News Archive: April 2001

HOUSTON, Texas -- In a brutal Street Fight at WrestleMania X-Seven, WCW owner Shane McMahon defeated his father, Vince McMahon, pinning him after a jaw-dropping "Coast to Coast" trash can kick with an assist from his mother, Linda.

The real shockwave, however, came immediately after the bell. Grabbed by the microphone, Shane declared that tonight was his final appearance in a WWF ring, announcing he is stepping away completely to dedicate himself 100% full-time to rebuilding World Championship Wrestling

"I didn't buy WCW just to play games or annoy my father," Shane proclaimed. "I bought it because I believe in what WCW can be. My goal isn't just to compete, it's to make WCW the undeniable, undisputed number one wrestling company on the planet!"

With Shane officially taking the helm, a new era for WCW has begun, promising major announcements regarding roster, leadership, and upcoming events in the weeks ahead. Welcome to the revolution!

The war isn't over, the revolution has just begun. Welcome to the new era of World Championship Wrestling!

STAMFORD, Connecticut -- World Championship Wrestling has finalized key personnel additions to its corporate infrastructure, building out its broadcast, talent management, and officiating departments under Head of Talent Relations Johnny Ace.

WCW has contracted three industry veterans as backstage officials: "The Enforcer" Arn Anderson, Fit Finlay and Ricky Santana. Along with Ace himself, they will form the team who train and work with talents as well as help keep order backstage.

Handling match officiating, Nick Patrick has been brought back as Senior Referee, leading an refereee corps that includes Charles Robinson, Billy Silverman and Brian Webber.

On the media front, veteran commentator Scott Hudson has officially re-signed to resume his duties as a lead broadcaster for the promotion.

"A great wrestling company relies on much more than just in-ring talent," stated Johnny Ace. "By securing elite backstage leadership, a world-class officiating corps, and a premier broadcaster, WCW is building a professional foundation from the ground up."

STAMFORD, Connecticut -- World Championship Wrestling has officially secured its cornerstone. Today, WCW Owner Shane McMahon announced that reigning WCW World Heavyweight Champion and WCW United States Champion Booker T has officially signed a new long-term contract to remain with WCW.

Booker T, who made history on the final episode of Monday Nitro on TNT by capturing the World Heavyweight Championship while already holding the United States Title, will enter the new era of WCW as its reigning double champion. The signing marks a massive victory for WCW executive management, ensuring that one of the most decorated and respected athletes in the industry stays at the helm as the promotion prepares its return to broadcast television.

"Booker T represents everything this company is built on—excellence, heart, and world-class athletic ability," stated WCW Owner Shane McMahon. "Securing the double champion was our top priority, and having Booker T lead WCW into this new chapter sends a clear message to the entire wrestling world."

With Booker T locked in alongside the active roster, World Championship Wrestling continues to solidify its championship ranks. Stay tuned to WCW.com for further contract updates and upcoming broadcast announcements!

STAMFORD, Connecticut -- World Championship Wrestling continues to build momentum ahead of its return to television, as Head of Talent Relations Johnny Ace officially confirmed the signings of three prominent stars today: high-flying fan favorite Billy Kidman, the innovatively dangerous Kanyon, and the beautiful Torrie Wilson.

Kidman, a former multi-time Cruiserweight and Tag Team Champion, instantly adds elite championship experience to WCW’s premier cruiserweight division. Kanyon brings unmatched versatility, creative offense, and a proven track record as one of the most unpredictable competitors in the ring, while Torrie Wilson rejoins the promotion as a featured personality.

"Bringing Kidman, Kanyon, and Torrie back into the fold is a huge win for us," stated Johnny Ace. "Kidman is a vital piece of our cruiserweight division, Kanyon can go with anyone on the roster at any given time, and Torrie brings incredible screen presence and entertainment value to our programming. We're continuously raising the bar as this roster comes together."

With key talent locking in weekly, World Championship Wrestling continues to round out an explosive roster. Stay tuned to WCW.com for further contract announcements and official corporate updates!

STAMFORD, Connecticut -- World Championship Wrestling has locked in another towering pillar of its history and future. Today, WCW Owner Shane McMahon officially confirmed that three-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion and "King of Badda-Bing" Diamond Dallas Page has signed an exclusive contract extension to remain with WCW.

As one of the most recognizable, passionate, and decorated icons in company history, DDP’s re-signing stands as a monumental statement of intent for the promotion's new era. A true self-made superstar who fought his way from manager to the top of the wrestling world, Page’s decision to commit his future to WCW ensures that the new roster boasts premier, championship-level leadership alongside double champion Booker T.

"Securing Diamond Dallas Page was an absolute imperative for this management team," stated McMahon. "DDP is the ultimate competitor. A world-class main eventer who embodies the heart, grit, and work ethic of World Championship Wrestling. Having a superstar of Dallas' caliber fully committed to this brand gives us unbeatable firepower at the top of the card as we prepare to step back into the national spotlight."

With Page officially locked into the main event ranks alongside Booker T, World Championship Wrestling’s roster of elite superstars continues to gather unstoppable momentum. Stay tuned to WCW.com for future contract announcements and upcoming broadcast details!

STAMFORD, Connecticut -- World Championship Wrestling continues to stack its active roster with premier talent ahead of its return to broadcast television. Today, Head of Talent Relations Johnny Ace confirmed that long-time WCW wrestler Buff Bagwell has officially signed a new contract to remain with the company.

A veteran presence who has grown up inside the WCW ring over the last decade, Buff "The Stuff" Bagwell brings a decorated championship track record to the new era. As a five-time WCW World Tag Team Champion, Bagwell adds proven championship experience, explosive athletic ability, and unmistakable charisma to an increasingly competitive roster.

"Buff Bagwell has been a mainstay of WCW television for ten years, and keeping him in the mix was an easy decision for us," stated Johnny Ace. "He brings undeniable star quality, a great physique, and years of top-level television experience. As we round out our locker room, having veterans like Buff locked in ensures we have the depth and personality needed for a top-tier product."

Bagwell joins a rapidly growing lineup of confirmed talent alongside Booker T, Diamond Dallas Page, Billy Kidman, and Kanyon as WCW prepares for its upcoming return to action. Stay tuned to WCW.com for more roster updates and major corporate announcements in the coming weeks!

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- World Championship Wrestling officially announced today the relocation of its international corporate headquarters to the historic West Morehead Street corridor in Charlotte, North Carolina—marking a true homecoming for the promotion. Alongside the move, the sleek new WCW logo was proudly unveiled on the building's exterior.

The centerpiece of the campus is the historic, four-story Carolina Transfer and Storage Company Building at 1230 West Morehead Street, which will house WCW’s executive suites, creative departments, and a planned ground-floor fan experience center.

"Charlotte is the foundation of this sport’s heritage," said WCW owner Shane McMahon. "By moving into a facility with this much history, we are signaling that WCW is dedicated to honoring its past while building a cutting-edge future."

Directly behind the main building on Calvert Street, WCW has acquired adjacent properties to construct a state-of-the-art production complex for editing, satellite uplinks, and equipment storage. Most notably, the complex will serve as the new permanent home of the WCW Power Plant training center. The transition is set to complete by the end of the summer, re-establishing Charlotte as the capital of professional wrestling.