Several online media outlets are reporting that the National Wrestling Alliance is getting a lifeline. Many are reporting that Billy Corgan is trying to by the organization. This could breathe new life into the company that has been part of the wrestling landscape since 1948.
Most people may know Corgan for being part of the band Smashing Pumpkins. Furthermore, his foray into the world of professional wrestling, most recently with TNA Impact Wrestling.
Per cagesideseats.com, the exclusive story from PWInsider does not have any quotes from the former TNA President. Regardless, multiple sources confirmed, “the deal in place would see Corgan purchase the name, rights, trademarks to the National Wrestling Alliance. As well as the rights and possession of the NWA championship belt”. It does not have answers as to what that means for independent promotions currently affiliated with the Alliance. Or additionally, it’s On Demand video service.
In the heydays of the territories, the NWA was THE governing body for regional promotions. Moreover, its championships the most well-known and prestigious. When Vince McMahon took the then-WWF national, the Alliance became much less essential to the business. Associating its name with WCW and TNA over the years. Whereas, the NWA has had relationships with Japanese promotions from time-to-time. During the current decade, the Alliance came to be owned by Texas promoter & lawyer Bruce Tharpe, whose business model has been to license out the name to promotions for a fee.
This may be the biggest news concerning the promotion in years.
The news spread quickly over the Internet and social media. Since learning that former wrestling greats might involve themselves in the famed territorial outfits of the past.
Former women’s star Leilani Kai appears to part of the transformation.
“I am extremely proud to announce that I now have an ownership stake in NWA Florida Wrestling Alliance. I would like to thank Tony Halligan and the NWA for allowing me an opportunity to take my career full circle. I started my career in the NWA. Looking back on my career, I’ve accomplished many things and held many titles. But what I cherish more than any titles I’ve held, any great matches that I’ve had, what I cherish more are the relationships that I’ve made, the people that I’ve worked with, the wrestlers that I’ve wrestled alongside, the friends and family…that’s what I cherish most.
“With this move, I’m allowed the opportunity to continue to build relationships and to do as much as I can for professional wrestling in Florida. I grew up with pro wrestling in Florida. It was a huge part of my childhood, a major part of my adult life and I look forward to making professional wrestling a great part of future generations lives. I look forward to great events, excellent matches, and some strong venues!”
Vince McMahon still has a stronghold on the wrestling business. Also, he continues to use World Wrestling Entertainment as a launching pad. For the purpose of business-making ventures in the world of international business and entertainment. Yet, fans of my generation could see a return to a time familiar to our youth. NWA wrestling is still part of the “industry”. Granted, it is not as popular as ROH, New Japan or to a smaller extent, TNA.
Purchasing the NWA could be an entry back into the game. Hence, giving Billy a recognizable brand he can build up as he sees fit. Or, it could be something else entirely.
It has also been reported that Former WWE and Impact Wrestling writer Dave Lagana also parted ways with Impact Wrestling. This came shortly after Billy Corgan left. However, he’s been working with Corgan on different projects. It’s possible that whatever Billy Corgan is planning to do with the National Wrestling Alliance, Lagana may end up getting involved as well.