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On The Mike: With Mike Altamura (Don't
believe the allegations, Corino is too genuine and
honest a person to commit fraud)
I
was shocked after reading reports last week that ‘The
King of Old School’ Steve Corino was arrested
in Detroit, Michigan, on allegations of forgery and
fraud. An ex-girlfriend of Corino’s claims the
wrestler forged a $2100 check and used her credit
card 25 times without her knowledge. It was almost
a surreal experience – I couldn’t believe
my eyes. Steve Corino a fraud? Within minutes, I had
come to a conclusion. Steve Corino is innocent. I
know the gentleman well enough to almost guaran-damn-tee
that.
The
first time I communicated with Steve was in late 1999.
In fact, he was one of the first people I interviewed
in the business. Steve was still relatively a fresh
face on the ECW roster at the time, and was arguably
more well-recognised for his handful of televised
matches on WWE programmes and the fantastic work ethic
he had displayed in matches on the East Coast wrestling
circuit. It was an absolute pleasure to interview
the man. There was something special about him. He
had an undeniable love for the wrestling business,
and moreover, demonstrated a deep affection for his
son, Colby. The latter two points have constantly
been reiterated by Steve both in the commentaries
on his website, and in the significant number of conversations
we’ve since had.
Earlier
this year, while Steve was touring with WCWA in Australia,
I once again went one-on-one with ‘The King of
Old School’. It was refreshing to hear so many
honest views on the wrestling business – see
Steve has never been afraid to voice his opinion.
He was critical of the WWE product (despite knowing
and accepting that his comments would probably further
distance him from WWE talent co-ordinators), offered
an honest opinion on the direction of the business,
and not surprisingly, manifested his love for his
child, and respect for the wrestling business.
“I
do everything in my life for my son,” said Steve.
Does that sound like the words of a con-artist? Why
would he jeopardise the special relationship and bond
he’s developed with his child for just $2100?
Simply put, it doesn’t make sense.
In
the same interview, Steve told me, “When I’m
asked what I love about pro wrestling, it’s everything.
It’s the sport of it, the fans, the camaraderie
with the boys, travelling from town to town, getting
to see different countries, experiencing the things
in different cities that you wouldn’t get to
experience if you had a normal job.” He continued,
“That’s what I love, that’s what keeps
me going.”
Why
would he risk being convicted of a serious misdemeanour
knowing the ramifications it could possibly have on
something he’s so passionate about, professional
wrestling? We needn’t forget that for the past
2 years Steve has been largely successful in Japan,
and has become such a mainstay on the ZERO-ONE roster
that he almost spends more time in the Orient than
at home in Pennsylvania. I hear the Japanese
pay extremely well, so again, why would Steve want
to jeopardise working there by participating in fraudulent
activities?
Steve
Corino is an honourable and respectable guy. Someone
that strikes most people as being genuine, hardworking,
and above all, honest. In a press release on June
20, Corino wrote, “The real truth of this situation
will come out in court and I am confident that I will
be found innocent of all charges.” Wrestling
has had its fair share of crooks, criminals, deadbeats,
and con-artists, but rest assured Steve Corino is
not one of them. I too am confident that his innocence
will be proven in a court of law.
If
you wish to display Mike’s columns on your website,
forward a comment (whether positive or negative),
or contact for whatever other reason, you can reach
him at icemanalt@aol.com
or totalwrestlingma@aol.com
Links:
Steve
Corino official website
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