The dancing Nitro Girls were at one time a regular fixture on WCW's top weekly prime time show. Recently the group returned to performing during commercial breaks; however, one of the original girls was not invited back. I had the opportunity to conduct an interview with Teri Byrne (ex "Fyre"), who was not welcomed back.
SG> When were you officially released by WCW?
TB> I was officially released from WCW on January 12th although negotiations are not final.
SG> By what means were you contacted with your termination?
TB> I was contacted by the new director (Alto Gary) of the Nitro Girls on my cell phone while I was driving, but luckily I pulled over!
SG> In your own opinion, why were you let go by WCW?
TB> In my opinion, I was let go because the new director of the Nitro Girls did not want me on the team any longer. I have always been very vocal about things I am passionate about and obviously, the Nitro Girls is something I have cared deeply about for almost three years. I saw the way the team was changing and that we were not being aired without any explanation as to why. New girls were at every Nitro and were being used in storylines as well. I continually questioned the future of the Nitro Girls and why things were being done and this was labeled as "troublemaking" by the new director.
SG> Looking back, do you have any regrets?
TB> I have no regrets because this has been such a wonderful experience and I have met so many great people and traveled to some incredible places. I would not have traded this experience for anything. I am just saddened that it had to end in a negative way. I would not change my outspoken behavior either, that is who I am and if it means losing the job for speaking up for what you believe in, then so be it.
SG> What are you current and future plans?
TB> Right now, I can't divulge my plans but you will all know soon enough. Please check out my web site and also my fan club for all my upcoming events and appearances. There is still plenty of "Fyre" to come!
Part II
SG> Did you have any clue your departure was in the works?
TB> I suspected my release because I knew the new director didn't like my outspokenness. However, I really believed she would do what was in the best interest of the show and the team.
SG> Do you hold anyone responsible for your termination?
TB> Yes, this was obviously the decision of the new director.
SG> How would you have used yourself in WCW?
TB> I would have liked to seen the Nitro Girls remain intact but do more creative performances to entertain the fans. More theatrics, more drama and more over the top dance numbers with special effects. We could have remained positive role models in the show and still attracted rating without having to cat-fight or become stale.
SG> Why were the Nitro Girls removed from dancing on "Nitro"?
TB> The new writers did not feel the Nitro Girls dancing was helping ratings so they slowly phased us out. Its apparent that they feel the fans want to see something else.
SG> Are you interested in working for either ECW or the WWF? Have either contacted you?
TB> I can not comment on that at this time.
SG> Do you miss being a Nitro Girl?
TB> I miss being a Nitro Girl when we were viewed as a positive, energetic, dance team. Since the new writers and new director, the Nitro Girls have disintegrated and even if they are brought back on air, it won't ever be the same. I am grateful that I am no longer there to be a part of the disintegration. It broke my heart to watch it happen week after week.
SG> Who actually created the Nitro Girls? (Who came up with the name "Fyre"?)
TB> Eric Bischoff had the concept of the Nitro Girls and Kimberly chose the team and directed it for 2 years. It was the original team who "created" the Nitro Girls. I came up with the name Fyre, not only because of my hair, and my last name Byrne, but because that is my personality.
SG> Why did A.C. Jazz (Amy Crawford) quit the group?
TB> AC Jazz left because she was also disheartened by the new direction of the show and of the Nitro Girls. She cared deeply about being a role model for kids and being a positive image in the show. As that changed, and the new director came along, she no longer felt that she could be that role model.
SG> Why did Kimberly quit the group?
TB> You would need to ask Kimberly that, I cant answer for her.
SG> How is your relationship with the other Nitro Girls (before and after your dismissal?)
TB> The other girls are my family.
SG> What is your opinion of Vince Russo and Ed Ferrara?
TB> Vince and Ed were hired to help the shows ratings and improve the content of the show. If they gave the fans what they wanted, then I guess they did what they were hired to do. Personally, they were always polite to me.
SG> What is/was your opinion of Eric Bischoff?
TB> No comment on my personal opinion of Eric Bischoff.
SG> How are the non-Nitro Girls perceived backstage? (Madusa, Mona, etc.)
TB> Madusa and Mona are great and so is everyone else. Midnight is a blast! I liked everyone.
SG> In general, how were you treated by WCW? How were you treated by the wrestlers?
TB> The wrestlers have been great to work with and I made some great friends over the past two and half years. I can't say my experience with WCW has been as positive.
SG> What do you see for the future of the Nitro Girls in WCW?
TB> Like, I said, I doubt they will ever be back on air and if they are, it will be new faces and a new concept. New isn't always better, I don't think the fans will be pleased with what they see.
