In addition to ECW-related content on this channel, we also discuss occasionally the use of new technology to help grow the professional wrestling industry. Just like the mid-1990's online bulletin board (Usenet) groups helped grow ECW's awareness nationwide - and just like how social media starting around 2010 transformed the wrestling industry - we are on the verge of a new wave of technological innovations which can change wrestling.
Let's discuss the example of a fictional new heel (rudo) Luchador wrestling character which a promotion can copyright/trademark. Let's call him Flumberico (this is a shout-out to a friend of mine), and let's figure out several things which can be done to make Flumberico a profitable entity for the wrestling promotion who creates him.
**Web3 Tokenization (Fractional Ownership)
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It is possible that the promotion could "tokenize" (offer fractional ownership) in the character name or other legal asset (trademark, copyright, patent, etc.). Assuming this passes regulatory approval, fans could own micro-% amounts in the form of NFT tokens of the earning potential of Flumberico. If the legal entity or tokenized asset ever gets sold - either to the performer or another wrestling company - then any profits automatically would get sent (via smart contract) to the token holders.
Obviously there would have to be defined tokenomics, legal protections, and more. However, this could give wrestling fans a sense of ownership in a character; and it opens up potential earning opportunities such as in video games, comic books, movies, TV shows, other books, monetized video channels dedicated specifically to the character, action figures, and more.
**Token Gated Community
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In addition to any tokenized asset (real world asset / RWA), a scaled-down version would be if the wrestling promotion sells Flumberico-themed NFTs. The owners of these NFTs would have the NFT's smart contract ID tied to the existing wallet. A private, members only community could exist (web3 section of an existing website, token-gated decentralized social media, etc.) which is for the loyal fans of FLumberico, There could be exclusive content such as members-only interviews + Q&A sessions, members-only autograph sessions before big events, special merchandise only for those who currently hold the NFT, and more.
**Blockchain Voting
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Fans could vote, on blockchain-based surveys, on mask designs. The ability then would exist for the promotion to build a contact list and sell special masks and/or other merchandise to these fans once the masks were made.
The blockchain voting could offset some concerns about typical online survey results from being skewed by those who might attempt to sway the results.
Metaverse
Flumberico could serve as a "tour guide" in various metaverse platforms, especially those tied to Earth. He could take fans on virtual tours of famous arenas in Mexico which aren't well-known to American fans and/or even "host" a metaverse party for wrestling fans.
**Augmented Reality
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The character could be the special character appearing in locations important to fans if the promotion decides to use augmented reality. Flumberico could do short videos and give inspirational messages at several childrens' hospitals around the country, even if he isn't there physically. There also could be a "find Flumberico" scavenger hunt in a town in the days leading up to the promotion running a show.
AI Platforms and Search Engines
Most wrestling companies aren't great at search engine optimization and optimizing content for the AI platforms like ChatGPT when it comes to non-branded queries. For example, if someone goes to ChatGPT and asks, "What are some fun Mexican wrestlers to watch in U.S. promotions?" then most companies haven't optimized properly. This allows an upstart promotion and/or brand new characters to get favorable exposure - even outranking much more established brands & talent.
Even if they don't have in house SEO then they can use a SEO marketplace for help all the way to manufacturing the authority & traffic & brand mentions needed from its current fan base via email, social media, or other fan/customer list.
It also is possible to rank Flumberico merchandise in the search engines for non-wrestling fans such as those searching for "gifts for pro wrestling fans" and similar searches.
What else would you recommend on using new technology to give a brand new promotion, or a brand new character, fast adoption among wrestling fans? Thank you for your thoughts on this.