Peter Staniforth interviews the great independent wrestler.
He is one of the most respected men in professional wrestling worldwide. He is the ‘King of Old School’. He’s coming to the UK on October 1st for 1PW’s A Cruel Twist Of Fate. He, quite simply, is Steve Corino.
Peter) Tell us a little about your childhood.
Steve) I probably had the most normal childhood ever. I grew up in Winnipeg, Canada and moved to Philadelphia when I was young; and went to the same school district my whole life.
Peter) Did you know you wanted to be a wrestler, or did it just kind of happen by surprise?
Steve) I knew I wanted to be a pro-wrestler since the first time I laid eyes on pro-wrestling on TV. I was eight years old.
Peter) How did you get your first break in the business?
Steve) I attended a wrestling school in Reading, Pennsylvania in 1994 under Tom Brandi and King Kaluha.
Peter) What were your first matches like?
Steve) I was awful! I mean I was horrible!
Peter) You should read my first interviews! How would you describe yourself as a wrestler?
Steve) I would describe myself as a guy that can go out there and tell a story with my matches.
Peter) I would say that’s one of the main qualities that most people love about you, actually. It’s a sadly lost art form now, to many. What is your favourite match or show that you were involved in?
Steve) There are so many matches I have had that I have loved but being in the finals of the AWA World title tournament was amazing for me.
Peter) As an long time fan, I know the history of the AWA, and sincerely hope you can bring it back to where it deserves to be. Who are your friends in the business?
Steve) CW Anderson, Chris Hamrick, Jack Victory, CM Punk, Ricky Landell, Spanky, Christopher Daniels, and sometimes even Samoa Joe!
Peter) What has been your favourite promotion you’ve worked for?
Steve) Pro-Wrestling ZERO1-MAX in Japan.
Peter) What do you like to do in your spare time?
Steve) I like to spend time with my nine year old son.
Peter) With two young children of my own, I can very much relate to that. Who do you like to watch wrestle?
Steve) Masato Tanaka, Shinjiro Otani, CW Anderson, Low Ki, Spanky, AJ Styles, Shawn Michaels, Christopher Daniels, Chris Hamrick, Tracy Smothers, and Doug Williams to name a few.
Peter) How do you feel about 1PW, and wrestling Al Snow on the show on October 1? You know we’re thrilled to have you!
Steve) I am VERY excited about it. I have only wrestled Al once and I had a broken hand in the match. This time I will be 100% healthy and this time the AWA World title is on the line!
Peter) What five words do you feel describe you best?
Steve) Dedicated, passionate, devoted, story teller, and chubby!
Peter) What are your thoughts on WWE and TNA, and the indy’s?
Steve) Any pro-wrestling is good pro-wrestling to me!
Peter) I can agree with that, I’ll watch anything! What are your main plans for the future?
Steve) To keep defending the AWA World title, try to make an impact with my company (Pro-Wrestling WORLD-1, www.WORLD1Wrestling.com) and I am working on a book.
Peter) Which I’m sure will be an excellent read. We at 1PW can’t wait to see you on Oct 1st, and I thank you for making the time for this interview.
– Peter Staniforth
(9/2/05)
