Chicago, Illinois Mar 5, 2024 (Issuewire.com) – Brass Ring Media Group, a new publishing arm providing wrestling fans access to pro wrestling columns, wrestler interviews, podcasts and original content, is set to expand into Japanese wrestling (puroresu) following the acquisition of Monthly Puroresu. Leading the brand management is veteran Zack Heydorn, author of Stunning: The Wrestling Artistry of Steve Austin and former Assistant Editor of Pro Wrestling Torch and PWTorch VIP podcast host. The new venture brings much of the talent from Monthly Puroresu, founded by Thom Fain, into a new home as its next era is directed out of Chicago, Illinois – the beating heart of the professional wrestling world.

Heydorn, who founded Brass Ring Media in 2023, has worked alongside some of the most respected talent in Western wrestling media, including PW Torch’s Wade Keller and Brass Ring Media’s Tyler Sage. Effective immediately, Heydorn and his team will hit pause on Monthly Puroresu content operations as the new direction takes shape with a re-launch expected later in 2024. “I’m excited about growing Brass Ring Media Group, and proud to manage the Monthly Puroresu brand as it reaches its next era,” said Heydorn. “For now, things will be a little quiet while we re-work the possibilities, but MP will be back and better than ever – stay tuned.”

Fain, MP’s Founder, has agreed to step down as Editor-in-Chief while Brass Ring Media Group completes its transition. Fain will no longer oversee or take part in content operations or day to day editorial. After working over a dozen events on the ground in Tokyo for Monthly Puroresu this year, Fain said it’s time for new leadership and new voices to take his publication and platform into sustainable direction with key relationships all now in place.

“One of the things I’m most proud of is our young staff writers and designers – college students and freelancers who reject fast-food content, and still value real journalism,” said Fain. “None of the Western wrestling websites had a strong Japanese wrestling vertical when we launched in 2020, and MP accomplished a lot in my time building the brand. The Monthly Puroresu website features a top-class user experience with a future-proofed design that gives current and future contributors wider reach on a technical level. And from a journalistic perspective, the entire team has worked hard with me to earn the trust, respect and credentials MP enjoys with wrestling promotions inside of Japan. I can’t wait to see what’s next for them!”

Brass Ring Media Group is committed to our brands, fostering an inclusive environment as we configure our content sharing for crossover audiences. A new Editor will take MP into its next era, publishing work on puroresu with firsthand sources & the same high-quality work that readers have come to expect from the outlet. The Western wrestling complement of the group, Brass Ring Media, has brought a level-headed approach and weekly analysis of WWE and AEW wrestling under Heydorn’s direction. Although the two brands remain unique, Heydorn is excited about the possibilities after the merger.

“This merger represents a strong union, bringing together the best of both publications to offer our readers unparalleled value, diverse perspectives, and even more engaging content. We are incredibly excited about the future and the exceptional experience we will continue to deliver to our loyal readers and online wrestling fans of Joshi, Puroresu, and Sports Entertainment.”