Steve Corino interview on Paul Heyman and TNA

Steve Corino/Monday Night Mayhem Interview (MNM Podcast on iTunes): http://www.mondaynightmayhemarchives.com/july10/071910.mp3

Interview highlights courtesy of The Mayhem's official correspondent, Paterson from New Jersey:

What led Steve to his alignment with "Mr. Wrestling" Kevin Steen and coming back to Ring of Honor: "I came back after a year run in WWC in Puerto Rico, and my confidence level was down, and I was 30 pounds heavier than I am now. It was a time in my life where I asked 'What am I going to do next?' My son, who has become a huge Ring of Honor fan, he asked if we could go to one of their shows, and we went, and the first person I saw was Kevin Steen. I met Kevin back in 2004 or 2005 before anybody knew him in Ring of Honor. And somehow the stars aligned where I could mentor Kevin five years later, and it has been one fun ride after another."

If he sees Paul Heyman making the transition/signing with TNA Wrestling: "I go with what I read and stuff like that. If Paul goes to TNA, I definitely think the demand that he needs full control is true. Paul Heyman is one of those guys that is at his best when he is captain of the ship. I haven't watched TNA much, and I watch when I know friends of mine are going to be on like (Alex) Shelley or (Christopher) Daniels, but I've lost interest because there'll be something that doesn't make any sense, like there was a three-way between Doug Williams, Kazarian, & Daniels, and it was so good and then Shannon Moore runs down for no reason, and that made me change the channel. Paul needs that creative control so things like that won't happen. He always had an exciting brand of TV, and his booking is one of those things that only Gabe (Sapolsky) can follow. I think TNA could only get better with Paul Heyman as the captain of the ship, and I think you give Paul the captain hat, and you let Dixie run the business, and let Paul edit & write TV, that place is gonna be a fun place to be."

Whether or not he has been contacted to participate in the ECW "Invasion" angle in TNA: "Yes, you (Monday Night Mayhem) just contacted me about it. You're the only one. TNA doesn't know my number. No one calls me. I'm so removed from the whole ECW thing, I think I would be the last person they would call. My career was two years in ECW, and I don't think those guys like a Dreamer, or a Taz, & The Dudleys (Team 3-D) were the crew before me, so I don't even think I'm on their radar. I don't even know what can be done again. What can you do again? The company has been gone for ten years. I appreciate they keep the legacy alive for the fans, but for me, I always like to look forward and never look back, but no one has contacted me."

His thoughts about ECW being brought back in a regular/consistent fashion, why "Paul Heyman was ECW," & if he sees the latest "Invasion" storyline working effectively: "The horse has been dead, and we keep kicking it and trying to pick it up. If anybody really had a chance to do something with it, it was the WWE back in 2001, when it was fresh. And they did a nice job in 2005 (trying to bring it back and brought some of the original guys back), and it just didn't work, and there's one reason it didn't work. Unless Paul Heyman is in control, it's not ECW. People talk about how Dreamer was ECW, and Taz was ECW, and Jerry Lynn was ECW. No Paul Heyman was ECW, he was the one that made everything go. It's so hard to imagine a ECW Invasion without Paul Heyman being the head of it and being in charge of it. Do I think it's going to work? I don't know, it hasn't spiked my interest, and I don't know many that it has besides looking to get that call. But, it's one of those things that if it works, I hope it works for everybody."

How working with Ring of Honor has renewed his love of professional wrestling & his post-wrestling plans: "I have a whole career outside of wrestling right now that I really enjoy. I'm involved in the gym business, and I work for a cool franchise, and it allows me to juggle both my gym duties & with pro wrestling. I'm having fun now. I'm not worried about the money, but more about having fun. Working with Ring of Honor renewed my love of getting there and creating that magic, and what's next? Who knows? A year ago, if you would have told me I would be in this position, I would have told you you're crazy. Right now, I happy where I'm at. Happy with Ring of Honor, happy with my other career, and life is good right now."

More is contained in this exclusive interview with "The King of Old School," including what the fans can expect from him over the next several weeks of ROH on HDNet (coming off the heels of the much talked-about Anything Goes Street Fight between himself/Kevin Steen & Colt Cabana/El Generico), whether TNA is taking a risk about pushing former ECW talent over their own, his son (Colby) getting into the world of pro wrestling, & his own personal plans to participate in this weekend's San Diego Comic Con (which will include the added twist of stepping into the squared circle of comedy). Follow the world of the Steve Corino via his official website (located at http://www.CorinoWrestling.com/) & his official Twitter account (located at http://www.Twitter.com/CorinoWrestling).

Most of my fandom of Corino stems from his shoots and interviews. I still think for the value you gets hes the best interview/shoot there is. I dont care if Sheik is funny or whatever, cause Corino is funny himself.

I listened to the podcast, as why not jump to listen instead of read it for a change? LoL. Anyways. He talked about his kid, Kevin Steen, ECW, lots of stuff. I guess he has not been contacted by TNA, which is a shame. Either way I am so glad to hear he enjoys what he is doing, and is willing to put over the young guys and mentor Steen. I can see Corino making Steen like he did Homicide, only Steen can go much much further. I have been tooting Steens horn for a minute on this forum. Hes got "it: in my eyes. Look for a Steen baby face turn and feud with Corino some time next year. Sure to be amazing and sure to make a top star in USA.

Originally posted by Mr Wrestling NO.3 Back in 2006/07 Corino became heavily involved in the booking side of 1PW, and I would say should focus more on that side of things or working as a agent back stage.

As 1PW is dead, I dont think that was a great move.

I think he is still pretty great in the ring, hes one of the MVP's of the indys anyway. Promoters know they are going to get a solid match/promo out of him and hes great at making others look good against him, win, lose or draw. Theres still life in Corino yet, IMO.

Yeah well Flair and Hogan only do it in a way that means they still steal the spot light, but thats another issue.

Damn the guy ages slowly!