The June/July 2024 issue of *NWA Official Wrestling Magazine,* featuring new National Heavyweight Champion Thom Latimer on the cover, is now available online to read and download free.

Wrestling With ‘Reality’

Never in its near-76 year history have fans truly gone behind-the-scenes of the National Wrestling Alliance. Now Billy Corgan’s Adventures in Carnyland pulls the curtain back on the oldest, continuously-running wrestling company in the United States.

The new reality series gives audiences previously undocumented insight into the machinations of the NWA, its business and stars. Very real ego clashes and the scripted on-air conflicts of NWA play out in equal parts over eight binge-worthy episodes.

Even for someone close to the NWA, the series captivates. For fans, it should be particularly intriguing.

William Patrick Corgan — the titular ‘Billy' — uncovers elements of the company’s direction most never see. In fact, even many insiders seldom if ever hear the NWA President explain his creative thought process in such detail.

Nor have audiences seen the NWA stars so emotionally vulnerable. Larger-than-life personas in the ring, individuals — specifically Women’s World Champion Kenzie Paige and new National champion Thom Latimer — share extremely real, often humbling facets of their personal lives.

The culmination of the series is quite clearly Billy’s nuptials with stunning long-time partner Chloe Mendel. However, the show frequently hinges on the future bride’s strong opinions about wrestling and some key figures within the NWA. It’s salacious drama at minimum.

In the near-year since filming, much has changed within the NWA. Some elements of the series are clearly paying off — like growing audiences attending NWA Signature Live Events including the sold-out May 18, 2024 ‘Crockett Cup.’ Whether that's the direct result of decisions by polarizing superstar Bryan Idol or not, who can say.

Perhaps more will be revealed on a second season, should one emerge. As a fan of Season 1, I would love to dive deeper into the tantalizing real lives of those whose on-air personas make the National Wrestling Alliance so captivating!

Warmest Regards,
Paul E. Pratt
Editor-in-Chief, NWA Official Wrestling