Steve Corino Interview

I recently had the opportunity to conduct an interview with ECW World Heavyweight Champion Steve Corino. Here are the highlights: (Please note: The entire transcript is posted at www.gerweck.net)

SG> What is the current morale in the ECW locker room?
Corino> Honestly, everyone is nervous but we have faith in Paul Heyman. I know it is only a matter of time before ECW signs with a new network and everyone is going to be rewarded for sticking it out.

SG> How did you become apart of ECW?
Corino> I had just gotten out of the (WWF) Funkin’ Dojo in November of 1998 and knew that they weren't going to sign me when Nova called and asked me if I would like a tryout with ECW. I debuted on December 19, 1998 and after the match Paul Heyman offered me a job.

SG> What is opinion of Paul Heyman?
Corino> When it comes to booking, there isn't many guys better than him. He is so smart and I trust his judgment about my character without question.

SG> Tell me about your WWF tryouts.
Corino> (Laughing) I wouldn't say they were always “tryouts.” I worked a lot of dark matches that I guess count for tryouts but I also did a lot of work on WWF Shotgun Saturday Night which was a great experience for me.

SG> Upon entering ECW, you were mostly used as a manager. Did you enjoy that role?
Corino> I did and I didn't. Being so young, I wanted to be in there and bumping like the rest of the guys. Plus I thought as a manager, guys like Sabu, Van Dam, and Lance Storm wouldn't respect me as a worker. But I loved doing the promos.

SG> When did you find out that Heyman was putting the strap on you?
Corino> Sandman told me first the afternoon of November To Remember. It was talked about but I never put too much into it. I didn't want to jinx it.

SG> Scott Hall recently wrestled in an ECW ring. What was your impression of him?
Corino> Scott Hall was very cool. He was more than professional and I hope that he works with us again in the future. Here is a guy that can teach the young guys in ECW, like myself, and help us grow as wrestlers.

SG> Your manager is Jack Victory, a wrestling veteran. Would you prefer to be on your own, or prefer a manager?
Corino> I never considered Jack Victory my manager and never will. Jack Victory is more of a partner to me. We have a great chemistry where we just play off each other. I wouldn't want it any other way.

SG> Your association with Dawn Marie was rather short. Was that the original plan?
Corino> I think the original plan was for us to be together only one night. Dawn has a lot to give as a manager and I think she will do great with Simon Diamond and Swinger.

SG> Earlier this year, you were in a program with “The American Dream” Dusty Rhodes. What is your opinion of him?
Corino> Dusty Rhodes has become like a second father to me. The Dream taught me so much and was so good to me. My match with him at Living Dangerously will probably go down as my favorite match of all time.

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