Billy Corgan Is Now Working For TNA Wrestling

Despite all his rage, Billy Corgan is still just a rat in a cage match. It looks as though the frontman will be spending less time Smashing Pumpkins and more time watching grown men smash each other with ladders, chairs and the like, after taking on a new Senior Producer role with sports entertainment wrestling federation, TNA.

According to a press release (via Rolling Stone), Corgan will “develop characters and create story lines” for TNA’s flagship program Impact Wrestling as part of his new job, which begins effective immediately.

Corgan has also confirmed via Twitter that the role is indeed full time. And while it could spell bad news for Smashing Pumpkins fans, with the singer previously confessing that the future of the band is “murky”, Corgan has promised that his music career is not under threat.

“What’s great is the entire TNA organization stands in full support of my music life with the Smashing Pumpkins,” Corgan said in a statement. “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.”

Corgan has had a long relationship with the professional wrestling world, dating back to 2008 when he penned the Pumpkins track G.L.O.W. – an acronym for “Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling”. He then went on to found his own Chicago-based wrestling league, Resistance Pro, in 2011, which triggered a series of other wrestling-based endeavours.

But nothing quite on the same level as his new role with TNA, which is home to such renowned former WWE superstars as Jeff Hardy and Kurt Angle. And the company seems pretty chuffed to have Corgan on board.

“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.

In a recent interview with Variety, Corgan further elaborated on his new role, saying he hopes to move away from the generic, age-old good “guys vs. bad guys” plot lines and break new ground in sports entertainment storytelling. For instance, including characters who explore race and transgender issues. “There is a tremendous opportunity to go into really fresh, new directions,” the frontman said.

Corgan’s new career direction comes hot on the heels of his Australian tour with The Smashing Pumpkins for Soundwave 2015. He’s also currently gearing up to hit the road with his longtime band for an acoustic tour across North America alongside goth king and fellow Soundwave alumnus Marilyn Manson.

Manson recently made headlines for getting punched in the face at a Canadian Denny’s. Might be able to draw some inspiration there, eh, Billy?

Watch: Exclusive First Interview With Billy Corgan About Joining TNA Wrestling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbaVBQj80X0&feature=youtu.be

Gallery: The Smashing Pumpkins @ Soundwave 2015, Melbourne / Photos By Alesha Martyn

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