Smashing Pumpkins Rocker Restarts Wrestling League

Smashing Pumpkins frontman William “Billy” Corgan is resurrecting the National Wrestling Alliance.

The multi-platinum-selling rocker became president of the NWA after buying the league in 2017. The league’s March 21 comeback match will mark its debut on its new exclusive broadcasting partner, pay-per-view streaming service FITE.

“Our goal is to expand our programming past our in-studio show NWA Powerrr and quarterly PPVs, as well as create a twin marketing and merchandise strategy that marries our incredible past with our present,” Corgan told Front Office Sports.

The NWA started in 1948 as a governing body to create a territory system among wrestling leagues but has been through many shifts since 1983, when the World Wrestling Federation broke off and became the dominant force in U.S. professional wrestling. 

“I essentially view the NWA as a startup, despite our now-73-year history,” said Corgan.

Michael Weber, COO of FITE, welcomed the league back, saying, “At our core is a deep connection with the pro wrestling community, and NWA is a key element of that.”

Prior to the pandemic, the NWA featured matches and interviews shot in an Atlanta studio, typically in front of just a few rows of fans. For now, matches will be without fans or piped-in crowd noise.

Corgan anticipates the league’s return could be the first step toward rapid growth.

“Professional wrestling is ever-solid in its core audience draw and demographics, and is a great partner for the right brands,” he said.