Billy Corgan assumed full control of NWA in 2017. The Smashing Pumpkins’ frontman revamped the promotion’s presentation to give it an old-school look. Corgan also introduced a weekly YouTube show, NWA Powerrr, in 2019.
Under Corgan’s leadership, NWA delivered quality pay-per-view events. The in-ring aspect became the center point of the promotion. Stars such as Nick Aldis, Thunder Rosa, and Trevor Murdoch emerged as the most consistent performers of the NWA under Corgan.
Having said that, let’s take a look at some of the best NWA PPV matches under Billy Corgan:
Kamille vs. Natalia Markova (NWA World Women’s Title Match – Crockett Cup 2023)
Kamille and Natalia Markova had a great match on NWA Powerrr in the lead-up to Crockett Cup 2023. The match ended in a time-limit draw, but the outcome was enough for the Russian Crush to get a shot at the champion.
This match took place at the tail-end of Kamille’s 800+ title run. Most fans predicted Markova to dethrone the Brickhouse for the title at Crockett Cup 2023. However, their hopes were shattered as the champion retained her title after an excellent match.
Ricky Starks vs. Trevor Murdoch (Hard Times 2020)
The matches leading up to the NWA North American Championship finals were excellent. The final match and the main event of Hard Times saw Ricky Starks and Trevor Murdoch square off against each other.
The Absolute One held his own against the hard-as-nails Murdoch. Both men showed pure wrestling from bell to bell. In the end, Starks finally got his moment by defeating Murdoch for the title in one of the best NWA PPV matches.
Crimson Vs. Thom Latimer Vs. Tim Storm (NWA 73rd Anniversary Show)
Billy Corgan introduced the “Brawl in the Lou” stipulation for his three-way match-up. For those wondering, it’s National Wrestling Alliances’ version of a No Disqualification match-up. Fans had no idea of the violence that would befall the arena.
All three men went to war with each other in this match. Latimer showed extreme courage when he dived from the top of the ladder onto Tim Storm, who was placed on a steel barricade. Crimson also brought madness inside the ring in the form of foreign objects.
Thunder Rosa vs. Allysin Kay (NWA World Women’s Title Match – Hard Times 2020)
Two formidable competitors locked their eyes on each other as Thunder Rosa and Allysin Kay met for the NWA World Women’s Title Match at Hard Times 2020. This was a watershed moment for the women’s division in Billy Corgan’s promotion.
Rosa showcased some excellent submission work in this match. Allysin Kay held her own with a series of stiff strikes and moves. In the end, Rosa finally put away her opponent to win the world women’s title.
Cody Rhodes vs. Nick Aldis (Two Out Of Three Falls World Title Match – NWA 70th Anniversary Show)
Remember the moment when Cody Rhodes dethroned Nick Aldis for the NWA World’s Heavyweight Championship? Well, this bout served as a rematch to the contest from the All In PPV event in 2018.
The two men met for the 10 Pounds of Gold at NWA’s 70th Anniversary Show. The rematch lived up to its expectations and led to Aldis kicking off his iconic 1000+ day run with the title. It remains to be seen if both men will ever square off in WWE somewhere down the line.
Honorable Mentions
- Pope vs. Thom Latimer (NWA Back for the Attack 2021)
- James Storm vs. Nick Aldis (Into the Fire 2021)
- Chelsea Green vs. Kamille (73rd Anniversary Show)
- Nick Aldis vs. Trevor Murdoch (NWA – When Our Shadows Fall 2021)
Also read: Nick Aldis Intends To Be The Best General Manager WWE Has Ever Seen
