Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan takes full-time wrestling job

The musician will write storylines and characters for 'Impact Wrestling', a weekly show on US network Destination America

In one of the strangest career moves the music industry has seen in some time, Smashing Pumpkins singer Billy Corgan has announced he is going into professional wrestling.

But the singer will not be taking part in the ring - instead he will be writing characters and storylines for "Impact Wrestling", a weekly show on US network Destination America.

Corgan, whose new title is Senior Producer, Creative and Talent Development, has confirmed his role with TNA Wrestling will be full-time.

In a statement, he wrote: “Saying I'm humbled and honoured by this opportunity to be part of TNA, a world-class wrestling organization, is an understatement and a dream come true. What's great is the entire TNA organization stands in full support of my music life with the Smashing Pumpkins.

“In return, I'm fully committed to using my 30 years of entertainment experience, along with my deep-rooted passion for pro wrestling, to take on the thrilling challenge of creatively contributing to IMPACT WRESTLING, finding and developing new talent, and working eye-to-eye with the best-of-the-best.

“For as cultures currently evolve at great speed, so must pro wrestling meet and supersede such expectations to thrive.”

Corgan has a long-standing interest in pro wrestling, having helped to launch Resistance Pro, a pro wrestling company based in his hometown Chicago.

An unscripted series about the musician’s Resitance Pro was in development with AMC, but Corgan has since left the company.