HIW: #BraveNewWorld

Boltinho · June 20, 2016

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@HighImpact_UK

Boltinho · June 21, 2016

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My name is Cliff King and this is the story of how I threw away everything I loved for hashtags, business jargon and graphs about Millennials.

You’re probably familiar with Dunton. You may even feel like you know him. I know I did back when I was living a comfortable life working at 21CW on TV every week earning five grand a week. But now I speak to the man every day I realise I knew nothing about him. And now I know far too much.

My background is simple. I was a precocious child growing up. I liked the limelight, I was small but I had a gift for being funny enough to avoid any violence. I wasn’t the smartest but I could get my ideas across well enough to make people think I was. I loved the world of science but I also loved the dramatic arts and the simple joy of holding an audience’s attention. I got in early to the podcasting and YouTube channel revolutions and that tiny following got the attention of Steve Smith at 21CW who convinced Jeff Nova to give me an invite to the NSW.

It was a very strange time there being the only guy who didn’t wear trunks to school but I learnt enough about the real art of speaking to a live audience and being able to react to them that I got a full-time gig after graduation. I spent most of my time managing lower-card workers who spent all their training learning moves and holds and couldn’t handle a mic. In reality my job for the first year or two was basically saying “my client accepts your challenge”. But I was good enough at doing that that eventually got the gig of saying the same thing for War Machine.

But I never stopped my extracurricular activities and it was my podcast “Falling off the Cliff” that really led me to where I am now. Sure it covered a ton of wrestling but I went into all the other stuff I loved too. Marketing, design, tech… You name it I’ve ranted about it to my couple of hundred listeners. And it turns out the Smartest Man in the World.

<a href="https://twitter.com/CliffKingHIW" rel="external nofollow">@CliffKingHIW</a>

Uncrewed · June 21, 2016

This looks really good so far. Liking the twitter integration.

Boltinho · June 22, 2016

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#YourBestIdeasAreYesterdaysNews</div>

Dunton Hall was being “visionary” again.

Dunton Hall contacted me via Twitter originally. He told me he liked my thinking and wanted to take me for lunch. We met up and he didn’t mess about:

<ul><li>“In a world where big team sports are declining in interest wrestling is an opportunity” </li><li>“Young people are less tribal than older generations. You can’t engage them so much with team belonging” </li><li>“The wrestling business is based on old-fashioned concepts. TV building brands, repetition fuelling happiness. Volume denoting quality. I’m going to change all that” </li><li>“I don’t want to build a wrestling company – I want something much better than that” </li><li>“I want to build something new and different and exciting. And I want you to help me do it” </li><li>“#” </li></ul>

Yeah – Dunton Hall uses a lot of hashtags.

According to Dunton Hall the standard lifecycle of a [successful] wrestling company goes like this:

<a href="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/boltinho/media/Company%20growth_zpsztnnscir.png.html" rel="external nofollow">http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o756/boltinho/Company%20growth_zpsztnnscir.png</a>

Companies start with a great idea and then move away from it as they start to chase profit and growth because the mass audience tends to want what they’re familiar and comfortable with. And at that point they have become indistinguishable from the competitors they set out to stand out from.

Dunton Hall does NOT think things have to be like this and he’s got the data to back it up from his contacts in the marketing and comms worlds.

• 60% of Millennial wrestling fans want to set their own business up one day. Young people are more entrepreneurial and independent than ever before.

• 63% of Millennial wrestling fans are addicted to their phones. They’re constantly checking for updates, comments and news. This audience are not mobile-first. They’re mobile-only.

• The experience culture is king. They’re fuelled by how much they’ve done and whether they were there rather than protected by the armour of orthodoxy.

• TV is not the media of choice for them. They consumer video content as and when they want and although they watch TV shows it’s the content that drives viewing – not the box in the corner of the room.

So Dunton’s tenets for his own company are simple:

1. #Special

We don’t build as big as possible. Our cachet comes from exclusivity – not size.

2. #MobileOnly

We don’t think in terms of TV – we think what can people be drawn in by in 60 seconds or less. Our brand lives in small events and on mobiles.

3. #NoCurtain

We minimise kayfabe. We let them see the workings of our business and decision making – and let them be a part of it.

4. #ThinkFast

We stay agile – never plan too far ahead. Never get set in our ways. Never think we’ve cracked it. React to what goes well and what doesn’t in real time.

@DuntonHallHIW

Boltinho · June 22, 2016

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Uncrewed" data-cite="Uncrewed" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="41966" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>This looks really good so far. Liking the twitter integration.</div></blockquote> Thanks dude. It's scary how many groups Dunton Hall has been added into on Twitter. Especially given he's a very clear parody of people I work with. <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="41966" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> OOC: So I never thought I’d write another diary. It’s been years since I have, I didn’t touch the game for a long time and I don’t really have the time. But everyone needs creative outlets so here it is. I love the concept of HIW. And I’m continually frustrated by the fact no one else seems to. HIW is about being modern in all its guises. And who better to do that than Dunton Hall? In my real life I’m a comms planner so I spend a lot of time thinking about how content drives engagement and how that translates to business success. This is my attempt to use some of that info and thinking related to the wrestling world. It’s a bull$@#! world so Dunton would fit right in. Dunton doesn’t want weekly events driving eyeballs. He knows [because he’s read a lot of William Gibson and Byron Sharp] that “special” drives product love. Which means that I’m working to a monthly schedule [in game and in real life]. I’ll post stuff as and when it’s played out and as the fan-base try to involve you as much as possible. And as Uncrewed noted Twitter will also be important. </div></blockquote>

The Lloyd · June 22, 2016

Uh oh... You warned me about these guys coming... "/

Wishing you good luck here my friend, the intro is solid, and I like Cliff King in a major role! I was hooked at this line:

'My name is Cliff King and this is the story of how I threw away everything I loved for hashtags, business jargon and graphs about Millennials.'

and it got better and better from there! I can't wait to see your roster (if we ever see a roster),

Boltinho · June 23, 2016

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HIW are pleased to announce their first confirmed signings. These men are handpicked to put on the very best of bleeding-edge combat.

Brilliant White

http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o756/boltinho/Brilliant%20White_zpsbbjxdqfy.jpg[/url]

Brilliant White has had successful stints at various companies including 21CW and has made a career using his energy and athleticism to combat much bigger men. He brings flair, excitement and dynamism to HIW.

“The only company I want to work for in the world right now is HIW. What they’re doing is fresh and new and will only reflect well on my own abilities in those areas.”

Sergei Kalashnov

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'The Fresh Prince Of Belarus' is not widely known outside of European markets but has been extremely successful on the mainland. Known just as much for his physical performance as his famous personality he should light up HIW.

“I’ll tell you a story about how my life got flipped upside down: Dunton Hall told me about the most exciting set of competitors in the world. I don’t just expect to be a part of HIW. I expect HIW to belong to me.”

Jeffrey McPeterson

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"The Street Fighting Man" Jeffrey McPeterson made his name in MOSC – the most physical, no-holds-barred company the UK has ever seen. He brings that determination and grit to HIW to prove wrong all the fans who thought HIW would be all style and no substance. As the son of The Highland Warrior he also brings true pedigree to the freshest company in world wrestling.

“I knew as soon as I heard about it that I wanted to be a part of HIW. A bunch of namby-pamby fellas who’ve never been in the ring with someone who won the MOSC Blood and Beer title three times. Mark my words: I’ll bring the blood to HIW.”

Boltinho · June 23, 2016

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="The Lloyd" data-cite="The Lloyd" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="41966" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Uh oh... You warned me about these guys coming... "/ Wishing you good luck here my friend, the intro is solid, and I like Cliff King in a major role! I was hooked at this line: 'My name is Cliff King and this is the story of how I threw away everything I loved for hashtags, business jargon and graphs about Millennials.' and it got better and better from there! I can't wait to see your roster (if we ever see a roster),</div></blockquote> Thanks dude. Roster has been finalised [for now] in game. Expect more announcements soon. @DUntonHallHIW @CliffKingHIW @HighImpact_UK

Boltinho · June 23, 2016

<div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/boltinho/media/HIW%20Banner%203.1_zpsyew68lox.png.html" rel="external nofollow">http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o756/boltinho/HIW%20Banner%203.1_zpsyew68lox.png</a></div> Dunton Hall was in a belligerent mood. “I’m throwing a lot of money behind this company because I think it can really go places – but I expect it to run as well as any of my other companies. I didn’t get to where I am by being fiscally irresponsible. 1. Progress, growth, development. #GrowFaster. I want us to be the shining star. If any other start-ups look like they’re going past us I won’t be happy. 2. Cash reserves. There’s a big pot of available money to cover costs. Once that’s gone it’s on you. 3. Young, fresh, new. I don’t want anyone in the ring the audience won’t identify with. If they’re in their 40s they’ll drag us down. 4. Squeaky clean. Millennials are responsible and conscientious. I don’t want anyone with a criminal past that could tarnish us. Aside from that you’re gold – #MakeUsProud <div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/boltinho/media/HIW%20Banner%203.1_zpsyew68lox.png.html" rel="external nofollow">http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o756/boltinho/HIW%20Banner%203.1_zpsyew68lox.png</a></div> <blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="41966" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div> OOC: Owner goals in. 1. Don’t fall below company #44 2. Don’t go into debt. No danger of that with Dunton’s budget. 3. No wrestlers over 40. Duh. 4. No wrestlers with law problems. Happy with those. Pretty much as easy as they come. I was worried it would be “you have to hire Thug” or something.</div></blockquote>

Boltinho · June 23, 2016

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HIW are proud to unveil more signings as the roster for the first show comes together:

Walker vs Cleer

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A European mainstay heads to HIW. Van Cleer has been arguably the top wrestler in Europe for the last 2 years and will bring technical excellence to HIW.

“I’m just pleased to get the opportunity to compete against top names. Sometimes we get forgotten a little in my part of the world but I’m here to show that the Netherlands can stand up to anyone in world wrestling.”

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</div>

Gino Montero

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Montero is one of the most glorious names in wrestling history and HIW are extremely proud to welcome Gino Montero [son of Luis Sr]. His lucha style will be unmissable.

“People from outside Mexico sometimes dismiss Lucha Libre as fun or foolish. My aim is to show that the tradition and purity of our sport is best represented in my country and to make Mexicans around the world proud.”

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Kalu Owusu

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INSPIRE was a legendary company in Japanese wrestling in the noughties and Owusu was one of their top stars. Similar to countrymen Yaya and Kolo Toure he blends amazing speed and power together.

“I’ve been at the cutting edge of this sport before with INSPIRE. There are 5,000 Ivorians in London and my aim is to represent them by dominating the most exciting new company in the wrestling world.”

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Occasional_Z · June 23, 2016

Good to see you writing again - enjoying this so far!

Boltinho · June 27, 2016

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HIW are proud to announce more signings ahead of the debut show HIW Anarchy coming up later this month:

Stardust Phil Cox

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Stardust Phil Cox is a crazy high-risk daredevil of a wrestler who is perhaps best known for his days working for 21CW. We can't wait to see what he does in an environment with far fewer constraints put upon him.

"The wrestling world has never seen what I'm capable of. I will set HIW on fire with action."

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Jon Michael Sharp

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Jon Michael Sharp was trained by British Samurai an spent his early career in the now defunct Ring Of Fire. He has had long term success in tag action and we look forward to seeing him on his own.

"The time is right for me to stand on my own. For too long I've relied on a partner to create my legacy. Finally I will stand on my own two feet and show what I'm about."

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Thrill Seeker

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Familiar to afficianadoes from the Canadian scene Thrill Seeker has hones his skills going up against the DeColts. He is one of the finest workers in North America and comes to HIW hotly tipped.

"Jack DeColt. Eddie Chandler. Dan Dalay. Alex DeColt. Warren Technique. I've spent my whole career up against some of the industry's greatest fighters. And now I'm looking for more. I'm looking to see just how good I am in a company where talent is the only obstacle."

<a href="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/boltinho/media/HIW%20Banner%203.1_zpsyew68lox.png.html" rel="external nofollow">http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o756/boltinho/HIW%20Banner%203.1_zpsyew68lox.png</a>

Jamie Atherton

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"White Lightning" Jamie Atherton is a Canadian cruiserweight who is one of the biggest names in All Canada Pro Wrestling. Atherton has a great look and could end up being a star very soon.

"Anyone can watch two big, fat lumps punching each other in costumes. The true connoisseur of this sport understands the skill is in the little guys. The effort. The energy. Guys like me."

<a href="http://s1341.photobucket.com/user/boltinho/media/HIW%20Banner%203.1_zpsyew68lox.png.html" rel="external nofollow">http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/o756/boltinho/HIW%20Banner%203.1_zpsyew68lox.png</a>

Cheetah Boy

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James "Cheetah Boy" Neil has worked for both USPW and SWF in the USA. DOnt let his outfit fool you - he's a very talented man.

"In the 21st century people still can't see past a costume. But I'm not changing who I am. I'm going to make people sit up and take notice. I'm going to make them take me seriously."

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Negotiations are ongoing with a couple more wrestlers and details for our first show will be made available to a select few fans.

Boltinho · June 27, 2016

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Occasional_Z" data-cite="Occasional_Z" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="41966" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Good to see you writing again - enjoying this so far!</div></blockquote> Thanks dude Fun to be back. One of these days we'll actually get to a show!

Regis · June 27, 2016

No Martin Heath? Booooo!

Loving this so far, looking forward to seeing more. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/smile.png.142cfa0a1cd2925c0463c1d00f499df2.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Boltinho · June 28, 2016

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Regis" data-cite="Regis" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="41966" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>No Martin Heath? Booooo!</div></blockquote> Never say never... We're likely to see very high turnover. Almost all in-ring workers are signed to just 3 month contracts

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