NWA

NWA most commonly refers to the National Wrestling Alliance, a professional wrestling governing body formed in 1948 as a loose coalition of regional promotions. Its purpose was to coordinate schedules, regulate talent movement, and recognize a single World Heavyweight Champion whose title could be defended across member promotions.

The alliance operated within the territory system that dominated American professional wrestling for several decades, with member promotions holding regional influence. The NWA promoted a practical structure in which the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship served as the recognized top title across the member promotions, with the champion regularly appearing in various territories. Notable early members included Capitol Wrestling Corporation (the forerunner of WWE), Jim Crockett Promotions, and Championship Wrestling from Florida. The system helped standardize rules and create cross-promotional exposure, contributing to the sport’s growth in the mid-20th century.

In the 1980s, the rise of national and multimedia promotions eroded the traditional territory framework, and the NWA’s prominence declined. Jim Crockett Promotions was sold to Ted Turner and became World Championship Wrestling (WCW), which eventually ceased to be affiliated with the NWA. The organization continued to exist in a diminished form into the late 20th century and underwent revival efforts in the 2010s.

In 2017, musician and entrepreneur Billy Corgan acquired control of the NWA and led a revival that included a new studio-style program, NWA Power, and renewed production of championships and events. The NWA continues to operate as a lineage-based wrestling organization with its own championships and events, seeking to preserve historical aspects of the NWA brand.

NWA may also refer to other organizations, such as the National Weather Association, a professional group for meteorologists.