Billy Corgan is set to revitalize the NWA, aiming for mainstream audiences that he feels aren't watching wrestling anymore.
He spoke to the Associated Press about the brand. He talked about the target audience, and how most times pro wreslting promotions don't target it well enough.
“We are going to target the general fan” Corgan said. “Wrestling needs to get younger in terms of the audience it’s after. I think wrestling as a business a lot of times kind of shrugs its shoulders how they track the 15- to 25-year-olds. I would argue if you can’t do that, you’re not going to have much of a future anyway.”
While promotions like New Japan, Ring of Honor and PWG are getting more recognition than ever before, it isn't exactly the audience Billy Corgan is looking for. He's looking for people beyond the hardcores -- he wants to bring back mainstream pro wrestling appeal.
“Wrestling has become kind of more insular and I think that’s hurt the business overall” Corgan said. “Now to somebody who’s more of a hardcore fan, you could argue they’re getting more of what they want. But I would certainly argue that it’s hurt wrestling overall with the general mainstream fans.”
The National Wrestling Alliance, by name, has lost relevance over years, primarily focusing on regional territories and not much else. While Corgan understands that the target audience they're looking for might not be excited enough to check out their product immediately, he's looking for a point where everyone can tune in and see the new NWA.
“I know what the company stood for and I know what it can stand for again” he said. “I understand this isn’t necessarily relevant to this particular generation. But at least I can sort of tell you what is relevant to me and maybe there’s a translation point that can excite people.”
The National Wrestling Alliance is currently scheduled to air their first shows in 2018. A NWA title match between Tim Storm and Nick Aldis is set to take place shortly at the Championship Wrestling From Hollywood tapings.
