Billy Corgan: Tyrus' FOX News Role "Not the Core" Of NWA World Title Push

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NWA President Billy Corgan has again refuted the notion that Tyrus' affiliation with FOX News impacted his decision to push him as NWA World's Champion.

Tyrus captured the gold at NWA Hard Times 3 in November of last year, dethroning Trevor Murdoch in a triple-threat match that included Matt Cardona. It wouldn't be until February that Tyrus would make his first title defense, retaining against Cardona thanks to an assist from Bully Ray.

With Tyrus not being a regular competitor in the NWA, many were dubious over Corgan's decision to make him the World Champion. Instead, it is believed that Tyrus's role with FOX News led to his push, as he makes regular appearances on FOX programming, often with the championship.

Corgan has repeatedly refuted the notion that the decision to make Tyrus NWA World Champion has anything to do with his work with FOX. Speaking to TV Insider, the Smashing Pumpkins again stated that his booking decision was not influenced by the notion of the NWA World's Championship appearing on FOX News.

"It was not the core of my decision to put the title on him strictly because of the marketing of that title on television [on Fox News]. He did that on his own."

In the interview, Corgan added that Tyrus is "certainly no stranger to controversy," possibly alluding to the sexual harassment accusation leveled at the former WWE Superstar in June 2019. A lawsuit by FOX co-host Britt McHenry was later withdrawn by McHenry and settled out of court and Tyrus was moved to presenting his own show 'Nuff Said.

Tyrus will defend the NWA World's Heavyweight Championship against EC3 at this weekend's NWA 75th Anniversary event. EC3 received a title shot after choosing to vacate the NWA National Heavyweight Championship. Tyrus has vowed to retire if he loses the title at NWA 75.