Billy Corgan Signs On as Senior Producer for TNA Wrestling
Billy Corgan has recently hinted at the demise of the Smashing Pumpkins, and if the Siamese Dream really is winding down, the frontman has already found a new line of work: Senior Producer, Creative and Talent Development for TNA Wrestling. Corgan will begin his new role effective immediately. As part of his job, Corgan will “develop characters and create story lines” for TNA’s flagship program Impact Wrestling, which airs Friday nights on Destination America, according to a press release.
“Saying I’m humbled and honored by this opportunity to be part of TNA, a world-class wrestling organization, is an understatement and a dream come true,” Corgan said in a statement. “What’s great is the entire TNA organization stands in full support of my music life with the Smashing Pumpkins. In return, I’m fully committed to using my 30 years of entertainment experience, along with my deep-rooted passion for pro wrestling, to take on the thrilling challenge of creatively contributing to Impact Wrestling, finding and developing new talent, and working eye-to-eye with the best-of-the-best. For as cultures currently evolve at great speed, so must pro wrestling meet and supersede such expectations to thrive.”
In an interview with Variety, Corgan said he hoped to move away from the generic, age-old good guys vs. bad guys plot lines and mine some new ground in terms of professional wrestling storytelling, including characters who explore race and transgender issues. “There is a tremendous opportunity to go into really fresh, new directions,” Corgan said. “There are ways to explore those themes in ways that are productive, create new stars and show that value-based ‘babyfaces,’ no matter what their background, no matter where they come from, can draw new audiences and inspire people in new ways.”
Corgan has long professed an admiration for professional wrestling, going back to when he penned the track “G.L.O.W.” – an acronym for Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling – for the Pumpkins in 2008. Corgan then founded his own Chicago-based wrestling league Resistance Pro in 2011. In June 2012, Corgan was attached to his own reality series dedicated to the Resistance Pro league; AMC Network eventually aligned itself with the project. However, the series never went to air as AMC decided to veer away from the unscripted programs that they had in development, and Corgan ultimately severed his ties with the award-winning Resistance Pro in November 2014.
“I’ve known Billy for years and have always been blown away by his musical artistry, as well as his knowledge and understanding of professional wrestling,” TNA President Dixie Carter said in a statement. “He has always impressed me with his creativity and passion for our business. Billy is truly gifted and understands the emotion tied to the psychology of connecting with an audience.”
Corgan can perhaps sketch out some TNA storylines when the Smashing Pumpkins hit the road this summer on a joint jaunt with Marilyn Manson and their own first ever acoustic trek.