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. In November 2025 and December 2025, WOW's official website saw a 122% increase in monthly visits, as my analyses initiated search traffic that the official domain then converted into brand engagement.

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, Kyushu Pro-Wrestling, MLW, 3PW, Japan's MMA business, WWE house shows from a business perspective, Right to Censor, the York Foundation, 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 wrestling in South Carolina, 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 platform averages over 80,000 monthly impressions across the digital ecosystem. This includes direct traffic, high-authority visibility on Google, Bing, ChatGPT, Yahoo, and Yandex, as well as significant engagement from networks like Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Threads, and Reddit.

My rate typically falls within the range of $500 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.

The $500 Launch Phase: Why Your Promotion Isn’t Growing (And How to Fix It)

In the professional wrestling industry, there is a massive gap between a high-quality in-ring product and a global digital footprint. Many promoters want to take things slow, but in a digital-first economy, slow often leads to being invisible.

When I work as a Strategic Communications Consultant, I don’t only offer marketing. I offer a 30-Day Launch Phase designed to turn local promotions into international destinations. Here is the blueprint I use to bridge that gap.

1. Stop Being Local and Start Being Global
If your digital reach is limited to your local zip code, you’re leaving money on the table. My background in the US (working with promotions like WOW - Women Of Wrestling) and Japan (like being the International Officer of Michinoku Pro and a social media writer & blogger for Yanagase Pro Wrestling) have shown me that fans internationally are hungry for new content- they just need a reason to care about that content.

- The Strategy: Position your brand as a premier destination by framing it through a business lens. If a promotion features international stars, their reputations should be leveraged to ensure the promotion's digital reach matches the talents' in-ring reputations.

2. Leverage Search Authority Over Social Media
Social media is rented land. Search authority is real estate. Most promotions have YouTube channels with solid foundations, but they aren't converting that into ticket sales.

- The Strategy: Use a high-ranking global platform to create strategic event previews. By funneling active search traffic from fans looking for a specific style of wrestling product directly to your ticket pages, you create a measurable ROI.

3. The Power of the Narrative
For unique promotions, growth is about more than the matches; it's about the presentation.

- The Strategy: If it's a medium-size or larger promotion, frame it as an evolving entertainment property. If it's a charity organization, highlight its charitable impact so that it becomes eligible for community-focused media coverage that traditional promotions can't access.

4. Making Small Look Large
By creating high-impact brand analysis, a promotion can be made to appear bigger than it actually is. This can take it from a venue that seats 50 fans to one that seats 600.

- The Strategy: It’s about search authority. If your promotion looks like an international property online, the fans (and sponsors) will treat it like one.

The Bottom Line
If you're driven by a desire for growth, you need a digital strategy. My Launch Phase covers content optimization, search authority, and media syndication for a flat fee, ensuring the work pays for itself through increased visibility and sales. Reach out at info@harold-williams.com

The Legacy of the Motor City Machine Guns

The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin), the tag team that is considered by many fans to be the best in the industry, recently saw the end of a full-time run under the WWE banner, and now fans and members of the industry alike are anticipating their next move. To understand why there is so much buzz right now, one only has to look at the Guns' accomplishments and contributions to the industry through the years.

Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin were TNA originals who did not receive the attention that they deserved over the years, with X Division Championship reigns being their biggest accomplishment. Shelley and Sabin finally discovered their TNA niche in 2007, when they were united as The Motor City Machine Guns and eventually won the TNA World Tag Team Championship.



As three-time TNA World Tag Team Champions, ROH World Tag Team Champions, IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, NJPW STRONG Openweight Tag Team Champions, and the holders of many other championships internationally, the Motor City Machine Guns have been a dominant force in almost every notable promotion they have been in. With a combination of chemistry, innovation, technical moves, and high-flying maneuvers, the Guns have been show stealers on more than one occasion.



One of the highlights of the Motor City Machine Guns being a part of the SmackDown brand was their matches with #DIY, Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa. Although Ciampa had not been in the ring with the Guns before then, Gargano teamed with former XPW World Tag Team Champion Josh Prohibition to wrestle them at an independent event in 2007. Gargano had also wrestled Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin in singles matches. But the October 2024 Motor City Machine Guns vs. #DIY match was the first.



Another highlight was the Motor City Machine Guns' match with The Bloodline, Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa. The Motor City Machine Guns appeared in NJPW during the time that Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa were wrestling for them regularly, but the two teams had never faced off. During Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa’s time in NJPW, they held the IWGP Tag Team Championship a record seven times, gaining them the reputation of being a great tag team. With the Guns having an exceptional reputation as well, this match taking place for the first time in their careers was exciting for fans.



Additionally, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, seasoned veterans of the ring, had matches with Austin Theory & Grayson Waller, rising stars who were still early in their careers. The matches between the Motor City Machine Guns and A-Town Down Under were valuable learning experiences for Theory and Waller.



It's also worth noting that before joining WWE full-time in October 2024, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin both worked with WWE in the past. In 2019, they were guest coaches at the WWE Performance Center on separate occasions.

I love wrestling. I am the Multiple Man of the industry: a thousand lives inna thousand different places. Thanks everyone who helped me get this far. pic.twitter.com/t2VKTpnUL6

— @Lx $helley (@AlexShelley313) October 22, 2019

In addition, in 2020, Alex Shelley teamed with Kushida for NXT live events and as a participant in that year’s Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament.

Beyond Alba Fyre: The Market Value of Kay Lee Ray

The professional wrestling landscape changed significantly with the wave of WWE releases this past April. A release is not only an exit; it is a market resetting. When a top-tier asset hits the open market, it creates immediate speculation, anticipation, and forecasting. One of those premium assets on that market spent the last seven years under the WWE umbrella internationally- Kay Lee Ray.

You saw Kay Lee Ray become the longest-reigning NXT UK Women's Champion in history. You saw her set NXT ablaze as Alba Fyre. You saw her give in to her dark side while teaming with Isla Dawn in NXT as they became the final WWE NXT Women's Tag Team Champions and later on became WWE Women's Tag Team Champions. And you saw her pull duty as a member of the Secret Hervice. When all of that is combined with what Ray has accomplished outside of WWE, what the wrestling world has in store becomes clearer, wherever she lands next.

The UK Independent Scene

Years before being a member of WWE's developmental system, Kay Lee Ray began her career on the UK independent scene, where she captured many championships. Ray is a 3-time former Insane Championship Wrestling (ICW) Women's World Champion (with her first reign being the sixth-longest in the championship's history), a former EVE Champion, and she became the first WOS Women's Champion.

Japan

Early in her career, Kay Lee Ray wrestled in Japan for JWP and Gatoh Move Pro Wrestling from 2012 to 2013, and Stardom from 2016 to 2018. These experiences enhanced her aggressiveness and technical skills.

The US

Kay Lee Ray first began wrestling in the US in 2014, and worked for SHIMMER, SHINE, and ZERO1 USA. She also appeared in TNA three times for TNA British Boot Camp, a reality program which featured UK-based talents competing for a TNA contract.

In 2015, Kay Lee Ray made her first appearance in NXT and later participated in WWE Mae Young Classic 2017, signing her first contract with WWE two years later.

All of Kay Lee Ray's accomplishments brought her to that point, acknowledging her status as an international star.

With Kay Lee Ray now on the next chapter of her career, there are many places where she fits into the current wrestling ecosystem globally:

Because Kay Lee Ray is familiar with being in the ring with a wide range of pro-wrestling styles from all over the world, there are many wrestlers in Tony Khan’s women’s divisions in AEW who she could adapt to and have matches with that would entertain fans, such as technically-gifted wrestlers like Serena Deeb and Deonna Purrazzo, and Mina Shirakawa with her hybrid Japanese/American style.

When Kay Lee Ray was in TNA in 2014, she was as a pro-wrestler earlier in her career, trying to get an opportunity. If she returned to TNA now, it would be as one of the biggest names on the Knockouts roster, who could have matches with fellow veterans like Ash By Elegance or newer generation wrestlers like Elayna Black

Kay Lee Ray has evolved since her time in Stardom. Most of the time that she was there was a developmental learning experience for her, as she was expanding her craft and coming into her own. If Ray were to return to Stardom at this point in her career, it would be as a seasoned veteran who could have matches with current top Stardom wrestlers, including Saya Kamitani, Starlight Kid, and AZM.

A 3-time holder of the ICW Women's World Championship, Kay Lee Ray's roots run deep in the promotion. If she decides to return to the UK wrestling scene, ICW would be a natural landing spot for a homecoming and would take its women's division to another level.

Another UK-based promotion that Kay Lee Ray has a history with, Pro-Wrestling: EVE, began teasing a mystery appearance not long after she was released from WWE, which has caused many fans to believe that the former EVE Champion will be returning to the promotion. EVE was one of the promotions that Ray wrestled in the most while she was on the UK independent wrestling scene, so it's a strong possibility.

Alba Fyre provided television exposure, and now the world-class level Kay Lee Ray is back on the market. It will be very interesting to see what happens next.

Building an Independent Pro-Wrestling Ring for Small Venues

Building a wrestling ring might seem like a challenging task, but with some planning, initiative, and effort, you can create your own ring. This blueprint focuses on building a modular event ring designed specifically for small venues.

1. Planning and Materials
For small venues, especially, it's beneficial for every component of the ring to be easy to transport and quick to assemble with a small crew.

Frame & Structure (Modular Steel)

- Structural Steel Tubing: Heavy-gauge steel tubing for the side rails (crossbeams) and center supports.

- Steel Corner Posts: Heavy-wall steel tubing cut to a specific height for small venues.

- Corner Receptacles:Steel sleeves welded directly to the corner posts where the side rails drop in and lock, allowing for tool-free assembly.

- Support Legs: Steel legs to support the center grid.

Ring Platform & Suspension

- Wood Planks: Kiln-dried lumber. Planks span the steel frame, providing better natural flex and easier transport than heavy plywood sheets.

- Center Flex System: A center support beam equipped with heavy-duty compression springs or dense rubber dampening pads to absorb high-impact bumps.

Ropes & Turnbuckles

- Ropes: Aircraft-grade steel cable, coated in flexible PVC or rubber. To decrease rope burn, slide a garden hose or specialized foam padding over the cable before putting the vinyl rope covers on, wrapping them with colored, heavy-duty electrical tape, tightening them until they are perfectly straight with no sag, but with enough slack so the top rope still dips 2 to 3 inches when pushed down. If you use a garden hose, ensure the inner diameter is wide enough to slide on easily while still allowing the rope to flex. When looking for a hose, aim for a heavy-duty, reinforced rubber/vinyl hose. Standard sizes are typically 3/4 inch in diameter.

- Turnbuckles: Heavy-duty structural turnbuckles, and cable clamps so the ropes remain tight.

- Rope Covers & Spacers: Tight-fitting vinyl covers and vertical canvas spacer straps to keep the three lines perfectly aligned.

Canvas & Padding

- Padding: High-density closed-cell foam (cross-linked polyethylene). Standard foam or gym mats will bottom out immediately.
- Canvas: heavy-duty cotton duck canvas.

2. Building and Assembling the Frame
Important Safety Note: Because this frame relies on steel to protect both your wrestlers and a close-proximity crowd, all structural joints and sleeves must be professionally welded.

- The Drop-In Design: Lay out the four steel corner posts. Connect them using the steel side rails, dropping them into the welded corner sleeves. This gravity-locked design eliminates the need for dozens of bolts during a rushed setup.

- Center Support Grid: Drop in the inner steel crossbeams. In the center where they intersect, integrate your spring-loaded or rubber-dampened support leg to give the ring its center “give.”

3. Constructing the Platform & Acoustic Dampening
In a small venue, wood-on-steel contact is loud. Without a massive crowd to drown out the noise, a poorly insulated ring will sound like a car crash, which can hurt the experience for some fans.

- Insulate the Joints: Wrap the sections of the steel frame where the wood rests with heavy duct tape, or place thin rubber strips along the frame. Drop rubber pads into the corner sleeves before inserting the rails. This turns a metal clang into a deep thud.

- Plank Layout: Lay the wood planks across the steel frame. For a rapid, tool-free setup, the ends of the planks should drop directly into a pre-welded steel angle-iron lip or recessed channel along the perimeter rails. This gravity-locked design physically traps the boards, ensuring they cannot shift, rattle, or overlap without requiring a bolt or screw.

- Foam Layout: Lay the high-density closed-cell foam flat over the planks. Tape the seams securely using heavy-duty mat tape to prevent them from separating under the canvas.

4. Installing the Ropes & Turnbuckles

- Tensioning: Connect the turnbuckles to the corner posts and thread the PVC-coated steel cables through, securing the ends with at least three wire rope clips per loop.

- The Tightness Rule: Tighten the turnbuckles evenly. The ropes must be tight. In a small ring, loose ropes sag more, which can cause injury during a ropes bounce or springboard attempt.

5. Attaching the Canvas

- The Drawstring System: Use a canvas with reinforced brass grommets along the bottom perimeter.

- Securing: Stretch the canvas over the foam, thread a high-tensile rope or heavy bungees through the grommets, and hook them to the steel frame underneath to pull the mat drum-tight.

6. Finishing Touches

- Corner Pads: Foam-filled vinyl corner pads that strap securely over the turnbuckles.

- Ring Skirt: A clean, wrinkle-free vinyl or polyester ring skirt attaches via Velcro to the edge of the mat, hiding the steel frame and under-ring area.

- Branding: If printing directly onto the canvas is out of your budget, prioritize a high-quality printed ring skirt featuring your promotion’s logo. It sits at eye level for a small crowd and looks sharp in ringside photography.

Logistical Tips for Small Venues

- The Buffer Rule: Because a small crowd sits very close to the action, you must place the front row of chairs a safe distance back from the ring apron. Wrestlers brawling outside the ring or taking a dive need a "safe area" that doesn’t put the fans in danger.

- Low-Ceiling Clearance: Keeping the ring platform at low height ensures your wrestlers won’t hit ceiling fans or light fixtures during top-rope maneuvers, while still providing clear sightlines for chairs.

- Rapid Load-Outs: Small venues often have tight rental windows. A properly optimized design can be completely assembled by a small crew in under an hour, torn down even faster, and fits comfortably inside a standard box truck or utility trailer. =====================================================================

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The Importance of Responsible Social Media Usage and Online Safety

In today's networked world, social media has become a big part of our lives, including the pro-wrestling industry that you and I are passionate about. It has transformed wrestling fandom. It has given a platform to the independent professional, with us seeing content creators who do the same work as a PR firm by leveraging media to do work for promotions in Japan, the United States, Canada, and China while in one location, being a global bridge-builder and strategic storyteller who uses digital media to elevate promotions across diverse markets. Social media can be used to create mystery (an appealing angle in itself) and blur the lines between a work and a shoot, a narrative that I call, "kayfabe 2.0", which drives social engagement. By using social media effectively, a promoter can reach a wider audience, promote events/merchandise, drive ticket sales and streaming consumption, book talent, and engage with its promotion's fans. Also, leveraging social media is what turns viewers into loyal fans.

However, with social media's great power comes the great responsibility to use it safely and ethically. For promotions, wrestlers, and fans alike, understanding and practicing responsible social media usage and online safety is of the highest importance.

Avoid sharing sensitive personal information, such as addresses, phone numbers, or financial details on social media. Regularly review and adjust privacy settings to control who can see your posts and information. Be cautious of location services and avoid sharing your real-time location with strangers. Also, use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication to protect your accounts from unauthorized access.

Report occurrences of hate speech, harassment, or cyberbullying to social media platforms. 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 them and negativity that could take a toll on a person's well-being. Avoid engaging with trolls or individuals who are intentionally trying to provoke a reaction, even if it would be to defend someone, as this usually adds fuel to the situation. And keep records of harassment, such as screenshots or messages, in case you need to report it to authorities.

Engage in respectful and constructive conversations, even when disagreeing with others. Verify information before sharing it, and avoid spreading rumors or unverified claims. Create a supportive and welcoming online environment for fans, wrestlers, and promoters, and consider the potential impact of your words and actions before posting on social media.

Set boundaries for social media usage and take breaks to disconnect from the digital world, which is easier said than done, being that social media is specifically engineered with algorithms that trigger dopamine loops, making it difficult to break a seemingly endless cycle of scrolling and notifications. If you are experiencing online harassment or cyberbullying, seek support from friends or family. In addition, be aware of the signs of digital burnout, such as fatigue, anxiety, and irritability.

If you represent a wrestling promotion or brand, maintain a professional demeanor on social media. Be careful what content you share, and avoid posting anything that could be considered controversial or offensive. Remember that anything you post online can have long-term consequences for your reputation.

If you run a wrestling promotion, establish clear social media guidelines for wrestlers and staff. Provide training on responsible social media usage and online safety, and since mistakes can happen and a single post, a leaked video, or a misinterpreted statement can ignite an unnecessary social media controversy, I advise that you implement a social media crisis management team and strategy.

Most importantly, a pro-wrestling promotion's social media team should monitor social media for instances of harassment or abusive behavior, and take appropriate action while also reminding fans that the wrestlers on the promotion's shows put their safety at risk for the entertainment of the audience. Make mental health resources available to wrestlers (and staff). In addition, look into utilizing AI to oppose 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.

By practicing responsible social media usage and online safety, we can create a more positive and supportive online environment for everyone in the wrestling community.

Beyond the 2D Screen: A 2026 Strategic Roadmap for Promoters

For today's wrestling promoter, the move into spatial computing isn’t just a concept- it’s a solution to a specific problem: The physical ceiling of an arena. In the past, you can only sell a front row once, but in 2026, you can sell a "Virtual Ringside" seat to 10,000 people simultaneously.

1. The Production Stack: Hardware Requirements
To move beyond a standard 2D broadcast, the Spatial Production kit requires a specific, tiered investment.

In the full version of this report, I break down the specific camera rigs and encoding setups required for both entry-level VOD and enterprise-grade live broadcasting, including the specific ROI play for infinite ringside seating.

2. Apple vs. Meta: The Financial Difference
More than being headsets, Apple Vision and Meta Quest are distribution channels with very different audiences. When choosing where to utilize your capital, you must decide which revenue stream you are pursuing.

Choosing between these two platforms isn't just about the hardware cost; it’s about choosing your revenue model. In the full report, I compare the Volume Play (mass-market subscription growth) against the LTV Play (high-margin "whale" monetization), detailing which headset aligns with your specific growth targets and how to calculate the lifetime value of a spatial-first fan.

3. Operational Efficiency: The “Hidden” ROI
One of the most significant financial gains comes not from the broadcast, but from backstage and preparation efficiency.

In 2026, promotions can use spatial digital twins -live 3D virtual replicas- of their venues and rings. Producers can pre-visualize exact sightlines and camera angles for moves that will potentially take place during a match, ensuring that the broadcast captures every dramatic moment. Also, wrestlers can virtually rehearse their positioning and timing with the production crew, ensuring they hit their marks for the hard cam and pyro cues, all before the ring crew setup takes place.

The Bottom Line

In 2026, the “wrestling tax” for fans is rising as they juggle cable and sports and entertainment streaming. For the industry to compete, a product must continue to be offered that justifies the spend.

Promotions that invest in Meta Quest-based immersive VOD will capture the mass market. Promotions that use Apple Vision Pro-level data integration will capture the high-end spend and optimize their internal business. The question isn’t whether the tech works- it’s which part of the balance sheet you want to fix first.