• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Smashing Pumpkins Rocker Restarts Wrestling League

  • Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan is leading the National Wrestling Alliance on its post-pandemic comeback.
  • Corgan, whose band has sold over 30 million albums, bought the NWA in 2017 and is the league’s president.
Photo: Billy-Twitter, NWA/Design: Alex Brooks

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.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Apr 3, 2022; Arlington, TX, USA; WWE owner Vince McMahon enters the arena during WrestleMania at AT&T Stadium.

Vince McMahon Has Dumped Close to $2 Billion of TKO Stock in..

The embattled WWE founder is fighting sexual assault allegations in court.
exclusive

Jackie Redmond on Absurd Travel Between NHL Playoffs, WWE

Redmond covered four events in six nights across the continent.
exclusive

The CW Eyes More Bowl Games Amid Push Into Live Sports

The CW has gone from 0 to 40 million live sports viewers.

Featured Today

May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
FIFA

Saudis Awarded 2034 World Cup in Uncontested Vote

Saudi Arabia was the only option after Australia decided not to bid.
May 20, 2024

Top Sports Business Jobs This Week (May 2024)

Each week, our staff combs through the thousands of job listings from…
The stands at the Solheim Cup
September 13, 2024

LPGA Apologizes for Solheim Cup Fan Bus Debacle That Left Stands Half-Empty

The USA-Europe women’s team golf event teed off Friday morning.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
October 3, 2022

Real Madrid President Renews Call for Super League

Real Madrid’s president believes that soccer is losing ground.
August 10, 2022

PGA Tour Touts Projected Earnings to Keep Players

The PGA Tour is asking its players to consider their potential futures.
August 10, 2022

Bayern Munich to Make Growth Push in U.S. Market

Bayern Munich is looking to expand its reach in the U.S.
Nintendo-logo
August 3, 2022

Nintendo Profits Underwhelm, Switch Sales Decline

Nintendo failed to meet expectations in the company’s latest earnings report.