NWA talent is reportedly growing frustrated with company president Billy Corgan.
As previously reported, NWA landed two television deals with The CW Network. However, WWE announced that NXT will move to The USA Network in October 2024. Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful (via Fightful Select) reported that at least one NWA talent was “blindsided” by the news.
Haus of Wrestling reports that, in the aftermath of this development, Corgan “withdrew” from people close to him, and he did not want to discuss the situation. Haus of Wrestling had reported that Corgan had the idea for the controversial cocaine spot at NWA Samhain; the report noted that it could have a negative impact on the aforementioned television deals.
Per Haus of Wrestling, one WWE source indicated that their talks with The CW sped up following NWA Samhain. This source even said that, “No segment ever done in wrestling has had that severe of consequences to the promotion than the Samhain Coke Spot.”
Additionally, Haus of Wrestling cited NWA talent who expressed frustration with Corgan’s leadership. The report notes that, given Corgan’s touring schedule with The Smashing Pumpkins, some talent feel he is unavailable to relay his creative ideas between shows, with some sources saying they aren’t informed of their booking at tapings until the day of the show.
Furthermore, the report states that several NWA contracts are set to expire in June, and Corgan intends to begin negotiations in February. However, some of these talents are frustrated by Corgan’s leadership, and they are looking into places they can work once they are able to leave.
Plus, Corgan is said to have a tendency to give talents “tests” to see how they react, which have not been well-received within the company.
EC3 Responds To Reported Frustration
Haus of Wrestling contacted NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion EC3 about the report, and he requested his response to be printed in full.
EC3’s response to Haus of Wrestling can be seen below:
“This has never been communicated to me via talent or otherwise, and I communicate with all. A truly professional wrestler should be prepared for anything at anytime. They should be able to perform based on whatever opportunity is provided. “Plans in advance” OFTEN change.
There isn’t one wrestling company that this isn’t the case for.
While sometimes knowing in advance can be beneficial, perhaps in envisioning long form character arc and story told, a lot of the best moments and actions come when capable talent are put on the spot and trust their skills and intuition in the moments.
The day of the show provides AMPLE time if a talent requires to verbatim script a promo or “put together a match.” Neither should take long especially if/when a talent is confident in character, work, and ability.
Personally, I prefer to have a direction, then allowed the open canvas to create how I achieve that direction. I know WHO I AM and WHERE I WANT TO GO. I think others should trust themselves to do the same. It’s how good stories are told.
EX: Tonight on NWA POWERRR (6:05) I have a promo segment that I was informed of day of the show. I was given the destination that is taking us. I conversed with the talent involved on their goals and mission and end business for the segment. Then I had 5 hours till it was filmed. I was pleased with how it turned out.
By being present in the moment, you are always prepared for anything.
Continued in a moment have to do something
2) infrastructure is great and required on all facets of a growing business. Infrastructure is more imperative on a BUSINESS END than a CREATIVE END.
True creativity is a collaboration, and talents should be absolutely thankful they have freedom to explore as creatives because before they know it, they will work their asses off to one day maybe get an opportunity to BE A MUTE.
I don’t know what facets of growth are being held up that we would require a bakers dozens of low level Hollywood writers who have never seen wrestling, never been in a fight for anything, or never had an experience in athletic victory/defeat.
If it’s about promotional material or who is “being pushed” it’s not rocket science on who that is, but it’s also a HUGE OPPORTUNITY for a talent who might not be, to put themselves out there, show why they are special, and capture that. Simply by utilizing the team we have, from socials, to peers, a talent can send a promo to the team, get it aired. A talent can try an idea they have, film it, it can air. A talent can EASILY (and this is rare) TALK TO THE BOSS and pitch ideas.
I watched our boss sit and listen to a bunch of promos from extras (who don’t really have a shot), watch a bunch of practice matches from extras (who aren’t TV ready) and offer that to all.
Just because a talent is there, and semi being utilized, doesn’t mean anything is handed. Entitlement and complacency will have them, what, Anonymously bitching to the internet?
Post a seminar I did, I spent hours discussing non contracted talents with WPC so we can provide them legitimate feedback, again, even if they aren’t close to TV ready.
Why? Because we love this and share the same ideals that people deserve opportunity and the truth. I don’t think people understand the rarity of a boss who would put that time in. Took me a long time to find one.
Again, back to creative, I’d prefer one’s overall vision accompanied by a handful of trusted, experienced, smart “wrestling people” to see it through.
Again though, hindsight 20/20 sometimes there can be too much freedom and people do dumb things.
I hope that answer was sufficient.
4) I know only my business, and my business alone as far as contracts and older talent etc. I’m very happy with mine as I get to represent and grow the brand, while also challenge myself with other creative endeavors in wrestling and beyond. While NWA is my home, I can spread our, and my own, brand on multiple fronts.
This industry is a constant test. Being “frustrated by tests” is, just, something I’d never say or complain about (to the internet.) If I am challenged to do something, in lieu of frustrated complaining, I’d channel that frustration to take whatever test I’ve been given, and get better by accepting the challenge. Even if it’s just a “F-U” to the person who put me through it.
It’s not “gaining approval.” It’s showing competency and will. It’s showing you want it. It’s showing you have value. It’s showing you’re worth investing in.
If that’s too much, don’t come. I have countless people reaching out to me daily trying to get in.
And also, as I’ve said to the locker room before, I am ALWAYS AVAILABLE if anyone ever wants to or needs to have a conversation. I don’t know if I’ll be right, but I will give my best effort and opinion in complete confidence.”
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