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NWA Powerrr
The NWA Powerrr logo
GenreProfessional wrestling
Created byBilly Corgan
David Lagana
Presented byJoe Galli (play-by-play commentator)
Danny Dealz (color commentator)
Opening themeSeasons 1, 2, 4, & 5:
"Into the Fire" by Dokken
Season 3:
"I'm Broken" by Pantera[1]
Seasons 6–15:
"When Our Shadows Fall" by Jeff Schroeder (feat. Michael Angelo Batio)[2][3]
Season 16–17:
"Wyttch" by The Smashing Pumpkins
Season 18:
"In Lieu of Failure" by The Smashing Pumpkins
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons25
No. of episodes243 (list of episodes)
Production
ProducersBilly Corgan
(Owner/President)
Billy Trask
(Director of Television)
Camera setupMulticamera setup
Running time60 minutes
Production companiesLightning One, Inc.
Original release
NetworkYouTube (2019–2020;
2022–2023)
FITE TV (2021–2022)
The CW app (2024)
X (2024–2025)
The Roku Channel (2025–present)
ReleaseOctober 8, 2019 (2019-10-08) –
present

NWA Powerrr is a professional wrestling streaming television program produced by the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) that premiered on October 8, 2019.[4] As of July 29, 2025, the series streams on The Roku Channel in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Powerrr features wrestlers performing in matches and getting interviewed. These elements together create and further the storylines of the NWA while building towards the promotion's events.[5]

History

[edit]
See also: National Wrestling Alliance/Lightning One

On May 1, 2017, Billy Corgan bought the National Wrestling Alliance, including its name, rights, trademarks and championship belts. Full ownership took effect on October 1, 2017.[6] Corgan, Vice President Dave Lagana, and their production team would rebuild the NWA brand, acknowledging its history from its original inception in 1948, while gradually transitioning into a singular entity.[7]

In September 2019, NWA announced tapings for a weekly television show, later revealed to be titled NWA Powerrr.[8] The first tapings were held on September 30 and October 1 at the GPB Studios in Atlanta, Georgia,[9][10][11] which has since been dubbed the "NWA Arena." The series would debut on October 8, 2019 on the NWA's YouTube channel.[8] The program's air time, 6:05 PM, is a call back to the classic World Championship Wrestling show by former NWA member Jim Crockett Promotions that would air at 6:05 PM on Saturdays from the early 1970s until 1992.[12][13] WOAI-TV San Antonio news reporter Joe Galli and longtime pro-wrestling manager/executive Jim Cornette were the initial commentators. Championship Wrestling from Hollywood owner David Marquez serves as an interviewer and ring announcer. Kyle Durden serves as backstage interviewer.

Following the November 19 episode of NWA Powerrr being listed, it was quickly taken down due to remarks by Cornette which some deemed racist.[14][15][16] NWA released a statement the next day stating that Cornette resigned.[17][18] He was subsequently replaced by Stu Bennett who joined Galli on commentary beginning with NWA's December 14 pay-per-view, Into the Fire.

2021–present

[edit]

After the NWA went on a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, television tapings for Powerrr would resume in March 2021 as part of a new distribution agreement with FITE TV.[19][20] On Tuesday, April 13, the NWA debuted a companion series titled Powerrr Surge, which features additional wrestler interviews, unseen matches, and recaps from the previous Powerrr episodes.[21]

On January 5, 2022, the NWA announced that Power would return to YouTube, airing on Fridays after the Tuesday premiere on FITE.[22] In January 2023, Power returned to Tuesday nights on YouTube.[23]

On October 23, it was reported that NWA signed a deal with The CW to air Powerrr on the CW app. Powerrr debuted on the CW app on February 6, 2024.[24]

In February 2024, Powerrr was given the 2023 "Worst Television Show" award by Wrestling Observer Newsletter.[25]

Episodes of Powerrr expired on the CW app on September 30, 2024. The program began what was reported as a five-week run on X with the episode that aired October 1, 2024. Powerrr continued to air on X into mid-2025.[26] On July 29, 2025, Powerrr began streaming for free on The Roku Channel in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, putting it head-to-head against WWE's NXT on Tuesdays, which airs on The CW.[27]

Episodes

[edit]
Main article: List of NWA Powerrr episodes

For its first fifteen seasons, Powerrr focused on storylines leading into then-upcoming pay-per-view events. With the discontinuation of live broadcasts following the show's move to The CW app, the sixteenth season onward would be taped during the NWA's Signature Live Events.

The third season was to culminate with the Crockett Cup, but the event was cancelled due to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.[28]

On-air personalities

[edit]

In addition to the wrestlers (male and female), managers/valets, and referees, the show features various on-air personalities including authority figures, commentators, ring announcers, and backstage interviewers.

Authority figures

[edit]
Authority figures Position Dates Notes
William Patrick Corgan Owner/President October 8, 2019 (2019-10-08) - present NWA's owner and president.

Commentators

[edit]
Commentators Dates Notes
Joe Galli and Jim Cornette October 8, 2019 (2019-10-08) – December 3, 2019 (2019-12-03) Both were interviewers as well. Cornette resigned by the end of the first season.
Joe Galli and Stu Bennett December 15, 2019 (2019-12-15) – August 26, 2020 (2020-08-26) Both are interviewers as well. Barrett signed back with WWE in August thus leaving NWA.
Kyle Davis and Stu Bennett January 21, 2020 (2020-01-21) Davis briefly filled in for Joe Galli.
Joe Galli, Tim Storm, and Velvet Sky March 24, 2021 (2021-03-24) – June 13, 2023 (2023-06-13)
Joe Galli, Madusa, and Velvet Sky February 15, 2022 (2022-02-15) - February 22, 2022 (2022-02-22) Madusa briefly filled in for Storm.
Joe Galli, Austin Idol, and Velvet Sky April 5, 2022 (2022-04-05); July 12, 2022 (2022-07-12) Idol briefly filled in for Storm, who was competing that night.
Joe Galli, William Patrick Corgan, and Velvet Sky May 3, 2022 (2022-05-03) Corgan briefly filled in for Storm.
Joe Galli, Austin Idol, and Tyrus May 17, 2022 (2022-05-17)
Joe Galli, Tim Storm, and Tyrus May 24, 2022 (2022-05-24)
Joe Galli, Tim Storm, and Madusa May 31, 2022 (2022-05-31)
Joe Galli, Tim Storm, and Austin Idol June 7, 2022 (2022-06-07)
Joe Galli, Pat Kenney, and William Patrick Corgan April 11, 2023 (2023-04-11) Special recap show for NWA 312
Joe Galli, Tim Storm, and Danny Dealz April 18, 2023 (2023-04-18) – May 30, 2023 (2023-05-30)
Joe Galli and Tim Storm July 11, 2023 (2023-07-11) – August 22, 2023 (2023-08-22)
Joe Galli and Danny Dealz September 5, 2023 (2023-09-05) – present

Ring announcers

[edit]
Ring announcers Dates Notes
David Marquez October 8, 2019 (2019-10-08) – May 12, 2020 (2020-05-12) Also an interviewer.
Kyle Davis March 24, 2021 (2021-03-24) – present Also an interviewer.

Backstage interviewers

[edit]
Backstage interviewers Dates Notes
Kyle Davis October 8, 2019 (2019-10-08) – present Fills in on commentary when needed.
May Valentine March 24, 2021 (2021-03-24) – present

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

NWA Powerrr

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
NWA Powerrr is a television program produced by the (NWA), functioning as the promotion's primary weekly series featuring scripted matches, storylines, and championship contests. Launched in October 2019 initially on , the show transitioned through various streaming platforms before debuting a new era on the Sports Channel in July 2025, with episodes airing Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. EST, alongside on-demand availability. Under the ownership of since his 2017 acquisition of the NWA—a tracing its roots to —the program emphasizes a traditional wrestling aesthetic, including in-ring action reminiscent of the promotion's territorial era, while supporting affiliated regional territories and major events such as the tournament and anniversary shows. Notable for crowning champions across men's, women's, and divisions, Powerrr has highlighted figures like and Tyrus in world title pursuits, though it has drawn criticism for booking choices, talent departures, and internal incidents including the 2019 dismissals of commentator over offensive remarks and producer David Lagana amid misconduct allegations, contributing to perceptions of inconsistent quality in later seasons.

History

Launch and initial development (2019–2020)

NWA Powerrr premiered on October 8, 2019, as a weekly program streaming exclusively on the National Wrestling Alliance's YouTube channel at 6:05 p.m. ET, evoking the scheduling of classic wrestling broadcasts from the promotion's territorial era. The series was spearheaded by NWA owner , who had acquired the organization in 2017 and aimed to reestablish its brand through a cost-effective, studio-based format emphasizing in-ring action, minimal production flair, and a live audience to foster an authentic, throwback atmosphere. Initial creative direction came from Corgan and executive producer David Lagana, focusing on showcasing NWA championships and building narratives around established titleholders. The first tapings occurred on September 30 and October 1, 2019, at the Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, producing the inaugural episodes that highlighted the NWA World Heavyweight Championship scene with champion defending against challenger in the debut main event. Early roster assembly included veterans like (NWA National Heavyweight Champion), , Eli Drake, and , alongside emerging talents such as Caleb Konley and , to support storylines centered on title pursuits and faction tensions without relying on high-profile crossovers. Commentary duties were handled by Joe Galli and , providing analysis that underscored the promotion's old-school ethos. Into 2020, Powerrr maintained its exclusivity and bi-monthly taping schedule at the GPB Studios, with confirmed sessions on April 20 and 21 amid production adjustments for the , ensuring continuity in episode output while prioritizing a controlled studio environment over live events. This phase advanced initial developments by deepening championship arcs, such as Aldis's reign and challenges from figures like in crossover appearances, while expanding the undercard to include multi-person matches and showcases that tested roster versatility. The format's emphasis on taped segments and ring-focused content allowed for efficient storytelling, drawing modest but dedicated viewership through free accessibility and nostalgic appeal.

Platform transitions and roster expansion (2021–2024)

In early 2021, NWA Powerrr transitioned its primary streaming from to FITE TV, where episodes became available exclusively behind a as part of the NWA All Access subscription service launched in 2022. This move followed distribution challenges on , including limited monetization and algorithmic restrictions, prompting NWA owner to seek more stable revenue models. FITE TV hosted weekly episodes through late 2022, with Powerrr airing Tuesdays and supporting events, though viewer accessibility remained subscription-based. By January 3, 2023, NWA Powerrr returned to free first-run streaming on at its original 6:05 p.m. ET slot, coinciding with the cancellation of the FITE All Access package to prioritize broader reach and reduce barriers for fans. Corgan cited fan feedback and the need for higher visibility as key factors, allowing episodes to premiere live on before on-demand availability. This shift continued through 2023, enabling NWA to experiment with content like tournaments while maintaining production taped in Nashville. In January 2024, NWA announced Powerrr's move to app, with new episodes streaming Tuesdays starting February 6, marking a for wider U.S. distribution until 2024. Parallel to these platform changes, NWA expanded its roster through exclusive signings and the revival of its territory system in 2023, integrating wrestlers from affiliates like Exodus Pro Wrestling to deepen talent pools and feature inter-promotional crossovers on Powerrr. Notable additions included "Magic" Jake Dumas in 2024 and The Slimeballz (Chantz and Rant) in July 2024, bolstering factions and undercard depth amid efforts to sustain weekly programming across shifting platforms. This growth emphasized independent and regional talent, with over a dozen exclusive contracts secured by mid-2024 to support storylines and title pursuits.

Roku streaming era and ongoing revival (2025–present)

In July 2025, NWA Powerrr transitioned to free streaming on , debuting on July 29 with the opening round of the 2025 tournament. This shift followed a brief period on X earlier in the year, positioning as the primary platform for live episodes airing Tuesdays at 8:00 PM ET on the Roku Sports Channel, with on-demand access immediately after. The move expanded availability to users in the United States, , and select international markets without subscription fees, aiming to broaden audience reach amid prior platform limitations. The Roku era emphasized revival through consistent weekly programming tied to live events, including title defenses and storyline advancements. Episodes from late July onward covered progression, culminating in finals at NWA Into the Fire on September 7, 2025, and subsequent arcs like the NWA 77 kickoff featuring high-stakes matches. By October 2025, Powerrr maintained a schedule of taped segments from events such as Part III on October 17, with tapings announced for December 13, 2025, signaling sustained production under NWA ownership. This phase has been framed by NWA leadership as a "new era," leveraging Roku's on-demand features for 24/7 access to revive interest in core territories-style wrestling narratives and roster depth, including competitors like "Thrillbilly" Silas Mason and Carson Drake. Ongoing episodes through October 21, 2025, integrated championship pursuits, such as defenses of the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Title, amid a roster of approximately 50 active wrestlers divided across singles, tag, and women's divisions. The format preserved Powerrr's signature 30-45 minute runtime focused on in-ring action and minimal production, fostering incremental viewership growth via Roku's integrated ecosystem.

Production and format

Taping process and scheduling

NWA Powerrr episodes are pre-recorded during periodic live taping events, where multiple matches, promos, and segments are filmed in a single session before being edited into standalone one-hour programs for weekly broadcast. These tapings typically feature a live audience and are structured to produce several episodes at once, allowing the to sustain consistent output despite production occurring in batches rather than weekly. Tapings have been held at various venues since the show's inception, with an initial focus on studios like GPB Studios in , Georgia, for early episodes. In September 2024, NWA President announced that all future Powerrr tapings would occur exclusively at WEDU-PBS Studios in , marking a shift to a dedicated production hub for the series. This arrangement facilitates efficient filming, including events tied to major NWA milestones, such as the September 5, 2025, taping at WEDU Studios capturing fallout from the NWA 77th Anniversary show. Scheduling for tapings is event-driven and announced in advance via NWA promotions, often aligning with aftermaths or standalone specials, with examples including a double TV taping on December 13, 2025, in Tampa and additional sessions in February 2025. In contrast, the airing schedule remains fixed: new episodes premiere every Tuesday at 8:00 PM ET on the Sports Channel, followed by replays at 11:00 PM ET and on afternoons, ensuring accessibility without live-to-air production. These events are open to ticketed fans, positioning them as interactive pro-wrestling experiences beyond mere filming.

Broadcasting history and distribution changes

NWA Powerrr premiered on October 8, 2019, with weekly episodes initially distributed via the National Wrestling Alliance's YouTube channel, establishing a free-to-view model that built toward pay-per-view events. The series entered a production hiatus after the May 12, 2020 episode due to the COVID-19 pandemic, suspending new content until March 2021. Upon resumption on March 23, 2021, episodes shifted to FITE TV as the primary streaming platform, requiring a subscription for access while replays later appeared on YouTube. In January 2023, the NWA discontinued its FITE TV All Access package and reinstated as the first-run home for Powerrr, aiming to broaden accessibility and grow viewership through the platform's algorithm and free availability; FITE retained exclusivity for pay-per-views. This reversion addressed reported challenges with FITE's subscription retention, as articulated by NWA owner , who emphasized returning to a model that prioritized organic audience expansion over paid walls. By mid-2025, distribution evolved again to The Roku Channel under an exclusive North American streaming agreement announced in June 2025, with new episodes airing free on the Roku Sports Channel (channel 210) every Tuesday at 8:00 PM ET starting July 29, 2025, in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Replays followed at 11:00 PM ET, and on-demand access became available 24/7 via the platform, marking a shift to ad-supported FAST (free ad-supported streaming television) distribution to leverage Roku's growing user base of over 80 million active accounts. This move coincided with the launch of Wrestling Central, a dedicated FAST channel on Roku featuring NWA content alongside Women of Wrestling programming.

On-air personnel

Commentators and announcers

Joe Galli has been the lead play-by-play commentator for NWA Powerrr since its debut episode on October 8, 2019. He initially partnered with Jim Cornette on color commentary, providing analysis during the first three episodes taped in Atlanta, Georgia. Cornette resigned effective November 20, 2019, after making racially insensitive remarks during the November 19 taping, prompting an immediate statement from the NWA. Following Cornette's departure, Stu Bennett (formerly in ) assumed color commentary duties in early 2020, teaming with Galli for several episodes, including the January 21 taping. Kyle Davis, also known as Kyle Durden, served as and occasional backstage interviewer during this period, handling match introductions and promotions. By March 2021, the commentary booth stabilized with on play-by-play, joined by —a former NWA World Heavyweight Champion—and , a retired wrestler providing color insights, a lineup that has largely persisted through 2025 amid occasional guest appearances. Variations included short stints with and Tyrus in May 2022, and Danny Dealz contributing color analysis in select 2023 episodes. , who also holds the role of NWA Chief Operating Officer, continues to anchor broadcasts on platforms like as of October 2025. Ring announcing duties have primarily fallen to Davis/Durden, with David Marquez occasionally filling in as interviewer or announcer during live events and tapings. This structure emphasizes Galli's consistent presence for continuity, supplemented by wrestlers-turned-analysts to leverage insider perspectives on matches and storylines.

Authority figures, ring announcers, and interviewers

William Patrick Corgan serves as the primary on-screen authority figure for NWA Powerrr, functioning in his role as NWA president to intervene in storylines and announce matches. David Marquez acted as the from the show's debut on October 8, 2019, until May 12, 2020, while also handling interview duties. Kyle Davis assumed the role of starting March 24, 2021, and continues in the position as of November 2024, occasionally participating in matches alongside his announcing responsibilities. Backstage interviewers have included Joe Galli in the initial episodes alongside his commentary work. May Valentine emerged as a key interviewer from 2020 onward, conducting segments such as "Heart 2 Heart" and appearing in episodes as late as November 2024. David Marquez also performed interviews during his early tenure, while Kyle Davis has filled the role intermittently.

Storylines and championships

Major title defenses and tournaments

The Crockett Cup, an annual tournament revived by the NWA in 2019, has been prominently featured across multiple episodes of NWA Powerrr, with matches from the event taped and aired as key programming highlights. The 2025 edition, held as a one-night knockout tournament on May 17 at the in , advanced teams including The Immortals (Kratos and Odinson), The , The Slimeballz, and The Colóns () through quarterfinals and semifinals broadcast on Powerrr. In the finals aired on the September 9, 2025 episode, The Immortals defeated The Colóns to claim the Cup, earning a future opportunity. The NWA Champions Series, a multi-week competition format involving drafted teams vying for supremacy across divisions, debuted on Powerrr in with an open draft episode on July 20, establishing brackets for singles, tag, and women's contenders. It returned in late 2022, featuring teams captained by figures such as The Great Cyon, Kamille, of The Fixers, and May Valentine under "Team Gold," with matches determining interim title shots and culminating in cross-promotional clashes. The Dane Memorial Tournament, introduced in 2025 to honor the late Jax Dane, commenced airing on Powerrr episodes in March, structuring singles competition to crown a new contender for secondary titles amid ongoing storylines. NWA Powerrr has showcased several high-profile defenses of the promotion's flagship championships, often headlining episodes from live tapings. On the September 9, 2025 episode coinciding with Crockett Cup finals coverage, NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Thom Latimer retained in a triple threat match against Rhino and Colby Corino, solidifying his reign amid interference attempts. NWA World Junior Heavyweight Champion Alex Taylor defended successfully against Rich Swann on the October 21, 2025 episode, escaping via pinfall after a competitive bout that highlighted Swann's prior No. 1 contender victory. Bryan Idol made his first NWA World Television Championship defense on September 23, 2025, defeating Daisy Kill in the main event to extend the title's lineage on the program. Earlier defenses included NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Tyrus retaining against Rolando Freeman on a February 14 episode, part of a series emphasizing the belt's defenses during weekly tapings.

Key rivalries and narrative arcs

One prominent narrative arc in NWA Powerrr centered on Nick Aldis's extended tenure as NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion, beginning with his victory over Cody Rhodes on October 21, 2018, at the NWA 70th Anniversary Show, which set the stage for defenses showcased on the program. Aldis positioned himself as a traditional champion emphasizing the title's prestige, engaging in rivalries that highlighted technical prowess and storyline tension, such as his televised clash with Mike Bennett on May 6, 2022, where Aldis retained via submission after countering Bennett's power-based offense. This arc included the "Race to the Chase" tournament in 2022, designed to determine top contenders and build momentum toward pay-per-view events, featuring Aldis overseeing qualifiers that underscored themes of legacy and opportunism. The transition to Trevor Murdoch's championship reign marked a shift toward gritty, underdog narratives following his defeat of Aldis on August 29, 2021, at the , with Powerrr episodes depicting Murdoch's defenses against established threats like Chris Adonis for the in no-disqualification bouts. Murdoch's arc emphasized resilience, including alliances with figures like against factions such as The End, culminating in high-stakes encounters that tested his hold on the title until interference altered the landscape. Tyrus's controversial ascension to the championship on December 12, 2021, at NWA Hard Times via a run-in over initiated a polarizing reign characterized by dominance and criticism for limited in-ring activity, with Powerrr segments focusing on his alliances and defenses against challengers like EC3, who portrayed an "OverMan" philosophy of self-mastery. This feud escalated through multi-month buildups, including Tyrus's retention attempts amid accusations of stagnation, lasting over 400 days until EC3's triumph, highlighting tensions between physical intimidation and . EC3's subsequent title run, framed around his "Essential Character" ethos, featured defenses on Powerrr such as his November 19, 2023, victory over the towering via lariats and submissions, reinforcing narratives of overcoming odds. This arc peaked in a rivalry with , evolving from alliance fractures to a steel cage confrontation announced for early 2025, where Latimer captured the title on October 1, 2024, at the NWA 76th Anniversary Show after exploiting EC3's overconfidence. Tag division arcs provided parallel depth, including the Immortals (Kratos and Odinson) renewing hostilities with teams like Daisy Kill and in March 2025 episodes, emphasizing faction loyalty and brute force exchanges. Women's storylines featured repeated challenges to champions like Natalia Markova's pursuits of the NWA Women's , often falling short in multi-opponent scenarios that built frustration and rematch stipulations. These elements collectively drove Powerrr's focus on championship pursuits intertwined with personal vendettas, maintaining a roster-centric approach amid production shifts.

Reception and legacy

Critical reviews and audience feedback

NWA Powerrr has received mixed critical reviews, with praise often centered on its in-ring wrestling quality and nostalgic studio , though some commentators have critiqued its production values and pacing. Episode-specific analyses from wrestling outlets like WrestleRant frequently highlight strong matches and narrative progression, such as thumbs-up ratings for episodes featuring competitive bouts involving wrestlers like T.J. Swann and EC3, emphasizing unpredictability and crowd engagement. Slam Wrestling reviews have described episodes as "fun" with purposeful booking, contrasting it favorably against shows lacking coherent storytelling. Aggregated user ratings reflect moderate approval, with scoring the series at 7.4 out of 10 based on 159 reviews, commending the digestible one-hour format and solid underlying storylines. On platforms like Cagematch.net, individual episodes garner ratings from 6.0 to 9.0, with users noting technical skill in matches and intriguing twists, though some criticize slower starts. Wrestling Headlines reviews acknowledge high-quality tag team contests but point to recurring issues with overall episode structure. Audience feedback mirrors this divide, with initial enthusiasm for the retro aesthetic giving way to concerns over declining energy and attendance. Early YouTube episodes drew strong numbers, including 144,000 views for the premiere and an average of 259,000 per episode in the first weeks, per data. Viewership later averaged 223,000 after key personnel changes, indicating sustained but modest interest amid competition from larger promotions. Fan discussions on forums praise the old-school vibe and wrestler crossovers, yet criticize sparse studio crowds—often as few as five or six attendees—and perceive the product as outdated or low-effort compared to mainstream alternatives. sentiment includes positive nods to its accessibility on platforms like , but broader reception highlights challenges in building a loyal base beyond niche wrestling enthusiasts.

Impact on NWA and professional wrestling

NWA Powerrr, debuting on October 8, 2019, under Billy Corgan's ownership of the since 2017, facilitated the promotion's resurgence from relative obscurity by delivering weekly episodes that highlighted its championships and roster in a format reminiscent of historical studio wrestling. This platform enabled regular defenses of titles like the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, previously defended sporadically, and attracted veterans such as , who held the title from 2018 to 2021, thereby restoring some prestige to NWA's lineage. The show's emphasis on straightforward , squash matches, and a no-frills presentation differentiated it from flashier competitors, appealing to audiences nostalgic for the territory era and providing an alternative voice in an industry dominated by and AEW. For the NWA, Powerrr underpinned expansions like live events, including the pay-per-view in March 2021, which drew over 1,000 attendees and marked a shift toward in-person promotion after restrictions. Despite these gains, Powerrr's influence on the broader landscape proved modest, with YouTube viewership averaging approximately 25,000 per episode—far below mainstream shows—and failing to significantly alter talent pipelines or viewer habits in an era of consolidated media deals. Initiatives like the 2023 territory system revival, involving affiliates such as Exodus Pro Wrestling, extended Powerrr's model but encountered execution hurdles, including inconsistent booking and limited crossover appeal, underscoring NWA's niche positioning rather than transformative impact.

Controversies

Jim Cornette's resignation and remarks

On the November 19, , episode of NWA Powerrr, color commentator , while discussing the toughness of wrestler during his match against NWA World Heavyweight Champion , made an on-air remark referencing the Ethiopian famine and a "bucket of chicken," suggesting that starving would eagerly consume it. The comment drew immediate backlash for invoking ethnic stereotypes, though Cornette later characterized it as a reference to famine-induced desperation rather than race. The responded by temporarily removing the episode from , editing out the segment, and re-uploading it. On November 20, 2019, NWA issued a statement announcing 's effective immediately, stating that his remarks contradicted the promotion's core values and message. had joined the commentary team for NWA Powerrr in October 2019 alongside play-by-play announcer Joe Galli, contributing to the show's revival under NWA owner . In subsequent comments on his The Jim Experience on November 22, 2019, defended the intent of his remark as a hyperbolic of hardship tied to the Ethiopian crisis publicized globally in the , denying racial animus and noting that "" was not meant to evoke stereotypes. He criticized NWA's production process for failing to flag the comment pre-air despite live monitoring, questioned the promotion's commitment to traditional wrestling values, and expressed indifference to the fallout, stating he had participated largely as a favor without significant compensation. further remarked that the incident highlighted broader cultural sensitivities in modern wrestling commentary, where historical references risked misinterpretation regardless of context.

Production and content disputes

In June 2020, David Lagana, vice president of the and primary creative force behind NWA Powerrr's production and video packages, resigned following allegations of leveled against him by professional wrestler Liz Savage. Savage claimed Lagana assaulted her after she relocated to at his repeated urging, with the incident occurring during their friendship. The NWA accepted his the day after the public accusation on June 18, 2020, and temporarily halted production of Powerrr to restructure management. Lagana denied the allegations in a subsequent statement, asserting they were unfounded as part of the broader #SpeakingOut movement in wrestling. A controversial segment aired during the on October 28, 2023, depicted manager and associates simulating cocaine use by snorting white powder from surfaces, which drew widespread backlash and complaints. The scene, reportedly pushed by NWA owner , was intended as edgy content but raised concerns over its suitability for broadcast television, potentially jeopardizing negotiations to air Powerrr on network after its run. Corgan later clarified the powder was fake, emphasizing no actual drugs were used, while wrestling veteran criticized the booking as "stupid" and reflective of poor judgment in content decisions. The incident highlighted tensions between the promotion's desire for provocative storytelling and the constraints of mainstream distribution deals. Reports in November 2023 indicated financial strain leading to planned reductions in Powerrr's production budget and roster size, with upcoming tapings described as "bare bones" and talent travel costs curtailed, such as eliminating pre-taping hotel stays. Sources attributed the measures to low revenue from events like , which reportedly sold fewer than 300 buys, exacerbating ongoing backstage frustrations with Corgan's leadership and personal funding of multimillion-dollar losses. Corgan refuted the claims of imminent cuts, stating NWA finances were stable and no such reductions were planned, though talent like EC3 acknowledged internal challenges without confirming widespread discontent. These developments underscored disputes over and in producing weekly episodes amid declining viewership and sponsorship.

References

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  17. https://www.trillertv.com/article/nwa-all-access-on-fite-launches-with-more-value-for-wrestling-fans/
  18. https://411mania.com/wrestling/billy-corgan-explains-moving-nwa-powerrr-off-of-fite-tv/
  19. https://www.cagesideseats.com/2023/1/4/23538745/nwa-fite-youtube-change-powerrr-ppv
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  21. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/nwa-powerrr-returning-youtube-beginning-163802232.html
  22. https://www.cagesideseats.com/2024/6/26/24186687/nwa-recent-expansion-inter-promotional-trend-ftw-wrestling-tna
  23. https://www.ewrestlingnews.com/news/wrestling-news/jake-dumas-signs-exclusive-contract-with-the-nwa
  24. https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/nwa-signs-slimeballz-exclusive-contracts/
  25. https://lastwordonsports.com/prowrestling/2024/07/02/nwa-inks-new-deals-for-young-stars/
  26. https://therokuchannel.roku.com/details/2b82b421a9f90e7330237dffafd58f31/nwa-powerrr/season-24
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  33. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt38351326/
  34. https://www.thesmackdownhotel.com/roster/?promotion=nwa&date=2025
  35. https://www.facebook.com/groups/297170194907943/posts/1474418333849784/
  36. https://411mania.com/wrestling/nwa-announces-tv-tapings-tampa-february/
  37. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/NWA_Powerrr
  38. https://wrestlingheadlines.com/nwa-changing-studios-for-weekly-nwa-powerrr-series-details-on-new-venue-hosting-the-show/
  39. http://globalforceentertainment.com/2025/08/23/nwa-announces-powerrr-television-taping-for-september-5-in-tampa/
  40. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nwa-powerrr-tapings-wedu-pbs-studios-friday-sept-5th-2025-tickets-1481482075769
  41. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11043554/
  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EONU7uUf2-E
  43. https://sports.yahoo.com/article/national-wrestling-alliance-lands-streaming-134943025.html
  44. https://variety.com/2025/film/global/paramount-global-content-distribution-nwa-roku-1236399979/
  45. https://wrestlingrecaps.com/2019/10/10/nwa-powerrr-10-8-2019/
  46. https://www.si.com/wrestling/2019/11/20/jim-cornette-nwa-powerrr-resignation-racist-joke
  47. https://variety.com/2019/digital/news/jim-cornette-nwa-power-1203410568/
  48. https://twitter.com/nwa/status/1197167033974218759
  49. https://thepopbreak.com/2020/01/29/nwa-powerrr-episode-16-dealer-vs-villain-review/
  50. https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2020/01/28/1-21-nwa-power-tv-report-nick-aldis-vs-ricky-morton-thunder-rosa-vs-tasha-steelz-trevor-murdoch-vs-tom-latimer-marti-belle-vs-allysin-kay-last-chance-gauntlet/
  51. https://slamwrestling.net/report/nwa-powerrr-team-war-wages-on/
  52. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11043554/fullcredits/
  53. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2025/07/25/joe-galli-talks-about-nwas-debut-on-roku-opening-doors/
  54. https://www.soundspheremag.com/spotlight/billy-corgan-on-nwas-success-his-legacy-in-wrestling/
  55. https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1227098-david-marquez-wont-appear-on-nwa-powerrr-i-wasnt-invited-back
  56. https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2021/03/david-marquez-reveals-he-will-not-be-returning-to-work-on-nwa-power/
  57. https://x.com/nwa/status/1856774033699668128
  58. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5RpYJxvbqn/
  59. https://www.wrestlingattitude.com/2024/11/the-colons-to-make-nwa-in-ring-debut-on-11-19-episode-of-powerrr.html
  60. https://www.nationalwrestlingalliance.com/news/2025-crockett-cup-comes-to-phillys-2300-arena-may-17
  61. https://www.nationalwrestlingalliance.com/post/nwa-powerrr-september-9th-recap-the-immortals-take-home-the-2025-nwa-crockett-cup
  62. https://slamwrestling.net/report/nwa-powerrr-championships-and-the-crockett-cup-results-in-philadelphia/
  63. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2022/12/07/the-champion-series-returns-on-this-nwa-powerrr/
  64. https://slamwrestling.net/index.php/2025/03/12/nwa-powerrr-the-start-of-the-dane-memorial-tournament/
  65. https://www.nationalwrestlingalliance.com/post/nwa-powerrr-october-21st-recap-alex-taylor-retains-in-a-huge-title-defense-against-rich-swann-the
  66. https://www.nationalwrestlingalliance.com/post/nwa-powerrr-september-30th-recap-a-new-1-contender-for-the-world-junior-heavyweight-title-is-decid
  67. https://www.nationalwrestlingalliance.com/post/nwa-powerrr-september-23rd-recap-bryan-idol-defends-the-nwa-tv-title-alex-taylor-extends-his-lengt
  68. https://prowrestling.fandom.com/wiki/NWA_World_Heavyweight_Championship/Title_matches
  69. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZFJeoMLzSY
  70. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuUK4IxbsIs
  71. https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=692&page=4
  72. https://prowrestlingtranscriptions.com/2021/11/24/nwa-powerrr-results-11-23-21-trevor-murdoch-crimson-vs-jax-dane-jeremiah-plunkett/
  73. https://www.wrestlecrap.com/inductions/tyrus-vs-ec3/
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  109. https://wrestlepurists.com/nwa-reportedly-expected-to-make-roster-production-cuts/
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