Billy Corgan To Purchase The National Wrestling Alliance
What is this, 1979?
Last year, former Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan made a prolonged attempt to purchase the rights to Impact (formerly Total Nonstop Action) Wrestling, but the company ultimately went to Anthem Sports & Entertainment. Now, according to PWInsider, Corgan seems to have realized his goal of wrestling promotion ownership by reaching a deal to purchase the rights to the National Wrestling Alliance.
The National Wrestling Alliance is the oldest existing body in U.S.-based pro wrestling. Established in 1948, the NWA was formed by several regional promoters and their companies in an attempt to consolidate their championships and help each other's businesses. For more than 40 years, the NWA World Heavyweight Championship was considered among the most prestigious belts in wrestling, but when the growing World Championship Wrestling promotion split from the NWA, the body was reduced to a shell of its former self.
Corgan's purchase will give him the rights to the NWA's name and trademarks, as well as the rights to the NWA World Heavyweight Championship (currently held by Tim Storm). Exactly what plan Corgan has for these assets remains as yet unknown, as does the price for which Corgan acquired them.