Can anyone tell me what effects are used on this?

Hi guys, here's a match graphic from a Wrestling Promotion. I need to make similar, but I'm kinda' stuck.

http://imgur.com/a/ZJLSA

The glow around the guys is one thing, but when I use Outer Glow it's so rigid and conformed, how do I make it as flarey and exciting like this?

And then if you look at guy #3 & #4, a bit of their flare flows onto the other, how is this achieved?

Thanks!