Sources close to the situation indicate that talks between WCW and FX regarding an additional television program are nearing a resolution. Television insiders report that FX officials are very pleased with Nitro's performance thus far. While the network is not looking to expand its primetime wrestling block, they are reportedly very interested in adding an hour of programming during a late-night weekend slot. Most indicators suggest that the return of WCW Saturday Night is essentially a done deal at this stage. With the likely return of a secondary program, backstage morale has seen a significant boost lately. The prospect of increased television time for the entire roster has led to a much more optimistic atmosphere. It appears that the talent is starting to fully buy into the current creative direction and the stability of the company under the new administration. On the personnel front, former ECW talent Elektra received a tryout prior to Nitro last night. She teamed with fellow ECW alumnus Chris Chetti in a losing effort against Billy Kidman and Torrie Wilson. This fuels ongoing rumors that WCW is looking to officially establish a women's wrestling division. Currently, the company only has three women featured on television, and none of them are considered full-time wrestlers. Ricky Santana has been working extensively with them before shows to improve their in-ring skills, and Torrie Wilson's recent dark match work shows she is being prepared for a larger role. If a division is established, former ECW standout Jazz is said to be a primary target for the office. WCW is reportedly looking to sign women with established wrestling backgrounds to provide a solid foundation for the division, rather than relying solely on valets. In terms of the broader roster, word is that WCW has finalized its internal depth chart and is no longer looking to aggressively sign new talent. The office is reportedly satisfied with the current payroll and believes the current roster is a strong base to build upon. While tryouts will continue and specific "no-brainer" signings may still happen, the company is content to move forward with the talent they currently have under contract. While the main roster expansion has slowed, the company is ramping up its developmental efforts. As reported on WCW.com's News Wire, the Power Plant has officially moved its base of operations to Charlotte, North Carolina. This move was made to keep the training facility closer to the corporate offices. Fit Finlay remains the head trainer, with Ricky Santana also serving as a lead instructor. Now that the move is complete, the Power Plant is once again accepting public applications for those looking to break into the business. Furthermore, there is talk that WCW is looking to secure a partnership with an existing independent promotion to serve as a developmental territory. This would function similarly to the WWF's relationship with Ohio Valley Wrestling and the Heartland Wrestling Association, allowing signed prospects to gain much-needed experience in a controlled environment before being called up to the main roster.

Austin Jenner, long time reader here at TotalExtremeWrestlingNews.com, was in attendance at Nitro last night, and passed along the results to the weekly dark matches that the live crowd gets to see before the show goes live.

Reports from Stabler Arena in Bethlehem had a reported 4,964 fans in attendance at Nitro last night. Ratings saw a spike with 620,966 being the early reported numbers of viewers across the USA on FX with a further 1,153,348 if you add in all international broadcasts. WCW has to be happy with those numbers as its slow, but steady climb seems to continue.

There continues to be some grumblings backstage from talent not feeling they are being given opportunities. The issue was even addressed at a mandatory talent meeting. WCW has been holding talent meetings before every show, but word is Shane McMahon himself addressed the growing rumors talent is frustrated with the lack of TV time going around. Shane assured workers that the office is doing their best to try and steady the ship that is WCW and that it has been purposely been more laser focused on setting up a strong base to build upon. Without major stars to carry the show, the plan has been to establish some of the current WCW talent. McMahon pointed to Kanyon as a specific example as someone who has been very much turned into a star in the eyes of casual fans since the return of WCW. Word is the meeting actually went over well. Some of the reason the meeting went over well is that Shane McMahon has announced WCW intends to both return to producing non-televised live events after Bash at the Beach to give talent more opportunity to work and make money, as well that WCW is intending to establish a second television show in the near future as talks with FX are apparently already under way for a "B-show" Greg Valentine, Jack Bull and female wrestler Kyra were all brought in to the Nitro tapings. Valentine was specifically brought in to put over Corino and further his current storyline, while Bull & Kyra were being given proper tryouts. Word is while neither talent was disappointing, its unlikely either will get a contract in the near future as they both are very green. WCW has continued to overhaul its website, WCW.com and it now has profiles for all active WCW wrestlers.

TEWNews reader, Matthew Massie was in attendence at Nitro and passed on the Dark Match results for matches that happen before cameras role just for the live audience.

WCW Nitro in Irvine, California officially sold out the Donald Bren Events Center with 4,984 fans paying to see the nights action. TV viewing figures coming in are positive with Nitro remaining consistent. 575,092 viewers tuned in across the USA on FX while a total of 1,163,944 viewed Nitro around the globe collectively.

Despite things looking positive for WCW since its relaunch, word is there are some grumblings backstage from disgruntled talent. Though no names were mentioned, sources indicate several wrestlers are upset they have not had the opportunity to be featured prominently on Nitro or involved in major storylines. It seems Shane McMahon and WCW brass are aware of the issues and have advised talent that they intend to provide more opportunities, but they have been focused on establishing the "New WCW" to set the table for the future. Notable talent who have not been featured heavily include Billy Kidman, Torrie Wilson, Johnny B. Badd, and La Parka, though there is no word if these are the specific individuals who complained. Norman Smiley has officially returned to WCW, signing a contract sometime last week. The plan is for Smiley to work the lower card as a recognizable name who can use his years of experience to help younger talent as a player-coach. Most expect Smiley to eventually transition to a Road Agent role, though his plan is to continue wrestling for a few more years. There are plans to continue expanding The Foundation stable. This is seen as a way to bring in talent that has been off-screen, using their absences to build into the storyline naturally. There have also been talks of introducing another group to the WCW roster. While sources say not to expect it immediately, there is talk of an occult-style stable. Names such as Gangrel, Viscera, Mideon, Mikey Whipwreck, Yoshihiro Tajiri, Christopher Daniels, and The Sinister Minister have been floated. It is worth noting that the Gangrel, Viscera, and Mideon names are owned by the WWF, so any debuts would require new names or entirely new gimmicks. The Bash at the Beach card is quickly coming together with three weeks and three Nitro's remaining. Lance Storm vs. BG James for the World Heavyweight Title has been joined by Booker T & Shane McMahon in a tag match against The Foundation's DDP & Kanyon. While not confirmed, it looks like WCW is setting up Steve Corino vs. Curt Hennig and Sean O'Haire vs. Shawn Stasiak. A big match involving 3 Count and Los Dragones, a Tag Team Title defense, and a US Title defense are also likely for the card.

Longtime TotalExtremeWrestlingNews.com forum poster Uhaa was in attendance and passed on the results of the dark matches that happened before the event:

The Independence Day version of Nitro saw a slight uptick in most metrics. Reported attendance at the Columbus Civic Center in Columbus, Georgia, was 6,463, which is above recent events. Ratings saw 606,224 people tuning into FX across the USA, with total world viewership hovering around 1,221,297 at last reported figures. These are great numbers for WCW as it maintains interest and shows an upward trend in overall figures.