While moderation is needed, it can also lead to decentralized platforms becoming isolated- a wrestling community that is difficult for fans to discover. A specialized publicist is essential for boosting professional wrestling promotions in this area, bridging the gap between digital media/AI and Web3 to stimulate community engagement. By managing cross-platform presence and verifying brand identity, publicists help combat the challenges of decentralized media landscapes.

In the future, decentralized platforms will continue to integrate with blockchain technology, enabling new features and functionalities. They will foster the growth of focused communities, catering to dedicated interests and demographics. Decentralized platforms have the potential to shift power dynamics in the social media landscape, giving users more control over their online experiences. And most notably, they represent a significant evolution in online communication. While challenges remain, their potential to empower users and create a more balanced online environment is undeniable.

VR/AR's Potential to Revolutionize Wrestling's Social Media Experience

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are poised to transcend the traditional boundaries of social media, offering wrestling fans unprecedented levels of immersion and interaction. These technologies have the potential to transform scrolling into active participation, giving a boost to the social experience.

For many of people, the concept of virtual reality was introduced in the 90s by science-fiction television series like VR.5 or live-action superhero-adventure television series like VR Troopers. While those shows were ahead of their time, we are finally reaching a point where that vision is no longer science fiction- it is a production reality.



AR/VR could be used to create immersive storylines, allowing fans to experience the action from a first-person perspective. VR would allow for behind-the-scenes virtual tours of training facilities, locker rooms, and event venues. This is no longer imagination: it has already begun to take shape- character development via AR was seen during WrestleMania weekend in 2023, when Snapchat users were able to use exclusive AR Lenses to transform into WWE Superstars, an experience that was also broadcast live to fans in SoFi Stadium on the iconic Infinity Screen via a custom Camera Kit integration. As for storytelling, this isn't being done yet- crafting compelling narratives and appealing storylines in AR/VR requires a different approach than traditional media, and there will be pressure to constantly produce likable content. I minored in Computer Applications in college, which enables me to be a bridge between the wrestling industry and the technology industry. Wrestling companies having writers with technical knowledge would help them explore the potential of emerging technologies such as virtual reality or artificial intelligence, and incorporate interactive storylines that would enhance fan engagement. They would be writers who understand both the psychology of pro-wrestling and the bandwidth of VR, creating stories that would best utilize virtual reality.

As VR/AR technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more accessible and user-friendly tools for content creation. AI-powered tools, cloud-based platforms, and standardized development kits will streamline the production process and empower a wider range of creators to bring their visions to life. And while the creative potential is limitless, the technical execution requires a specific infrastructure, and creating high-quality VR/AR content requires significant technical expertise and resources. I've compiled a full technical requirement list -from API integration to Lidar mapping- for paid subscribers over on my Substack.

Beyond the broadcast, these technologies offer a new frontier for direct fan access. Fans could virtually step into a locker room, backstage area, or even a virtual arena to meet their favorite wrestlers. VR would allow for realistic interactions, such as virtual autographs and photo opportunities. Also, fans from anywhere in the world could attend these virtual meet-and-greets, eliminating geographical barriers- the evolution towards this began in 2020, when WWE began having Virtual Meet & Greets, where members of the WWE Universe could meet their favorite WWE Superstars from the comfort of their own home, with no travel costs or geographical limitations, and only requiring the purchase of a ticket. After the one-on-one private video chat, the conversation and video could be downloaded via a link.

Current VR tech (like the Meta Quest 3) allows for Horizon Worlds meet-and-greets where fans can interact with 3D avatars of wrestlers. The free social VR platform developed by Meta has hosted concert series, proving that interacting with high-profile digital representations is technically possible on the platform.

During live broadcasts or in-person events, fans could customize their viewing experience, displaying information about their favorite wrestlers or feuds. AR could introduce interactive games and challenges during matches, encouraging fan participation and engagement. AR could allow fans to "try on" virtual merchandise, such as championship belts or wrestler apparel, before purchasing them. Also, AR overlays could provide real-time statistics, match analysis, and interactive elements. In the past, WWE has often used AR graphics during broadcasts, rendered over the entrance ramp. It's used less frequently now, with the company wanting a broader, more conservative approach to production, aiming to reduce costs and shift to a more traditional broadcast. A way that WWE could maintain the look of a more traditional broadcast while still using AR graphics would be by applying Lidar mapping, which could make graphics feel more grounded in the physical arena space.

Fans could create and share their own AR filters and lenses, adding a layer of creativity to social media interactions. Also, they could create and share VR fan art galleries, showcasing their creative interpretations of wrestling characters and moments.

While the potential of VR and AR in wrestling is exciting, there are significant challenges and considerations. The widespread adoption of VR/AR technologies depends on the availability and affordability of hardware. Also, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience is important for the success of VR/AR social media experiences- for example, VR can cause motion sickness for some users, limiting its accessibility. In my industry roadmap for VR wrestling broadcasts, I explain how stakeholders can successfully launch a VR live event by addressing physical capture and other critical pillars.

Also, VR/AR collects large amounts of data, creating privacy concerns. Strict 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.

By embracing the potential of VR/AR, wrestling promotions can create a new phase of engaging and immersive social media experiences for fans around the world, transforming the way they connect with the industry and each other.