NWA returns to its roots as Tampa becomes home base for new era of wrestling

Tampas connection to professional wrestling runs deep, stretching back to the 1950s when the city became a major hub for Championship Wrestling from Florida.

Legends such as Hulk Hogan, Dusty Rhodes, Eddie Graham, the Briscoe brothers, and many others helped build the Bay Area into one of the most influential regions in wrestling history. Today, that tradition continues as the National Wrestling Alliance brings its television tapings back to Tampa.

At WEDU Studios, the ring is in place, chairs are set, and cameras are rolling as the new stars of the NWA prepare for their matches.

Its caffeine and a circus, wrestler JR Kratos joked backstage as performers went through last-minute plans.

The circus ringmaster is a familiar face to music fans. Billy Corgan, the frontman of the Smashing Pu