Pro wrestling tour screens for concussions

CHICAGO, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Smashing Pumpkins front man Billy Corgan says the new pro wrestling league he helped form is more about preventing concussions than inflicting them.

Corgan and a group called the Baron Brothers this weekend debuted Resistance Pro, a fledgling enterprise that includes regular screenings of its competitors for head injuries.

ESPN said Resistance Pro is working with the Sports Legacy Institute, which was founded by Chris Nowinski, an author and friend of Corgan who retired from the ring due a concussion.

"I said to Chris, 'What if we become the first wrestling company to work with SLI to make concussion safety part of our protocol?" Corgan said. "Injuries are nothing to be ashamed about. They happen, but you have to support the talent and not just look the other way."

Resistance Pro premiered Friday with a show in Chicago that featured 22 individual wrestlers.