News Archive: April 2001

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Florida -- On March 26, WCW fans tuned into Monday Nitro, expecting to see the end of WCW. Instead, they learned it was just the beginning.

As the show opened, World Wrestling Federation Chairman, Mr. McMahon, gloated over the fact that his impending purchase of WCW would soon make him the most powerful man in sports entertainment. By revealing later in the program that he was waiting for the perfect moment to make his acquisition official, Mr. McMahon opened himself up for the most shocking moment of his life.

While Mr. McMahon was busy in Cleveland, OH detailing his plan to acquire ownership of WCW at WrestleMania, Shane McMahon appeared at Nitro in Panama City, FL to cut short his father's gloating.

"As usual, dad, your ego has gotten the best of you," Shane began. "You gave me just the opportunity I was looking for." Shane then went on to detail his own plan. A plan which was already executed. "You see, the contract has been finalized, Vince. And it does say McMahon. It says Shane McMahon. That's right Vince, I now own WCW."

Before exiting, Shane made certain his father knew exactly what this meant. "Just like WCW kicked your ass in the past - and it will again in the future - I am going to kick your ass at WrestleMania this Sunday."

March 26 will go down as one of the most historic nights in professional wrestling, and Shane McMahon now owns World Championship Wrestling!

DETROIT, Michigan -- Fresh off his blockbuster purchase of World Championship Wrestling, new WCW owner Shane McMahon made a bold statement at WWF SmackDown!, pulling up to the Joe Louis Arena in a limousine sporting custom "NITROWCW1" plates and taking over Vince McMahon's reserved parking spot.

Shane spent the night making his presence felt backstage, mingling with talent and brushing off warnings from his sister, Stephanie. Unfazed by the corporate backlash, Shane made it clear that owning WCW has given him total leverage and supreme confidence heading into his high-stakes Street Fight against his father, Vince McMahon, this Sunday at WrestleMania X-Seven.

With the reigns of World Championship Wrestling officially in Shane's hands, the ultimate father-versus-son showdown in Houston promises to redefine the entire industry. Stay tuned to WCW.com for full coverage of WrestleMania weekend!

STAMFORD, Connecticut -- Just four days after purchasing World Championship Wrestling out from under his father Vince, Shane McMahon has officially taken the reins. Operating out of a temporary WCW Headquarters at his residence in Stamford while searching for a permanent corporate location, Shane has appointed wrestling veteran John Laurinaitis as the new Head of Talent Relations. Together, McMahon and Laurinaitis are rapidly building the new WCW foundation.

Today, WCW is proud to confirm the 24 performer contracts officially acquired from TimeWarner in the purchase agreement.

Anchoring the acquired contracts are the WCW World Tag Team Champions The Natural Born Thrillers of Chuck Palumbo & Sean O'Haire, alongside Lance Storm, Mike Awesome, Shawn Stasiak alongside Stacy Keibler, Hugh Morrus, The Wall, Johnny The Bull, Mark Jindrak, Mike Sanders, Kwee Wee, Lash LeRoux, Reno, and Jason Jett.

WCW’s world-renowned Cruiserweight division will operate at full throttle under reigning WCW World Cruiserweight champion Shane Helms, featuring Chavo Guerrero Jr., Jamie Knoble and the dynamic tandems of Elix Skipper & Kid Romeo, Evan Karagias & Shannon Moore of 3-Count, and the Jung Dragons of Kaz Hayashi & Yang.

While these 24 contracts form the active core, Johnny Ace and the executive team are already in active negotiations with additional premier talent and major free agents to bolster the locker room before returning to broadcast television.

"This initial group of 24 is just the beginning," stated Shane McMahon. "We’ve secured the hungriest talent in the business, but we aren't stopping here. We are actively negotiating with more top-tier stars to ensure WCW returns stronger than ever."

STAMFORD, Connecticut -- A major piece of wrestling history came to an end today as WCW WorldWide aired its final syndicated broadcast. For more than two decades, WorldWide was a weekend staple for WCW fans, delivering matches and action across the country.

The broadcast closed with an emotional sign-off from commentator Scott Hudson, who thanked the fans and production crew for years of support, signing off with a heartfelt, "WorldWide gone... we'll see you down the road, somewhere else."

Today’s episode officially wraps up the old era of World Championship Wrestling. With the past in the rearview mirror, the company now prepares to move in a brand-new direction under owner Shane McMahon

That new era kicks off tomorrow, April 1, at WrestleMania X-Seven in Houston, Texas, where Shane McMahon faces his father Vince in a Street Fight. With WorldWide officially off the air, all eyes now turn to Houston and what lies ahead for WCW.

Keep checking WCW.com for updates throughout WrestleMania weekend.