TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa is the new home of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA).
The historic promotion is now owned by Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan, who purchased it back in 2017.
The NWA now regularly films its television show, NWA Powerrr, at Tampa’s PBS station, WEDU.
This is a full circle moment for professional wrestling in Tampa.
The NWA was once the dominant wrestling organization in the United States.
Back then, the local promotion in Tampa was called “Championship Wrestling from Florida,” which was part of the larger NWA. It held many events in Tampa from the 1960s through the 1980s.
Four decades later, Corgan tells Spectrum News they’re back home.
“We love coming to Tampa,” Corgan said. “They treat us so well here at WEDU. It has a great rich history in Tampa. So we’re honored to be here. And the town treats us right.”
Corgan says he also has a personal connection to Tampa. He lived in the area from 1985-86 when he was with his first band before the Smashing Pumpkins.
“I have a close tie going back to then,” Corgan said. “So coming here is something I’m very comfortable with.”
Corgan has been rebuilding the NWA’s following since he purchased the company in 2017. He also appears on the shows as well.
“When I took over the NWA, it was kind of in the dust,” Corgan said. “People thought its best days were behind it. We’ve built it back up where there is now national and international interest.”
Fans are welcome to see their next show, Samhain 2, at WEDU on Saturday night. It was originally going to be at the Robarts Arena in Sarasota but Hurricane Milton changed those plans.
Corgan says the TV studio setting is a throwback to the old wrestling days. It gives fans a unique experience compared to a big arena show.
“We have about 200 people in the studio. It’s very intimate,” Corgan said. “Plus people to get to see how we make our show behind the scenes.”
After Saturday’s show, the NWA will film again at WEDU early next year.