CAGEMATCH.de had the chance to ask the reigning and defending ROH World Tag Team Champion Steve Corino some questions for our big Final Battle 2012 special!
CAGEMATCH.de: First of all: Thank you for this interview. To start things of, a simple question: How are things going in life? And how do you feel physically, especially after the recent television tapings from Ring Of Honor? Most of us haven't seen anything yet, but you already stated on your website that it was pretty scary.
Steve Corino: My pleasure. Feeling better every day. Ribs are a funny thing. I had gone 18 1/2 years in wrestling without ever hurting them and I never realized how every move that you make effects them after you injure them. It has been uncomfortable working out and wrestling, but every day they feel better. As for life in general, things could not be better. I recently got engaged to the love of my life and am looking forward to our March 8 wedding.
I think you have a special place in the heart of German wrestling fans: You wrestled here from 2006 to 2010 for German Stampede Wrestling and even won the GSW World Heavyweight Title. Do you have any special memories of your time over here, the land, the people? Any moments that stick out? And what are the chances of seeing you in Germany again in the future?
I had a blast wrestling in Germany. There has never been one negative experience I have had. The fans have just been so good to me and I have really enjoyed wrestling the German wrestling. In the States, German wrestling don't get the exposure that they deserve because I have had some great matches with Ares, Stevie Douglas, Bad Bones, Emil Stotci, and others. I am always open to return to Germany. I have seen and heard good things about the wXw and Alex Wright's promotions, and I think the German fans would welcome my return. At least I hope! Haha.
Another one of your major ventures outside of the United States are your trips to Japan. Your matches for Pro Wrestling ZERO1 and HUSTLE immediately come to mind. How was the time in Japan for you and what are the plans for Monster C in Japan? Do you still have contact to some of the wrestlers over there?
Japan was an amazing time for me. I was lucky to get in during a time when business there was still good. With 79 tours in the last 11 years, I have been truly fortunate to be a part of something special. As for Monster C, it was a fun character but HUSTLE is no more. I do the character every once in a while in my Dreams Project Project (www.DoYouLiveYourDREAMS.com) promotion. I still tour Japan, but just not as much. ZERO1 is a very different company than it was from 2001-08. Plus I am older and those flights kill me!
Most of our readers know your name from the days of Extreme Championship Wrestling. The promotion is the highest rated in our database, but as a former ECW World Heavyweight Champion: What are your thoughts of the old ECW? Do you miss "those times"? And what do you personally think are the reasons for the demise of the promotion?
ECW was a great place to work and learn, but I don't miss them. In pro-wrestling you always have to grow and evolve. I was honored to be one of the ECW World heavyweight champions and look back on my time there with such fondness. ECW was a company that was always run on a week to week budget. They never had the sponsorship backing like a WWE or a TNA, so it was always one week from going out of business. With a bad television deal and a guy backing the PPVs and not re-investing into the company, I am surprised Paul Heyman survived as long as he did.
What are your thoughts on World Wrestling Entertainment and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling? Do you even follow any wrestling products besides those you are involved in?
I'm a fan of pro-wrestling. The WWE and TNA do a good job of entertaining fans. I don't get to watch their product as much as I would like to, but when I do, I enjoy it.
We've now covered some of your past adventures, let's get to the meat and potatoes of this interview: Ring Of Honor. You wrestled pretty regularly for ROH in 2002 and 2003, and you returned on some occasions in the following years. Finally, in 2009, you made your fulltime return and have been with the company ever since. What are the key differences of the "old" and the current ROH? What is your take on the evolution of ROH?
Like I said before, you always have to grow and evolve in pro-wrestling, and companies are no different. The ROH of 2002 is different than the ROH of 2012. It is a television company and product now as opposed to a hybrid alternative to the WWF in '02. Still great though. One thing ROH fans can always count on is a great in-ring product.
In 2009 you came back with a bang as a "consultant" for Kevin Steen and you were in the spotlight pretty much immediately. What followed was one of the most intensive and brutal rivalries in recent wrestling history with you, Kevin Steen, El Generico and Colt Cabana, and it's not even completly finished yet. What are your memories of this whole epic tale? Is there any match or moment, especially with Cabana, that stands out?
It was amazing. The whole layout of Steen vs. Generico with myself and Colt Cabana in the supporting role was one of my favorite times. Every match and segment was special. I wish I could pick just one moment out, but they were all great.
If I may say so, I'm a big fan of your current work. You have developed a great chemistry with your current partner Jimmy Jacobs, you shine on commentary and you have an all-around great presence in the ring. It comes across as if you are just really comfortable and have fun. Did you develop a new mindset during you recent years or is it just so damn funny to be evil? What role do Kevin Steen and especially Jimmy Jacobs play in your career right now, besides being wrestling partners? Who had the genius idea of the SCUM name? And maybe the most important question: does Jimmy Jacobs really have nipple piercings?
I didn't want to rest on my "King of Old School" character because SCUM is different. The original name of the group was "livE" but we couldn't agree on merchandise rights, so SCUM was pitched. I have been close with Kevin Steen for a few years now and I've taken a Jack Victory-type role with him like Jacko took with me in 1999. Jimmy is a different guy. Hahaha. But an awesome guy. Once you figure him out, you can not dislike him. He is very creative in everything he does and they have been a huge help in keeping my career going. I owe a lot to them.
Final Battle is on December 16th and SCUM might face their biggest challenge to date: You and Jimmy Jacobs will defend your World Tag Team Titles against the Briscoes and the rising team of Caprice Coleman and Cedric Alexander. You already faced and beaten both teams in straight tag team competitions, now you will face them at the same time. Any words on your opponents?
It's going to be a battle. No pun intended. Both the Briscoe's and C & C are different styles of teams. Wrestling them one on one is tough enough, but a 3-way will be difficult...but exciting. I am looking forward to the challenge.
Our last question: What's left for Steve Corino? Do you have any goals left to accomplish, any paths left to pursue? And do you have any plans, God forbid, to retire?
There is no such thing as retirement in pro-wrestling. I tried twice and came back. At almost 40 years old, I feel the best I have every felt physically and mentally. I can't tell you when I will slow down, but I can say that you may see me on commentary more if I have anything to do with it. I love being at the table and believe that Kevin Kelly and I have good chemistry.
Okay, I think we asked you more than enough questions. But before we let you go, I'd like to play our traditional word association game. I'll give you some keywords and you just tell us what comes to your mind:
Ring Of Honor: My home
Jimmy Jacobs: Best partner I have had since CW Anderson.
Homicide: Best rival
Briscoes: Best tag team in the world right now.
Germany: Great country. Great fans.
CAGEMATCH.de: Best German wrestling site.
Ares: I couldn't have picked a better person to marry my sister.
Paul Heyman: GENIUS
Extreme Championship Wrestling: Fond memories, but people need to let it go.
CAGEMATCH.de wants to wholeheartedly thank Steve Corino for this very honest and informative interview. We also want to wish Steve Corino best of luck at Final Battle and in his marriage!
CAGEMATCH.de: First of all: Thank you for this interview. To start things of, a simple question: How are things going in life? And how do you feel physically, especially after the recent television tapings from Ring Of Honor? Most of us haven't seen anything yet, but you already stated on your website that it was pretty scary.
Steve Corino: My pleasure. Feeling better every day. Ribs are a funny thing. I had gone 18 1/2 years in wrestling without ever hurting them and I never realized how every move that you make effects them after you injure them. It has been uncomfortable working out and wrestling, but every day they feel better. As for life in general, things could not be better. I recently got engaged to the love of my life and am looking forward to our March 8 wedding.
I think you have a special place in the heart of German wrestling fans: You wrestled here from 2006 to 2010 for German Stampede Wrestling and even won the GSW World Heavyweight Title. Do you have any special memories of your time over here, the land, the people? Any moments that stick out? And what are the chances of seeing you in Germany again in the future?
I had a blast wrestling in Germany. There has never been one negative experience I have had. The fans have just been so good to me and I have really enjoyed wrestling the German wrestling. In the States, German wrestling don't get the exposure that they deserve because I have had some great matches with Ares, Stevie Douglas, Bad Bones, Emil Stotci, and others. I am always open to return to Germany. I have seen and heard good things about the wXw and Alex Wright's promotions, and I think the German fans would welcome my return. At least I hope! Haha.
Another one of your major ventures outside of the United States are your trips to Japan. Your matches for Pro Wrestling ZERO1 and HUSTLE immediately come to mind. How was the time in Japan for you and what are the plans for Monster C in Japan? Do you still have contact to some of the wrestlers over there?
Japan was an amazing time for me. I was lucky to get in during a time when business there was still good. With 79 tours in the last 11 years, I have been truly fortunate to be a part of something special. As for Monster C, it was a fun character but HUSTLE is no more. I do the character every once in a while in my Dreams Project Project (www.DoYouLiveYourDREAMS.com) promotion. I still tour Japan, but just not as much. ZERO1 is a very different company than it was from 2001-08. Plus I am older and those flights kill me!
Most of our readers know your name from the days of Extreme Championship Wrestling. The promotion is the highest rated in our database, but as a former ECW World Heavyweight Champion: What are your thoughts of the old ECW? Do you miss "those times"? And what do you personally think are the reasons for the demise of the promotion?
ECW was a great place to work and learn, but I don't miss them. In pro-wrestling you always have to grow and evolve. I was honored to be one of the ECW World heavyweight champions and look back on my time there with such fondness. ECW was a company that was always run on a week to week budget. They never had the sponsorship backing like a WWE or a TNA, so it was always one week from going out of business. With a bad television deal and a guy backing the PPVs and not re-investing into the company, I am surprised Paul Heyman survived as long as he did.
What are your thoughts on World Wrestling Entertainment and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling? Do you even follow any wrestling products besides those you are involved in?
I'm a fan of pro-wrestling. The WWE and TNA do a good job of entertaining fans. I don't get to watch their product as much as I would like to, but when I do, I enjoy it.
We've now covered some of your past adventures, let's get to the meat and potatoes of this interview: Ring Of Honor. You wrestled pretty regularly for ROH in 2002 and 2003, and you returned on some occasions in the following years. Finally, in 2009, you made your fulltime return and have been with the company ever since. What are the key differences of the "old" and the current ROH? What is your take on the evolution of ROH?
Like I said before, you always have to grow and evolve in pro-wrestling, and companies are no different. The ROH of 2002 is different than the ROH of 2012. It is a television company and product now as opposed to a hybrid alternative to the WWF in '02. Still great though. One thing ROH fans can always count on is a great in-ring product.
In 2009 you came back with a bang as a "consultant" for Kevin Steen and you were in the spotlight pretty much immediately. What followed was one of the most intensive and brutal rivalries in recent wrestling history with you, Kevin Steen, El Generico and Colt Cabana, and it's not even completly finished yet. What are your memories of this whole epic tale? Is there any match or moment, especially with Cabana, that stands out?
It was amazing. The whole layout of Steen vs. Generico with myself and Colt Cabana in the supporting role was one of my favorite times. Every match and segment was special. I wish I could pick just one moment out, but they were all great.
If I may say so, I'm a big fan of your current work. You have developed a great chemistry with your current partner Jimmy Jacobs, you shine on commentary and you have an all-around great presence in the ring. It comes across as if you are just really comfortable and have fun. Did you develop a new mindset during you recent years or is it just so damn funny to be evil? What role do Kevin Steen and especially Jimmy Jacobs play in your career right now, besides being wrestling partners? Who had the genius idea of the SCUM name? And maybe the most important question: does Jimmy Jacobs really have nipple piercings?
I didn't want to rest on my "King of Old School" character because SCUM is different. The original name of the group was "livE" but we couldn't agree on merchandise rights, so SCUM was pitched. I have been close with Kevin Steen for a few years now and I've taken a Jack Victory-type role with him like Jacko took with me in 1999. Jimmy is a different guy. Hahaha. But an awesome guy. Once you figure him out, you can not dislike him. He is very creative in everything he does and they have been a huge help in keeping my career going. I owe a lot to them.
Final Battle is on December 16th and SCUM might face their biggest challenge to date: You and Jimmy Jacobs will defend your World Tag Team Titles against the Briscoes and the rising team of Caprice Coleman and Cedric Alexander. You already faced and beaten both teams in straight tag team competitions, now you will face them at the same time. Any words on your opponents?
It's going to be a battle. No pun intended. Both the Briscoe's and C & C are different styles of teams. Wrestling them one on one is tough enough, but a 3-way will be difficult...but exciting. I am looking forward to the challenge.
Our last question: What's left for Steve Corino? Do you have any goals left to accomplish, any paths left to pursue? And do you have any plans, God forbid, to retire?
There is no such thing as retirement in pro-wrestling. I tried twice and came back. At almost 40 years old, I feel the best I have every felt physically and mentally. I can't tell you when I will slow down, but I can say that you may see me on commentary more if I have anything to do with it. I love being at the table and believe that Kevin Kelly and I have good chemistry.
Okay, I think we asked you more than enough questions. But before we let you go, I'd like to play our traditional word association game. I'll give you some keywords and you just tell us what comes to your mind:
Ring Of Honor: My home
Jimmy Jacobs: Best partner I have had since CW Anderson.
Homicide: Best rival
Briscoes: Best tag team in the world right now.
Germany: Great country. Great fans.
CAGEMATCH.de: Best German wrestling site.
Ares: I couldn't have picked a better person to marry my sister.
Paul Heyman: GENIUS
Extreme Championship Wrestling: Fond memories, but people need to let it go.
CAGEMATCH.de wants to wholeheartedly thank Steve Corino for this very honest and informative interview. We also want to wish Steve Corino best of luck at Final Battle and in his marriage!
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