Steve Corino

Steven Eugene Corino is a Canadian-American professional wrestler, trainer, and podcaster born in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Known professionally as King Corino, he has spent over three decades shaping the independent wrestling landscape while serving as a key figure within WWE's NXT brand. His career bridges the gap between the hardcore intensity of the late 1990s and the modern technical style of today.

Corino found his greatest success in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) during its peak years, where he captured the ECW World Heavyweight Championship twice. He later became a cornerstone of Ring of Honor (ROH) at its inception in 2002, holding the ROH World Tag Team Championship and headlining shows for over a decade. Despite announcing retirement in 2021, he returned to the ring in 2026 to win the Premier Wrestling Federation (PWF) Championship, proving his enduring relevance in the sport. [edit]

Steven Eugene Corino grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, surrounded by a working-class family that valued hard work and resilience. From a young age, he showed an aptitude for sports and physical performance, often gravitating toward contact sports that demanded grit. The local wrestling scene in Winnipeg served as his first classroom, where he studied under veteran wrestlers who taught him the fundamentals of the craft. These early lessons formed the bedrock of his technical style, which would later distinguish him from the brawlers of the hardcore era.

Before stepping into the spotlight, Corino worked various jobs to support himself while honing his skills in the gym and on the mat. He did not rush into the national stage; instead, he built his reputation match by match on the Canadian independent circuit throughout the mid-1990s. This period was crucial for developing his stamina and ring psychology. He learned to tell stories inside the ropes without relying solely on high-flying moves or brute force. By the time he caught the eye of larger promotions, he had already established himself as a reliable worker who could hold his own against anyone in the ring. [edit]

Corino's breakthrough came in 1998 when he joined Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). He quickly became a fan favorite, known for his ability to absorb punishment and deliver explosive offense. In 1999, he won the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, solidifying his status as a top-tier talent during the promotion's most chaotic and popular years. Following ECW's closure in 2001, he transitioned smoothly to other major promotions, including Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG).

In 2002, Corino joined Ring of Honor (ROH) as one of its original stars. He held the ROH World Tag Team Championship with Jerry Lynn in 2004 and remained a central figure in the promotion through two distinct runs until 2016. During this time, he also captured the MLW World Heavyweight Championship and the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. In 2017, he signed with WWE, taking on roles as a trainer at the Performance Center and a producer for NXT. Although he announced his retirement in 2021, Corino made a surprising return in February 2026. He signed exclusively with Premier Wrestling Federation (PWF) and won the PWF Championship in his very first match back, currently holding the title in his seventh reign. [edit]

Known as "King Corino," Steve Corino projects a regal yet gritty demeanor that reflects his longevity in the business. He is respected as a "journeyman" who consistently delivers high-quality matches regardless of the venue or opponent. His public image is that of a mentor and a bridge between the old-school hardcore era and the new generation of technical wrestlers. Media outlets often describe him as a dedicated craftsman who values storytelling over flashiness. His presence on social media reveals a thoughtful individual who enjoys engaging with fans about the history of professional wrestling. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. As of August 2026, there is no published ranking available in the global fame indexes.

Corino does not have a formal fandom name, but he commands a loyal following among wrestling purists and enthusiasts of the independent scene. These fans appreciate his technical proficiency and his willingness to take risks in the ring. They often cite his matches in ECW and ROH as essential viewing for understanding the evolution of the sport. Fan communities frequently discuss his 2026 return to the PWF, celebrating his ability to perform at a high level in his fifties. He engages directly with these fans at live events and online, often sharing behind-the-scenes insights that deepen their appreciation for the industry. [edit]

Corino founded the Premier Wrestling Federation (PWF) and World-1, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit beyond just performing. He is a self-proclaimed "Disney Guy," often sharing his love for Disney movies and parks on social media, which contrasts sharply with his tough-guy wrestling persona. Despite his age, he maintains a rigorous training regimen to stay in peak condition for his matches. One of his most memorable moments was his feud with The Sandman in ECW, which showcased his ability to hold his own against some of the most dangerous competitors in history. Fans still retell the story of his 2026 return, where he defeated a younger opponent in a highly praised match that many consider a highlight of the year. [edit]

Corino comes from a working-class background in Winnipeg and has always kept his family life relatively private. He is a father and frequently mentions his children in interviews and on his podcasts. In March 2026, he married his long-term partner in a low-key ceremony attended by close friends and family members from the wrestling community. While the specific name of his spouse remains unpublicized, the wedding marked a significant personal milestone after years of focusing on his demanding career. He balances his role as a husband and father with his ongoing duties as a WWE producer and active competitor. [edit]

Jerry Lynn, Rhyno, Joey Janela, Tommy Dreamer, Sabu, The Sandman. [edit]

For much of his career, Steve Corino kept his romantic life out of the public eye. Sources indicate he was single or in a private relationship for many years while focusing on his demanding wrestling schedule. There are no widely documented long-term relationships before 2026. In March 2026, Corino tied the knot with his long-term partner in a low-key affair. The couple met through mutual connections in the wrestling community. While the specific name of his spouse has not been widely publicized, the marriage was confirmed by Fightful and other industry sources. They have no publicly known children together yet, though Corino has children from previous periods in his life. As of 2026, he is happily married and balancing his family life with his continued wrestling career. [edit]

The iFANN Editorial Team estimates Steve Corino's net worth at approximately $1.5 million as of 2026. This figure reflects his extensive career earnings from professional wrestling, his current salary as a WWE trainer and producer, and income from indie appearances and podcasting. WWE trainers and producers typically earn between $150,000 and $250,000 annually, placing Corino near the higher end due to his experience. His return to the Premier Wrestling Federation in 2026 added significant appearance fees and merchandise revenue. Additionally, his work hosting and appearing on various wrestling podcasts provides a steady stream of sponsorship and advertising income. He has also invested in real estate and other business ventures, though specific details remain private. [edit]

Steve Corino has won numerous championships throughout his career, including two ECW World Heavyweight Championships and the ROH World Tag Team Championship. He is a member of the ECW Hall of Fame and the Independent Wrestling Hall of Fame. His accolades reflect his status as one of the most decorated independent wrestlers of his generation. [edit]