News Wire: July 2001

On July 11, WCW Nitro returns LIVE from the Donald Bren Events Center in Irvine, California! Don’t miss this week as we see more of your favorite WCW stars in action.

Already signed for the event is the tag team debut of Booker T and Shane McMahon! They will compete in a high-stakes tag team match against the powerhouse duo of Mike Awesome and the unhinged Crowbar. How will the former World Heavyweight Champion and the WCW Owner work together against the "Career Killer" and one of the most unpredictable athletes on the roster?

Los Dragones have declared they will top 3 Count once again. After spoiling the 3 Count reunion last week by debuting their first hit single, Los Dragones will be in six-man tag team action. They hope to prove they are just as dangerous in the ring as they are on the microphone.

Last week, Guido Maritato introduced the world to the Full Blooded Italians. The new mean streak of Chuck Palumbo and Johnny Stamboli will be put to the test as they face off against the unique trio of La Parka, Shark Boy, and the mysterious Fish Bones!

Don't miss all this action, plus appearances from WCW World Heavyweight Champion Lance Storm, Diamond Dallas Page, Kanyon, Rob Van Dam, Steve Corino, Curt Hennig, Sean O'Haire, and more! All of this, LIVE on FX at 10 PM EST!

Norman Smiley has signed a new contract with WCW and will be returning to the company full time. Smiley made his return on last night's special Independence Day Nitro, where he teamed with Tommy Dreamer in a losing effort to "The Foundation" members Diamond Dallas Page and Kanyon.

Despite the defeat, WCW officials are excited to have the veteran presence and fan-favorite charisma of the former Hardcore Champion back on the roster. Expect "The Screamin' One" to be a major fixture on Nitro moving forward.

WCW Nitro is headed to the Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on July 18 for another night of wrestling action! The heat is rising as we march toward Bash at the Beach, and you can catch all the mayhem live at 10pm EST only on FX!

The main event features a massive tag team collision as the "Doggfather" BG James and United States Champion Rob Van Dam team up to face the World Heavyweight Champion Lance Storm and Buff Bagwell. With Storm and Bagwell looking like an uneasy alliance, will RVD and James be able to capitalize and secure a huge win before the pay-per-view?

Shawn Stasiak finally gets his wish for a match, as WCW Commissioner Arn Anderson has booked the "Mecca of Manhood" to go 1-on-1 against Pete Gas. Will the weeks of training from the Anderson Family pay off for Gas? Or will Stasiak start to build a case for future title matches?

Plus, the tag team division is about to explode! Chuck Palumbo of the FBI, General Rection of the MIA, and Disqo will meet in a Triple Threat match that promises to shake up the division. Shane McMahon has also promised a big start to Nitro. The official match contract will be signed for Bash at the Beach as Shane & Booker T and The Foundation of Diamond Dallas Page & Kanyon put their names on the dotted line.

The legendary WCW Power Plant has officially reopened its doors, and the hunt for the next generation of superstars is on! Moving from its traditional roots to the heart of wrestling country in Charlotte, North Carolina, the premier training ground in professional wrestling is back in business and currently accepting applications from hungry prospects ready to pay the price for greatness.

Leading the charge is new Head Trainer Fit Finlay, a man whose reputation for toughness and technical mastery is unmatched in the industry. Alongside him, Ricky Santana brings a veteran’s eye to the facility, specializing in sharpening the fundamentals and mentoring WCW's rising stars and women’s division prospects.

Training at the Power Plant means more than just learning the ropes; it means learning from the best in the business. Trainees will benefit from the unparalleled experience of regular guest instructors like Norman Smiley, Arn Anderson, Terry Taylor, and Scott Armstrong. Plus, the Power Plant will host exclusive monthly guest clinics featuring legends from WCW’s past and the icons of today’s roster.

Do you have the heart, the hustle, and the "Power" to survive? The road to Nitro starts here. Apply today and see if you have what it takes to become a WCW star!

WCW Nitro hits the Michigan State Fairgrounds Coliseum this Wednesday for the final stop before Bash at the Beach!

With the massive tag team clash between Booker T & Shane McMahon and The Foundation looming, Shane-O-Mac has promised a special presentation honoring WCW’s storied history.

In a high-stakes crossroads match, Buff Bagwell looks to prove his "extreme" transformation against the "Innovator of Violence," Tommy Dreamer. Meanwhile, the Cruiserweight war between 3 Count and Los Dragones continues with an explosive 2-on-2 tag team showcase.

The main event sees WCW World Champion Lance Storm team with the "King of Old School" Steve Corino to settle the score with BG James. However, James has recruited the legendary Curt Hennig to ensure the champion’s night ends in disaster.

Plus, catch Rob Van Dam, the M.I.A., The F.B.I., and more! Watch WCW Nitro LIVE this Wednesday, July 25, at 9pm EST on FX!