Billy Corgan, the frontman of Smashing Pumpkins, has a deep love for professional wrestling. In 2011, he founded the independent wrestling promotion Resistance Pro in Chicago, which led to a proposed reality series on AMC that never aired. Corgan later joined Total Nonstop Action wrestling in 2015 and eventually purchased the National Wrestling Alliance in 2017, a historic organization founded in 1948 that showcased legendary champions such as Lou Thesz and Ric Flair over the years.
Corgan has since teamed up with media company Nacelle for a reality series called Adventures in Carnyland, which focuses on his work with Smashing Pumpkins, efforts to boost the NWA, and his life with CEO of Madame ZuZu’s Chloe Mendel, with whom he shares two children. The show gives fans a rare glimpse into Corgan’s humor, work ethic, and inner circle as they navigate the challenges of the wrestling industry.
The importance of storytelling in professional wrestling is a core element of Corgan’s work, with a focus on creating engaging narratives as seen in WWE’s long-running “The Bloodline” story arc. Corgan believes that great storytelling is essential to connect with audiences and drive passion in the sport. Through Carnyland and his involvement in the NWA, he aims to continue crafting compelling narratives to resonate with fans.
Chloe Mendel plays a significant role in guiding Madame ZuZu’s, a plant-based tea house and live performance venue in Chicago, which serves as a central location in Carnyland. She emphasizes community engagement and creating a welcoming space for all, with a diverse range of events and activities to cater to various interests. Mendel also contributes to the marketing of Smashing Pumpkins, focusing on creating a memorable fan experience through unique branding and activations.
Billy Corgan’s journey in the wrestling industry, from Resistance Pro to NWA, has provided him with valuable experience in talent development, television production, and storytelling. He aims to balance honoring the nostalgia and history of the NWA while pushing the brand forward to appeal to a modern audience. With a focus on young talent and engaging narratives, Corgan continues to shape the future of professional wrestling through his work with the NWA and Carnyland.
As Smashing Pumpkins prepares for a summer tour with Green Day and a new guitarist, Kiki Wong, Corgan expresses his excitement for the upcoming shows and credits his wife, Chloe Mendel, for providing stability and support in both his wrestling and music endeavors. The tour marks a significant moment for the band, with a sense of peace and focus that Corgan attributes to Mendel’s influence on his life and work. Together, they navigate the challenges of running Madame ZuZu’s, crafting engaging narratives in wrestling, and creating memorable experiences for fans of Smashing Pumpkins.
