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. In May 2026, my article, "An Education on The Enlightened: WOW's Psychological Supergroup," was endorsed on social media by the group's founder, Samantha Smart, which was followed by an exclusive Q&A with her, which she shared on social media. 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.

My article, "How World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana Is Succeeding Globally" was endorsed by World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana President Taishi Fuwa.

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 history of wrestling commentary, Hisashi Shinma as WWE President, the true power of joshi puroresu, the history of wrestling in South Carolina, Alex Shelley, Mad Man Pondo, 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

Wrestler Spotlight: Amity LaVey - Mother of The Dark

With the independent pro-wrestling scene being full of talented individuals, having a memorable character is as important as in-ring prowess. A wrestler who fits that description perfectly is Amity LaVey, who has a persona that demands attention the moment she enters a venue.

Also known as “The Doctor's Favorite Patient” and "Mother of The Dark", Amity LaVey is carving out a reputation as one of the most aggressive and compelling forces on the independent wrestling scene.

Amity LaVey's character is an excellent example of classic storytelling. With horror-themed makeup, a wicked right eye, and menacing facial expressions and mannerisms, she thrives on psychological manipulation. LaVey is cunning, heelish, and opportunistic, as she masterfully uses mind games to intimidate her opponents.

And behind Amity LaVey's dark persona is a skilled athlete. With a background in gymnastics and amateur wrestling, she had a foundation for in-ring capability when she trained at New York Wrestling Connection. When LaVey steps into the ring for a match, the atmosphere shifts as she combines her character's dark charisma with her wrestling talent, whether it's in an independent promotion like New York Wrestling Connection (where she has wrestled in a WWE-promoted ID Showcase match) or on national television in UWN Gotham Wrestling.



Beyond her character and her work in the ring, another aspect of Amity LaVey that makes her stand out is her philosophy on the industry. LaVey has been vocal about how she feels that it's important that people take the time to watch women’s wrestling instead of feeling that it's something to leave your seat during- and she's right. A women's wrestling match is capable of being in the main event of a show, and the match fans are talking about the next day. And talented women wrestlers like Amity LaVey are proof of that.

Amity LaVey is one of the best pro-wrestlers on the US independent scene: A total package who cares about the state of the industry. As she continues to expand her visibility on the East Coast and beyond, "Mother" is showing everyone who rules the dark.

Wrestler Spotlight: Himiko - An Inspirational Joshi

In the world of joshi puroresu, the usual path is to train and debut in your teens or early twenties. However, Himiko made her World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana debut in January 2022 at almost 50 years old, proving that age is just a number and it's never too late to pursue a goal.

Himiko's first match was on January 23, 2022 at Shinkiba 1stRING, and her first opponent was a true test, as she went against Jaguar Yokota, a former WWWA Champion and a legend of the ring. Even though Himiko was defeated, she left a lasting impression as she endured 10 minutes and 30 seconds against a veteran with over four decades of experience.

Since her debut match, Himiko has established herself as a regular opponent and mentor for newer talent, and frequently wrestles rookies in Diana. For example, Himiko was NENE's second opponent, and then they had a rematch about seven months later. Both matches were valuable learning experiences for NENE.





Himiko has been able to excel quickly as a joshi due to the environment that Diana provides. She has had the opportunity to wrestle and learn from experienced veterans, such as legends/former WWWA Champions Jaguar Yokota and Kyoko Inoue, former W.W.W.D Singles Champion Ayako Sato, and the versatile Deborah K. These experiences have caused Himiko's value as a competitor to extend beyond Diana, as she has also wrestled in other promotions, including Ice Ribbon, ZERO1, PURE-J, and STARDOM, where Himiko wrestled Akira Kurogane at a STARDOM NEW BLOOD event.


Having a wrestler like Himiko on a NEW BLOOD show enables STARDOM's youngest wrestlers to test themselves in a match with a talent who was trained and regularly wrestles in Diana's unique environment.

Himiko is an inspiration in World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana and in life, as she confirms that time only works against your goals if you don't take action, and that taking action puts you in control of your own timeline.

WOW’s World: A Unique Form of Engagement

While the pro-wrestling industry is looking at the metaverse and VR/AR's potential to revolutionize wrestling's social media experience, a different path is being carved out by WOW - Women Of Wrestling. Led by co-owners Jeanie Buss and David McLane, instead of WOW exploring the idea of having a 3D virtual world community, the company has created a Superhero world- an integrated ecosystem that combines family-friendly comic book-style characters, social media, and the power of a standalone all-female product.

Rather than WOW being represented by only corporate social media accounts, the Superheroes of WOW have their own individual profiles, where their larger-than-life characters can be spotlighted. WOW fans don't have to wait until the weekend to see their favorite Superheroes; they can interact with them and their personalities throughout the week on X, and in the chat area of Official WOW Podcast With Nigel Zane. In addition, WOW's official website is at the center of the world of WOW, featuring biographies and backstories for the individual Superheroes.

The world of WOW that exists online extends to the physical world and Comic-Con culture, dating back eight years. In 2018, LA Comic Con featured Fire vs. Jessicka Havok, and Faith The Lioness vs. The Beast. This was the first time in history that there were ever pro-wrestling matches at LA Comic Con.

The Beast and The Lioness wrestled each other again at LA Comic Con 2019, and in 2022, WOW returned to LA Comic Con, making history as it hosted The WOW Championship Spectacular, with a card that included a WOW Tag Team Championship match and a gauntlet to crown a new WOW World Champion.


In 2023, WOW Superheroes attended Comic-Con International: San Diego 2023 for an exclusive meet and greet and returned to San Diego Comic-Con in 2024 for an autograph signing and to present a special panel, “WOW – Women Of Wrestling – Bringing WOW Superheroes To Life,” to discuss the importance of the rise of female representation in professional sports. Continuing to be a notable aspect of Comic-Cons, WOW once again presented a special panel at San Diego Comic-Con in 2025: "WOW - Women Of Wrestling on Female Representation in Sports and Discovering New Talent.” WOW’s presence at Comic-Cons is a cornerstone of its fan engagement. These panels are the physical headquarters of their digital world, enabling fans who have engaged with the Superheroes online to meet them in a place that celebrates the intersection of wrestling and comics.

For WOW, the "metaverse" is not a place you visit; it's a world that you participate in. By focusing on accessibility, family-friendly comic book-style characters, and the power of a standalone all-female product, the company has built a digital home that prioritizes human connection over technology. In the world of WOW, the fan isn't only a spectator- they are a witness to a comic book brought to life.

How Japanese Wrestling Promotions Operate Differently From American Promotions

When comparing Japanese and American wrestling, you can see that both Japan and America are two of the biggest professional wrestling markets in the world, with rich history of wrestling, and they have produced some of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Both countries have a strong tradition of professional wrestling and a large number of professional wrestling promotions in their histories. But with all of these similarities, the operational and cultural execution differs between markets.

For members of the pro-wrestling industry, understanding the functional difference between Japanese and American promotions is essential, whether they are a wrestler who wants to go to Japan or a promoter who wants to collaborate with a Japanese promotion. The structural differences shape everything from roster management to international digital strategy.

The Presentation
The most fundamental contrast between the two landscapes lies in how the product is framed for the audience and media.

- The Japanese Perspective: In Japan, professional wrestling is generally considered to be a sport. It emphasizes physicality and competitiveness, which is why many pro-wrestlers in America study it. Promos are often featured after a match takes place in Japan, with a pro-wrestler commenting on their match that has taken place or looking towards the future. This means Japanese promotions structure their show production around the fans in attendance rather than the ones that are watching via broadcast, and backstage post-match promos are utilized as a low-overhead method to generate content for sports newspapers and digital media without requiring expensive backstage TV sets.

-The American Perspective: While focusing on technical skill and athleticism like Japanese wrestling does, showmanship is another important aspect of American wrestling. American promotions frequently spotlight personal conflicts that go beyond a match or a championship, and promos are mainly used to help build anticipation for an upcoming match. This means major American promotions operate like television production companies that feature wrestling, have strict commercial break cues, and include firm segment timings to drive episodic TV narratives.

Roster Scale and Strategic Talent Maximization

This difference in presentation directly impacts how organizations structure their talent pools and overhead costs. Japanese wrestling promotions tend to have smaller rosters than American promotions. For example, while WWE's roster has over 200 members, NJPW's roster has fewer than 100 members. Many independent promotions in Japan have very small rosters consisting of less than 15 wrestlers. Unlike American independent promotions that rely almost entirely on booking uncontracted independent contractors per show, Japanese promotions utilize a resident roster system supplemented by formal, office-to-office talent loans (there is much more collaboration between promotions in Japan than there is in America), and freelancers that they respect highly.

When a promotion is distinctive, its roster size isn't important. World Woman Pro-Wrestling Diana has star power and variety on its cards, featuring a mix of legends such as former WWWA Champion Kyoko Inoue, respected Japanese wrestling veterans such as Ayako Sato, and international talent Debbie Keitel, making it a promotion that has something for everyone who enjoys women's wrestling. Yanagase Pro Wrestling cards frequently feature roster members such as Sae, Mari Manji, and Jack Kennedy, while also bringing in non-roster members who have appeared in notable promotions outside of theirs, such as ZERO1 stars The Kubota Brothers (Hide Kubota & Yasu Kubota), and former AJPW/DDT/DG star CIMA. Plus, YPW combines the traditional Japanese styles with the American wrestling style, and adds comedy wrestling when there is a place for it.

In addition, with Diana and Yanagase Pro Wrestling having events basically every week, the promotions' matchmakers frequently book tag matches. This maximizes their rosters strategically, helping to lessen the wear and tear on the wrestlers while keeping them active in front of crowds. Logistically, Japanese promotions can sustain this frequent schedule with a small roster because they operate on a cohesive touring loop model- with a dedicated ring crew and an official dojo infrastructure that ensures the entire roster works in a unified style.

The Digital Footprint: The Evolution of Streaming

Although Japanese wrestling promotions are not utilizing streaming as effectively as WWE, which has a multi-platform domination, they still are benefiting from it. A portion of the NJPW World, Diana Live, and WRESTLE UNIVERSE video streaming website's visitors are outside of Japan, while other promotions use general-purpose streaming platforms such as TwitCasting (where Yanagase Pro Wrestling streams regularly), all of which could impact major promotions in America. From a business standpoint, Japanese promotions use streaming and digital pay-per-views as a way to monetize their live events directly, while major American organizations generally utilize streaming platforms as secondary libraries to support multi-billion-dollar broadcast television deals.

Michinoku Pro is seen internationally via WRESTLE UNIVERSE (and before then, the wrestling company was using general-purpose streaming platform YouTube to stream, "Michinoku Pro Wrestling LIVE"), In 2009, BJW (Big Japan Pro-Wrestling) began selling DVDs of its product internationally. Today, many pro-wrestling fans who live outside of Japan watch BJW's streaming service. There are also women's wrestling organizations -STARDOM, Ice Ribbon, Sendai Girls, and WAVE- that have gone from being available internationally via DVD to now being accessible on streaming platforms.

As streaming becomes increasingly dominant, with the number of video streamer users worldwide expected to increase to 4.6 billion by 2027, these Japanese promotions are bypassing traditional broadcast barriers entirely while still having direct accessibility that gives them an opportunity to continuously grow a global fanbase, gradually shifting Western viewer habits and expanding what fans and pro-wrestlers alike expect from a wrestling product, as they are exposed to Japanese wrestling's very strategic style.

Live Touring and International Strategy

The physical crossover between these two markets highlights the final notable difference in how these promotions view global expansion and market penetration.

Many Japanese promotions have made an impact in America. In the 1990s, Michinoku Pro was introduced to new audiences by Kaientai Deluxe making appearances in ECW and WWE. In 2011, BJW formed a working relationship with CZW that led to BJW having its first event in the United States. In 2014, NJPW and ROH announced a partnership, which enabled NJPW talent to again appear on American television screens. The company continues to be a major player in the global wrestling landscape today, now expanding its international reach through its partnership with AEW and also holding successful shows in the United States. Japanese promotions, to an extent, are interested in being a constant notable presence in America. To execute this without massive capital flight, Japanese offices rely heavily on working relationships using talent-exchange agreements to add their wrestlers into foreign markets rather than trying to build domestic infrastructure from scratch.

In contrast, WWE typically tours Japan once or twice a year, most recently in 2025 when the company returned in October for a two-night tour at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Fitting perfectly into WWE's broader strategy of global expansion and diversification beyond traditional US television, they are short-term events. Instead of maintaining a permanent year-round presence in a country, the American model utilizes international markets as premium touring destinations for localized brand engagement.

How to Secure Sponsorships for Your Wrestling Promotion

Due to high overhead, selling tickets is not enough for a growing wrestling promotion to thrive; securing sponsorships is also needed. It provides financial stability, expands reach, and enhances the overall production value. Unless you're friends with a business owner who wants to sponsor wrestling, you will have to search for a potential sponsor and be prepared to negotiate. But you don't need to be a natural-born salesman- this step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process and land valuable sponsorships.

1. Define Your Promotion's Value:

Know Your Audience: Understand your demographics, interests, and engagement levels.

Highlight Your Reach: Measure your audience through ticket sales, social media followers, and online viewership.

Showcase Your Brand: Emphasize your promotion's unique identity, values, and community impact.

Create a Sponsorship Package: Develop tiered sponsorship packages with clear benefits and pricing.

2. Identify Potential Sponsors:

Local Businesses: Target businesses that align with your audience, which, for pro-wrestling, tends to be gyms, restaurants, and retail stores.

Regional and National Brands: Explore partnerships with companies that have a broader reach and target demographic.

Online Businesses: Consider e-commerce platforms, online retailers, and digital services.

Wrestling-Related Businesses: Approach companies that sell wrestling merchandise, training equipment, or supplements.

3. Prepare Your Pitch:

Research the Sponsor: Understand their business, target audience, and marketing goals.

Create a Compelling Presentation: Develop a presentation that highlights your promotion's value.

Tailor Your Pitch: Customize your pitch to each potential sponsor, demonstrating how your partnership would benefit their business.

Calculate the Benefits: Use data and statistics to demonstrate the potential return on investment.

4. Make the Approach:

Contact the Right Person: Identify the marketing or sponsorship manager at the target company.

Use Professional Communication: Send an email to introduce yourself and your promotion.

5. Negotiate the Agreement:

Be Flexible: Be willing to adjust your sponsorship package to meet the sponsor's needs.

Create a Clear Contract: Outline the terms of the sponsorship agreement, including deliverables, payment schedule, and termination clauses.

Deliver on Your Promises: Ensure you fulfill all the obligations outlined in the sponsorship agreement.

6. Maintain and Build the Relationship:
Focus on building long-term relationships with your sponsors, showing the benefits of continuing to sponsor your promotion.

Provide Regular Updates: Keep your sponsors informed about your events, audience engagement, and marketing efforts.

Offer Exclusive Benefits: Provide sponsors with free access to your wrestlers, events, or merchandise.

7. Sponsorship Package Ideas:

Ring Mat Placement: Prominent logo placement on the wrestling ring mat.

Banner Advertising: Display banners around the venue or in online streams.

Social Media Promotion: Sponsored posts, shout-outs, and contests on your social media channels.

Website Advertising: Links and logo placement on your website.

Meet and Greets: Sponsor-exclusive meet-and-greets (corporate clients & VIP customers) or sponsored meet-and-greets (brand customers & general public) with wrestlers.

Product Placement: Integrating the sponsor's product into the show.

Other Tips:

Don’t Feel Like You Have to Start Small: While you definitely should target local businesses, don't hesitate to also expand your reach.

Remember the Value of Barter: When starting out, do not only accept cash. In the pro-wrestling industry, barter relationships (trading goods/services instead of money) are common and are incredibly valuable. For example, a local hotel could provide free rooms for talent that you bring in from out of town in exchange for ring banner placement. This would instantly remove one of your highest operating expenses without any money being spent. If you do have a barter relationship, always have your agreements in writing to protect yourself legally. Also, if you trade services for something of significant value, remember that the IRS generally considers bartered goods/services as taxable income.

Decent Production Value Is Vital: While you don't have to present the polished production quality of WWE, AEW, and WOW, if your shows are in a dimly lit venue with bad audio, dirty guardrails, and a creaky ring, many brands will stay away- wouldn't you?

Ring Announcer Shout-Outs Are Highly Sellable: Sponsors love to hear their brand mentioned by the ring announcer before the main event.

Promote Digital Content Longevity in Your Pitch: If you utilize streaming, tell potential sponsors that a ring mat logo or a match sponsorship doesn't just exist for the fans who are at the event- it lives forever on internet broadcasts and social media clips. That significantly boosts the ROI pitch.

Be Professional: Maintain a professional image and communication style.

Building the Product That Commands Dollars: This is the most important tip. Sponsorship is a mutual exchange of value. If you want someone to sponsor you, they will wonder, "How would I benefit?" You need to build the value that a brand would want to sponsor. I focus on strategic communications, content architecture, and building audience visibility, so if you need help leveraging your product with the right structural strategy, you can contact me at info@harold-williams.com.

By following these steps, you can secure valuable sponsorships and build a successful wrestling promotion.