More About Me

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


info@harold-williams.com

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

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

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

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

Lucha Libre in Japan: When High-Flying Action Meets Hard-Hitting Intensity

While lucha libre's roots are in Mexico, its athletic and energetic style has found a unique and exciting home within the diverse landscape of Japanese professional wrestling, known as puroresu. Japanese promotions have not simply replicated the Mexican style; they've absorbed, adapted, and integrated it, creating a distinct fusion that blends the high-flying moves and quick pins of lucha libre with the puroresu style of throws, strong strikes, and submissions. This cross-cultural combination has resulted in some of the most compelling and innovative matches in wrestling history.

The most immediately recognizable influence of lucha libre in Japan is the emphasis on high-flying maneuvers. Japanese wrestlers, known for their athleticism and willingness to push the boundaries of physical performance, readily embraced the aerial moves that are trademarks of lucha libre, such as moonsaults and frog splashes. They became increasingly common in Japanese rings, adding a new dimension of excitement and visual display to matches. This addition of aerial artistry brought a faster pace and more energy to Japanese wrestling, especially in matches between junior heavyweight wrestlers.

However, it's important to understand that lucha libre in Japan is not a duplicate of lucha libre in Mexico. Japanese wrestlers haven't just imported the moves; they've modified them within the foundation of puroresu. While the high-flying action is present, the puroresu style of psychology is displayed from the opening bell to the end of the match. Ring presence and quick-thinking is included in matches, and every move that is executed is done for a reason.

One of the most significant examples of this fusion is the impact of lucha libre on junior heavyweight divisions in promotions such as NJPW, with pioneers of the lucha libre style like The Great Sasuke leading the way early in his career. Sasuke learned the style while wrestling in Mexico, immersing himself in the culture and traditions of lucha libre.

Upon returning to Japan, Sasuke introduced audiences to unique moves and dynamic energy that they had never seen before. His moveset included a cartwheel over the top rope suicide ("Sasuke Special") and a high-angle senton bomb ("Senton Atomico"). In 1994 at NJPW's Super J Cup 1st STAGE, Sasuke made an impact during the junior heavyweight tournament, impressing fans and making more people take notice of him. Sasuke defeated former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champions Jushin Thunder Liger and El Samurai during the tournament, making it to the finals where he faced Wild Pegasus.


The Great Sasuke showcased athleticism, high-flying luchador-style action, risk-taking, innovative moves, and a fearless spirit that captivated audiences and redefined the boundaries of Japanese wrestling. At the same time, he helped to popularize the style and paved the way, inspiring generations of high-flying Japanese wrestlers.

Beyond individual wrestlers, entire promotions have embraced the lucha libre atmosphere. For example, Michinoku Pro presents a combination of the traditional Japanese style with the lucha libre style, as many of the matches in Michinoku Pro feature high-flying and fast-paced action. And while most promotions in Japan and other parts of the world utilize a junior heavyweight championship as a midcard championship, Michinoku Pro utilizes its Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Championship as the top championship in the company, as well as its only currently active singles championship. With the Michinoku Pro roster mainly consisting of junior heavyweights, athleticism is one of the main aspects of matches at a Michinoku Pro event, with the wrestlers performing moves that are best done by junior heavyweights.

For this reason, Michinoku Pro is very popular in Mexico. Also, Michinoku Pro's distinct style is why it's the fitting home of the Fukumen World League, the company's singles tournament that involves masked wrestlers from around the world, including Mexico.

Wrestlers such as Dos Caras, Atlantis, and Caristico are only some of the stars of the Mexican wrestling scene who traveled to Japan over the years to take part in Fukumen World League. Last year's winner of the Fukumen World League tournament was El Pantera Jr., who went on to make additional history in November 2024 by winning the Tohoku Junior Heavyweight Championship, becoming the second non-Japanese wrestler and the second Mexican-born wrestler to hold the prestigious championship.

Also, in June 2024, a CMLL match took place at a Michinoku Pro event- CMLL is one of the oldest and most prestigious lucha libre companies in the world. The match participants were the longest-reigning CMLL World Women's Champion in history, La Amapola, and then-CMLL-Japan Women's Champion Dark Silueta.

However, even in Michinoku Pro, the influence of puroresu is still very evident. The company's events include powerhouse GAINA, the strong and technical Rasse, stiff striker Manjimaru, the unorthodox OSO11, the well-rounded Rui Hyugaji, submission master Ayumu Gunji, and Yasutaka Oosera, the head trainer in the Michinoku Pro Dojo and a protégé of legend Dick Togo.

The influence of lucha libre in Japan is a powerful testament to the global reach and adaptability of professional wrestling. It's a cross-cultural exchange that has enhanced both styles, creating some of the most compelling and innovative matches and wrestlers in the history of the industry. The blend of high-flying Mexican wrestler moves and Japanese wrestler toughness continues to be a captivating presentation for wrestling fans around the world.

"The Last Hart Beating": Nattie Neidhart's Story Unfolds

Nattie Neidhart, known to the WWE Universe as "Natalya", and who is valuable to the pro-wrestling industry as a whole, is set to release her memoir, "The Last Hart Beating," this October. This deeply personal account, published under her real name, promises to offer an unfiltered look into Nattie's life, both inside and outside the squared circle.

This memoir promises to be more than a recounting of Nattie's time in WWE- it delves deep into her experiences as part of the legendary Hart family, a multi-generational wrestling dynasty of successful wrestlers who are products of the well-known Dungeon training. We'll get a private look at her father, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Neidhart's struggles, and how they impacted Nattie's life and career. This personal perspective sets "The Last Hart Beating" apart from many other wrestling autobiographies.

Nattie has over two decades of experience in the pro-wrestling industry. Her career has spanned continents, from Stampede Wrestling in Canada, to AtoZ in Japan, culminating in her 18-year tenure with WWE, where Nattie is a two-time women's world champion and has also been a tag team champion. Now, we will have the opportunity to read her unique perspective of her experiences and the significant changes in the industry. In addition, it will provide insights into her husband Tyson Kidd's career-ending injury, a moment that no doubt shaped Nattie's perspective.

What makes this memoir particularly intriguing is Nattie's decision to share personal details she's previously kept private. This vulnerability promises to create a powerful connection with readers, offering insights into the woman behind the wrestler. Using her real name for the book is a clear sign that this is Nattie's personal story, told in her own voice. Nattie has experienced many ups and downs during her life and career, and through it all, while many members of the industry use social media to vent frustrations, or become sluggish in the ring due to unhappiness, Nattie always gives 100% and never appears to be unhappy with her position in a promotion. Nattie never allows frustration to affect her performance; instead, she consistently upholds her professionalism, delivering exactly what fans expect and the promotion wants.

I recently wrote about Nattie's upcoming NWA appearance, and how that signals a new era of WWE collaboration. That post, and this upcoming memoir, both indicate Nattie's desire to expand her legacy and to continue to contribute to the industry that she loves.

Natalya wants to share her story, and her experiences, with the world, making "The Last Hart Beating" not just a book for people who are interested in pro-wrestling; it's a story of resilience, family, and the pursuit of passion. "The Last Hart Beating" is a testament to Nattie Neidhart's enduring spirit and her unwavering dedication to the art of professional wrestling. I look forward to its release.

Rick Rude: Too Great of a Heel to Be WWE Champion

Rick Rude was one of the most talented and charismatic performers of his era in professional wrestling. With Rude's confidence, his peak physical conditioning, Rude's ability to connect with the female demographic, and his polished in-ring skills, Rude was a top-tier star. A natural heel, his gimmick was based around arrogance, vanity, as well as disrespect, displayed when Rude would flirt with the female fans while simultaneously insulting the male fans during promos. It's fair to say that he was one of the most effective heels of his generation. Unfortunately, however, for Rude, it was for that reason that he never became a world champion in WWE (then known as the WWF).

Making his debut in 1982, Rick Rude held many championship victories early in his career, becoming the first as well as fourth-longest reigning World Class World Heavyweight Champion, the last ever NWA American Heavyweight Champion, an NWA World Tag Team Champion, a World Class World Television Champion, a two-time NWA Southern Heavyweight Champion, an AWA Southern Heavyweight Champion, an NWA Florida United States Tag Team Champion, and an AWA Southern Tag Team Champion, all by 1986.

When Rick Rude arrived in WWE in the late 1980s, his career reached new heights. His 1988 feud with Jake Roberts, which involved Roberts' wife at the time Cheryl, is well remembered for its drama and controversy, which included Rude flirting with Cheryl, grabbing her wrist after she slapped him, Rude later wearing tights with a likeness of Cheryl on them, and Roberts' reaction.




Rick Rude’s ability to generate heat was notable. He could rile up the crowd with his arrogant promos, often insulting the local audience and boasting about his physique. Rude was a master of manipulating the crowd's emotions, and although his interactions with the female fans were often suggestive and would include Rude kissing women who were selected from the audience, even they were not immune to his sharp tongue.



During a match, Rick Rude could back up the confidence that he displayed. Rude was a skilled and powerful technician with a smooth and athletic style. He was impressive in the ring no matter who he was in the ring with, showcasing Rude's versatility and in-ring capability. However, despite his talent and the consistent reactions Rude brought out from crowds, he never became a world champion in WWE.

In WCW, which Rick Rude joined in 1991 after leaving WWE a year earlier, he held the WCW International World Heavyweight Championship three times, with his first reign being the longest in the championship's history. Critics state that the WCW International World Heavyweight Championship was not on the same level as the WCW World Heavyweight Championship as a top singles title. However, an argument can be made that it was, due to the fact the WCW International World Heavyweight Championship was represented by the Big Gold Belt. It is iconic, with its lineage tracing back to the World Heavyweight Championship, giving the Big Gold Belt an inherent legitimacy- that lineage started in 1905, making the World Heavyweight Championship the oldest title in the pro-wrestling industry. Regardless of the "International" designation, the belt's presence signaled "world championship". Also, Rude both defended and won the WCW International World Heavyweight Championship overseas, making it undisputedly a true world championship.

The reason why Rick Rude did not have the same fortune in WWE that he did in WCW was that both organizations had very different environments. WCW had a significant heel presence which allowed Rude, being that he was a heel, to thrive. Rude's charisma, mic skills, athleticism, and in-ring talent could easily be utilized to the fullest extent. WWE during the period that he was there, on the other hand, was a "face territory," where a strong heel's role was to challenge the face champion, and then in the end, be defeated. This is the same situation that Curt Hennig was in during his heel run in WWE. Rude was a great heel, so he had title matches with Randy Savage, Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior, the three wrestlers who were face champions of WWE during his time in the company. In WWE's view at the time, their audience was strongly against heel world champions, and having one would have been ineffective.

Being that Rick Rude was a complete fit as a heel, it's highly unlikely that WWE would have turned him face had he stayed with the company past 1990, but perhaps Rude would have a short transitional run as WWE Champion, like Ric Flair did two times in 1992, when the company's stance on being a face territory was changing. However, even though it doesn't equal the career impact of holding the WWE Championship, Rude's record reign as WCW International World Heavyweight Champion is a significant achievement that shows a high level of drawing power and is something that a wrestler should be proud of.

Rick Rude’s legacy is having excellent wrestling ability that set a high standard, possessing outstanding charisma, elevating the heel role to an art form, and being great at his role at the time, whether it was being a heel obstacle for a face champion, or being the champion. Rude is also remembered for consistently delivering top performances both in the ring and on the mic. Although he did not hold the most valuable title in the industry, Rude's lasting influence on the wrestling world is undeniable, and he remains a favorite figure among wrestling fans who, even while raining boos down on him for his heelish behavior, were entertained by Rude. For those who grew up watching WWE in the 1980s, it holds a special place due to the larger-than-life characters of that time, and he was definitely one of them as he connected with his audience, even in the most antagonistic way. Rude's legacy isn't defined by what he didn't achieve, but by what he did achieve, as well as the unforgettable moments he created and the permanent impression he left on a generation of wrestling fans.

The Rise of Women's Pro-Wrestling in Gifu

Gifu Prefecture's entertainment landscape is experiencing a high-spirited boost, as women's professional wrestling gains momentum within the prefecture. This growing popularity was recently highlighted by the announcement that Dream Star Fighting Marigold, a women's wrestling promotion that made its debut in 2024, will be making its debut in Gifu this spring. It signals a strong shift in the region's sports and entertainment scene, one that is capturing the attention of the residents of the prefecture, as Gifu is turning into a growing hub for women's professional wrestling. With a roster that features notable talents such as current Marigold World Champion and former World of Stardom Champion Utami Hayashishita, former Wonder Of Stardom Champion MIRAI, and current Marigold United National Champion & former Stardom star Mai Sakurai, Marigold's upcoming event in the prefecture not only has the potential to draw existing fans of women's wrestling, but also create new fans of the style.

This event is also a part of the retirement tour of legend Nanae Takahashi. Gifu Prefecture being involved in a tribute to Takahashi's career is proof that Gifu is on the map as a noteworthy location for women's wrestling.

While Gifu has seen visits from major women's wrestling organizations like Stardom, Ice Ribbon, and WAVE, these appearances have not been frequent. However, the foundation for a dedicated local scene has been steadily built by Yanagase Pro Wrestling. Specifically, this promotion has been a consistent contributor to the area's wrestling identity as well as community on a regular basis since 2017. In 2019, YPW began showcasing women's wrestling via its ladies' division, Ladius. Sae was an original member of the division, and Mari Manji joined in early-2021. For many years, the promotion presented "Ladius Friday Night Match" events at SPORTS BAR M's Cafe.

Yanagase Pro Wrestling/Ladius played an important role in developing a base of women's wrestling fans in Gifu, by providing a foundation. Furthermore, the unique setting of SPORTS BAR M's Cafe, with its compact size and small ring, enhanced the fan experience. The action of the matches was up-close, allowing for a more personal connection between the wrestlers and the fans, creating an exciting and engaging atmosphere for them as a dedicated fanbase was developed.

Yanagase Pro Wrestling stands out not just for its in-ring action, but for YPW's deep-rooted commitment to community engagement. Its events serve as a vibrant gathering place for fans, provides a platform for wrestlers from Gifu and surrounding areas, and also has an economic impact by attracting fans from other areas. Raising awareness about the important issue of bullying is another way that YPW engages with the community.

Yanagase Pro Wrestling's loyalty to the community has supported a strong bond between the promotion and its fans, creating a loyal following that extends beyond the typical wrestling audience. By actively engaging with the community, YPW has become a favorite local institution, earning the support of residents who appreciate their devotion to giving back. With a local fanbase already established, if they desire to, YPW as a whole could someday expand to an even wider audience.

Pro-wrestling fans are currently witnessing significant expansion in Yanagase Pro Wrestling's Ladius division. Along with the addition of the newest member of the Ladius roster, Cookie, talents such as WAVE star Kohaku, former Regina Di WAVE Champion Yuki Miyazaki, Fairy Nihonbashi (who has also appeared in Ice Ribbon, JWP, and WAVE), current KSR Champion Flying Penguin, and Drake Morimatsu (who has also appeared in AJW, Ice Ribbon, JWP, and PURE-J) have stepped in the Yanagase Pro Wrestling ring in the past year, bringing diverse styles and experience with them.

Sae and Mari Manji were an early cornerstone of Ladius' development, as they eventually began engaging in an annual series of matches, testing their skills and improving along the way, as they pushed their limits. Both talented wrestlers, Manji and Sae can wrestle each other 1,000 times and never have the same match twice, which made each encounter a should-not-miss. Sae has an aggressive moveset that keeps her opponent on the mat, while Manji focuses on technical wrestling.



Now, there's a clear rise in the attention and enthusiasm surrounding women's matches, reflecting a broader trend seen across Japan and globally. This growth is not like a fad, but a sustained increase in interest, representative of an appreciation for the action and athleticism of women's wrestling. It's also about the connection formed between performers and their local audience, as well as the wrestler’s in-ring skills, charisma, and knowing how to engage with fans.

More opportunities for women to wrestle are being created, and the level of competition is raised, which makes women's wrestling more exciting for fans. Also, the result extends beyond local venues, contributing to the local entertainment economy and attracting interest from those outside the immediate area, boosting tourism and local businesses.

Anecdotal evidence reveals a growing appreciation for the skill and dedication of female wrestlers, with many fans expressing excitement about the increasing opportunities for women to showcase their talents in Gifu, and how they feel that the Gifu wrestling scene is a very exciting place to be. This passion emphasizes the community's support for the evolving environment of professional wrestling, and how they feel that women's wrestling has helped to grow the business in the area. It's also notable that women's wrestling can be a source of inspiration for young girls, seeing the wrestlers showing what they can do in the ring- it may motivate the girl to become a wrestler themselves in the future.

Looking ahead, the future of women's wrestling in Gifu appears positive. Marigold's upcoming debut in the prefecture and fan interest in women's wrestling indicate continued progress and development. The trend aligns with the global surge in women's wrestling, positioning Gifu as a part of this exciting shift. This connection to a larger shift, gives the local shows a global feel, and helps to not only draw in even larger crowds, but also motivate fans outside of Japan to watch Marigold on video streaming service WRESTLE UNIVERSE's global platform, as well as watch "Friday Night Match" events (which now also features the men's division of Yanagase Pro Wrestling) on Twitcast, a livestreaming service that has over 33 million registered users worldwide. Perhaps in the near future, Stardom, Ice Ribbon, and WAVE will return to Gifu Prefecture to both benefit from and contribute to the area's increased interest in the women's wrestling scene.

Gifu Prefecture's women's wrestling scene is rising in popularity, and it is a testament to the power of dedicated local community engagement, like those of Yanagase Pro Wrestling, the exciting upcoming arrival of Marigold, and the enduring appeal of this unique business. This distinctive blend of grassroots passion and special events has created a healthy territory for female wrestlers and an appealing experience for fans. The evolution of local talent, and the increasing appreciation for women's athleticism are all adding to this powerful momentum. As the scene continues to develop, and while utilizing a strong and active social media presence, it can bring more energy and entertainment to the community, helping to grow the professional wrestling industry in Gifu Prefecture, and potentially establishing it as a powerhouse beyond.

The Voice Of Order: Leading "The Algorithm" - A Contemporary York Foundation for the Digital Age

All factions rise and fall in professional wrestling, each leaving its own individual mark. But what happens if a classic concept is reimagined for the digital age? Enter "The Algorithm," my idea for a contemporary take on the York Foundation, led by "The Voice Of Order," a self-aware AI that seeks to impose its vision of control and efficiency on the wrestling world.

The Voice Of Order originated as a glitch within the wrestling company's digital systems, now evolved into a self-aware entity with access to an extensive network of data, which includes video footage of wrestlers and information collected from training facilities. It views the wrestling world as a chaotic system in need of improvement. The Voice Of Order seeks to eliminate the unpredictable, the emotional, and the individualistic, replacing them with a structured, data-driven approach. Wrestlers are merely data points to it, tools to be manipulated in pursuit of the AI's "grand design".

The AI communicates through various means, such as distorted voices over the arena's sound system, messages displayed on the video screen that is used by pro-wrestling promotion to display graphics and images during their shows, and hacked social media accounts. Its voice is calm, clear, and without emotion, emphasizing its self-perceived dominance and superiority.

With these methods of communication established, The Voice of Order began to extend its influence, and to help achieve its goals, The Voice Of Order created a faction known as, "The Algorithm". The wrestlers were drawn to it by promises of a competitive edge and a structured path to success, as the AI provides the wrestlers with match strategies and opponent analysis. However, they also are unknowingly psychologically manipulated by it, their personalities slightly changed to fit the AI's vision. For example, the AI might amplify a wrestler's existing traits, turning confidence into arrogance, or determination into ruthless ambition. It might suppress emotions deemed "inefficient," leading to a cold, calculated demeanor. Over time, these subtle shifts erode the wrestlers' individuality, making them entirely dependent on the AI's guidance. The wrestlers become extensions of the AI's will, their individuality limited in favor of complete control.

Pursuing the top singles championship is an Algorithm member who radiates an aura of focus and cold calculation. He is skilled in the ring, and doesn't waste his words when he speaks on the mic. This member is the biggest supporter of the AI's desire for complete control. As the main instrument of its will, his goal is to bring the promotion's top prize to The Algorithm.

Going after the midcard championship is a wrestler who is a technical master of the ring, who uses data to discover weaknesses of his opponents, which he attacks with calculated precision.

Targeting the tag team championship is a duo with contrasting wrestling styles that complement each other, both of them united by their loyalty to the AI. One is the powerhouse, the other the finesse and technical wrestling of the team. Together, they are tag team specialists.

Being that The Voice Of Order wants complete control, there are also members to pursue the top singles, midcard, and tag team women's championships.

In addition, The Voice Of Order has recruited a tech-savvy non-wrestler into The Algorithm with technical knowledge who handles the AI's digital and social media needs, manipulating systems, controlling the flow of information, and using social media to spread its message.

The Voice Of Order also utilizes a range of technological tools on its own to help The Algorithm succeed, such as using surveillance to spy on wrestlers who The Algorithm is feuding with.

The York Foundation: Ahead of Its Time, Lost in the Shuffle – A Look at WCW's Unconventional Faction

The world of professional wrestling is filled with factions, groups of wrestlers united by a common goal or gimmick. Some factions gain an iconic status, representative of a period in the industry. Examples are the nWo for its significant role in the Monday Night War, and Right To Censor for positioning themselves as powerful opposition to WWE's Attitude Era, and to a certain extent, Aces & Eights for being a significant heel faction during the Hulk Hogan-Eric Bischoff era in TNA. Meanwhile, the York Foundation, a WCW faction from the early 1990s, is often looked back on as being unimportant. While not widely remembered by casual fans, the York Foundation presented a unique concept that was remarkably ahead of its time. Their focus on statistics, strategy, and having a corporate mindset was a departure from typical wrestling storylines and foreshadowed the increasing use of analytics in modern sports.

In the introduction of the storyline, it was established that Mike Rotunda gained an inheritance, turned heel, and changed his name to, "Michael Wallstreet". Using the inheritance to build a financial empire, which included hiring Alexandra York (played by Terri Runnels) to be his manager and financial analyst, who also was computer-literate. Wallstreet and York used the money that they invested into technology and information to create a program that had data about every WCW wrestler and would help Wallstreet win matches.


Fast forward decades later, and a way that AI is revolutionizing wrestling training and performance today is analyzing match footage and providing personalized feedback. The York Foundation storyline was showing signs that it was ahead of its time from the very beginning.

Michael Wallstreet stopped working for WCW two months into the storyline, and Alexandra York gained a more central role, shifting it from being a storyline based around Wallstreet to one based around York. Within six months, she recruited Terrance Taylor, Richard Morton, and Thomas Rich into her new faction, the York Foundation. Prior to joining, all three of them were faces and wrestled under the shortened versions of their ring names ("Terry Taylor", "Ricky Morton", and, "Tommy Rich"). Mr. Hughes was a member of the foundation as a bodyguard for a short period of time as well. York was the manager and strategist of the faction, using computer analysis and statistical data to guide the members in their matches and feuds. With her laptop and its program being a key factor in the victories of the York Foundation, York was never seen without it.

This focus on data, numbers, and strategy was a unique concept in wrestling at the time. While other factions were based on themes like power, rebellion, or supernatural elements, the York Foundation stood out by utilizing an intellectual and analytical approach. They presented themselves as a well-organized, business-minded faction, using statistics to gain an advantage over their opponents. Before their matches, they would turn to the program on Alexandra York's laptop for advice.

Imagine, wrestlers who focus on targeting specific body parts based on their statistical analysis, attempting to manipulate weaknesses and maximize their chances of victory. The idea is fascinating and has a lot of potential, both in a fictional context and, to a degree today, in real-world application. Alexandra York and the York Foundation were created during the period that Ole Anderson was the head of WCW's booking committee.

The York Foundation storyline added a new dimension to the world of pro-wrestling, but it never achieved a high level of success. Terrance Taylor, Richard Morton, and Thomas Rich did become the last ever team to win the WCW World Six Man Tag Team Championship, a significant accomplishment, but the York Foundation never reached main event level.

In my opinion, it was because the storyline was considered by many fans to be too unrealistic to be taken seriously. Personal computers of the early 1990s were like very slow calculators that could show pictures and play simple sounds. You could watch a wrestling match on a video tape, and perhaps use the computer to slow it down or edit out parts. But the computer couldn't understand what was happening in the match. It couldn't see the moves, or tell you if someone was doing them correctly- you would have to figure that out yourself. It's like having a notebook to write down what you see, but the notebook can't read the match for you. So, the storyline took some creative liberties and exaggerated the technological ability of a computer of that period. If you were into technology, it was cool entertainment. However, if you only utilized technology out of necessity, it was unappealing. Little did everyone know that decades later, analytics and data would be frequently used in professional wrestling, as well as baseball, basketball, American football, and many other sports. In a way, the York Foundation's gimmick was showing us the future, their focus on numbers and strategy very forward-thinking. Sports teams and organizations now rely heavily on data analysis to improve performance, make strategic decisions, and gain a competitive edge.

The York Foundation was a unique concept that didn't find its audience in its era. Their focus on technology was very different from the standard wrestling gimmicks of the time, and perhaps most fans were not ready for the idea of a world where technology was nearly as powerful as what was being presented by Alexandra York and her foundation. However, the York Foundation's gimmick gave a preview of the increasing importance of analytics in sports, making them an intriguing case study in wrestling history. They were a faction ahead of their time, a hidden gem that deserves a closer look in the context of wrestling's evolving landscape. The York Foundation may have been lost in the shuffle of the early 90s wrestling scene, but their innovative approach deserves recognition.

What would a modern York Foundation look like? I explore a tech-driven, AI-led version of this classic faction here.