The link between professional wrestling and rock music, has a lengthy history. There was a time when members of ZZ Top were regularly seen in the crowds at tapings of Raw or at WWE pay-per views. However the announcement that Smashing Pumpkins front man Billy Corgan has joined the creative team at Total Non-stop Action is sure to have caught many people off guard, and whist there will be many people question the decision to add Corgan to TNA back room staff looking at the facts this could be TNA’s smartest move in a long while.
Although TNA’s move to Destination America added a brief injection of interest into TNA’s weekly Impact! show that has slowly been fizzling out, and it is pretty clear that the creative team could do with a bit of a kick up the arse. Just look at their list of current champions Kurt Angle and The Hardy Boyz, what is this 2001?
Corgan is a lifelong wrestling fan, and in 2011 he even founded his own wrestling promotion Resistance Pro Wrestling, so it’s not like he’s going into this a complete newbie. He’s talked about wanting to bring real life stories to TNA, and possibly explore race and transgender issues. Speaking about his move to TNA 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.”
It is clear that TNA could use a fresh new perspective backstage, and they have the talent there including a roster of female wrestlers that they actually seem willing to give air time to. Corgan’s official title is Senior Producer of Creative and Talent Development which suggest that it is going to be a very hands on role, and hopefully he can put some of his entertainment experience to good use and get the likes of Drew Galloway and Bobby Lashley cutting promos that Paul Heyman would be proud of!
I certainly will be #GivingTNAAChance