10 Wrestling Legal Battles That Turned Ugly
9. Billy Corgan Vs. TNA
Having once nearly invested in ECW, Smashing Pumpkins lead singer Billy Corgan has long skirted around the fringes of professional wrestling, but went all in in 2015 when he joined TNA as a senior producer. The role allowed him to live out a dream as a creative consultant for the group, working directly on guiding the company's overall output.
On the committee of heads that allegedly crafted the 'Broken' Hardy universe (more on that later), Corgan became literally more invested in the company after dishing out a substantial loan to Anthem Sports and Entertainment, TNA's parent company. In this time, he'd become the organisation's President, but was forced to sue the group when monies weren't returned, and even filed a restraining order against owner Dixie Carter during proceedings.
Famously quoted as saying the 'ink (on his loan agreement) was barely dry as talent headed to the ring', Corgan wanted total ownership of the group or a full return on his loan from Anthem. A November 2016 settlement gave him just that, but his relationship with TNA was subsequently severed.
He followed through on his intention to own a wrestling promotion in May 2017, purchasing what remains of the NWA, but hasn't yet radically adjusted the tired business model to make it a relevant force in the modern era.