The Smashing Pumpkins' frontman Billy Corgan is embarking on an exciting new career move: reality television. The singer's upcoming show, Billy Corgan's Adventures in Carnyland, will focus on Corgan's experience with his wrestling career.
Corgan has a lengthy history in the world of wrestling, working as a promoter for the sport since 2011. He was the president of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, where he "developed characters and created storylines" in 2015. He remained in the role for one year before leaving, accusing the company of not paying him on time. In 2017, Corgan purchased the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA.)
"With NWA, there's honesty, integrity, and a different level of swagger, because it's coming from the underground. It's similar to rock 'n' roll in this respect," said Corgan of his organization.
Ian Roumain and Brian Volk-Weis will direct the eight-episode series, which will be available on The CW Channel, the CW app and cwtv.com. The show, produced by the Nacelle Company and Lightning One Inc., will feature Corgan's family, including his wife, Chloe Mendel. The two have been together since 2012. They share two children, Philomena and Augustus.
Mendel expressed her excitement for the show, saying that she is "Thrilled to share an inside look into our family's wild life through the world of wrestling and rock n' roll."
Corgan described his experience "rebuilding the historic NWA brand" as something that is both "an honor and a challenge." He added that "[Billy Corgan's Adventures in Carnyland] opens the doors wide, so to speak."
"To reveal the glory and the grit needed to thrive in a winner-take-all sport. It's not always pretty, but I'm proud of what we have accomplished thus far," he stated.
Corgan's team announced the upcoming show through a press release, writing that when the star isn't "churning out albums and touring the world with his legendary band, The Smashing Pumpkins," he is "wrestling promoter who owns the storied National Wrestling Alliance, which he intends to restore to its former glory."
The press release continues, detailing that Corgan isn't only a rockstar and promoter, but also a "father of two AND he's planning a wedding to his longtime partner, Chloe." The release asks: "Can he possibly keep all these balls in the air? Tune in to the Billy Corgan's Adventures in Carnyland to find out!"
Corgan's show isn't the only NWA-owned program set to hit the CW channel, with several of the organization's other shows streaming on the network, including its flagship show, Powerr.
Outside of this exciting new venture, Corgan and the Smashing Pumpkins are set to take on a headlining tour in Europe with Weezer. The band will then join Green Day on tour in the United States as a supporting act. Corgan is also working on a podcast that will premiere on Bill Maher's new podcast network.
Billy Corgan's Adventures in Carnyland will debut Tuesday, May 14.
