January 2002 News Archive

WCW Nitro returns to FX this Wednesday at 10 PM EST, live from the Paul J. Meyer Arena!

The explosive fallout from Starrcade XIX takes over Texas! Witness the dawn of a new era as Booker T arrives live as the new WCW World Heavyweight Champion after dethroning The Foundation's leader, Diamond Dallas Page. Plus, how will the roster react to the shocking return of WCW Owner Shane McMahon, who stepped in for an injured BG James to team with Sean O'Haire and tear the World Tag Team Titles away from Mike Awesome and Kanyon? WCW President Ric Flair will be in the building to address all the championship chaos.

The road to the United States Championship also gets fast-tracked. The WCW Commissioner Arn Anderson has scheduled a high-stakes Fatal 4-Way match between D'Lo Brown, Buff Bagwell, Guido Maritato, and Shane Helms, with the winner earning a future title shot against Rob Van Dam.

Plus, "The Chosen One" Jeff Jarrett makes his official return to Nitro after outlasting the roster to win the 25-Grand Gauntlet! Don't miss appearances from Steve Corino, WCW Women's Champion Jazz, Rey Mysterio, Lance Storm, and many more!

World Championship Wrestling has officially sent shockwaves across the Pacific. WCW President Ric Flair confirmed today the landmark signing of one of the most dominant, feared heavyweights in the world: the "Shogun" from Tokyo, Takao Omori.

Standing an imposing 6’3” and weighing 240 pounds, Omori arrives in the United States at the absolute peak of his physical prime. For nearly a decade, he has competed at the highest levels across the Japanese wrestling scene, dominating the tag team and singles ranks of major promotions, collecting numerous championship gold honors, and sharing the ring with top stars and legends of Puroresu. Known for a devastating, bone-shattering Axe Bomber lariat and an uncompromising, physical offense, Omori has built a fierce reputation across Japan as a competitor who doesn't just look to win matches, he looks to break his opponents.

With both the United States and World Heavyweight Championship divisions on high alert following the fallout of Starrcade, the arrival of this dangerous international force could not come at a more chaotic time. Stay tuned to WCW.com for updates on when Takao Omori will make his highly anticipated, explosive debut for World Championship Wrestling!

As competition reaches a fever pitch, World Championship Wrestling executives have officially secured the core of the roster. WCW.com can confirm that a massive blockbuster wave of contractual extensions has been finalized, locking down several of the company's talents to exclusive, long-term deals.

The following superstars have officially put pen to paper:

• Lance Storm
• Sean O'Haire
• 3 Count (Shane Helms, Evan Karagias & Shannon Moore)
• Mike Awesome
• Chavo Guerrero Jr.
• Misfits In Action (General Rection & Corporal Cajun)
• Portraits of Poise (Stacy Keibler, Shawn Stasiak & Mark Jindrak)
• Full Blooded Italians (Chuck Palumbo & Johnny Stamboli)
• Jason Jett
• Mike Sanders
• Kwee Wee
• Elix Skipper
• Jamie Knoble

"By securing these world-class athletes, we are guaranteeing that the absolute best wrestling on the planet remains right here," WCW Owner Shane McMahon stated. Stay tuned to WCW Monday Nitro on FX to see the fallout of these major signings!

World Championship Wrestling has come to terms on the release of the following talent:

• Joanie Laurer
• Kitti Carter
• Kaz Hayashi
• Akio
• Reno
• The Wall
• Billy Silverman (Referee)
• Jeff Gorman (Atomic Championship Wrestling)
• Brian Black (Atomic Championship Wrestling)

WCW wishes them the best in all their future endeavors.