Interview With: Shawn Stasiak Interview By: Andy Steven
Date: September 18, 2007
Andy
Steven: Firstly I would like to thank you for taking time out of your
busy schedule to take part in this interview for www.PWMania.com.
You are the son of former pro wrestler & WWF champion Stan "The Man"
Stasiak, how was it growing up having a champion wrestler as a father?
Shawn Stasiak: It was very unique and dynamic. Everywhere we went
whether it was the grocery store, restaurants, walking through a mall, a
park, at the pool, etc. You name it; he was recognized and asked for
autographs. I really looked up to him as a Father and as a wrestling hero.
I idealized for what he did and ultimately that is what inspired me to
want to get into the wrestling business myself. He also inspired me to
want to become a doctor of chiropractic as when I was a little boy, I
would jump up and down on his back as if it was a game, all the while his
back would pop here and pop there and giving him some temporally back pain
relief. And he used to always talk about how much he loved going to the
chiropractor's office. He was such a character. So funny, he was like a
big kid and used to always make me laugh. He was a very caring and loving
father. He will continue to be missed.
Andy Steven: You made your WWE debut in April 99 and were released
in December of the same year; reports suggested you were recording
conversations with wrestlers. Was that the real reason for your release,
and what were the alleged conversations about?
Shawn Stasiak: Apparently it was believed that I was tape recording
some of the wrestlers' conversations in the locker room without their
consent. The truth of it all is that I had no wrongful intent whatsoever
as I played a joke in a car and in an airport with some particular
wrestlers I was traveling with and was going to play back to them what I
had recorded earlier of them arguing and acting like little girls as
everyone was irritable and tired that day. The joke/prank back fired as
the next day, someone went through my gym bag and found the recorder and
played it back to only hear the people being recorded on it. It made me
look real bad in everyone's eyes and looking back; I understand how
everyone felt as I probably would have felt the same. I never had the
chance to really explain myself as no one really wanted to listen. Two
weeks later, the company (WWE)released me and I ended up going to WCW
which I ended up being treated more fair and used more productive. So in
essence, it was a blessing in disguise. Bottom line is is that there was
absolutely no wrongful intent. It was a stupid thing to do looking back at
it all but people make mistakes and if at the time if everyone could have
only known that that was just me always messing around with tape
recorders, video camera's, etc. They would know that I had been doing that
for years growing up in high school and undergrad and that it was all just
for fun. That's it, that's all. But you live and learn. And that's just
life!
Andy
Steven: You signed with WCW in 2000, how different was it from WWE, do
you feel you were treated better their and why?
Shawn Stasiak: Yes, I actually enjoyed working with WCW better than
with WWE because they gave me more good TV time, was a two time WCW tag
team champion, used me more productively, made more money, got to be on
PPV's, travel the world and have a fair chance to develop some on air on
camera personalities that helped refine skills in the ring and on promos.
I never really got that with WWE. Ironically enough, my father worked for
that promotion and that was the only wrestling company I ever wanted to
work for as I felt a lineage and a loyalty for some reason.
I am fortunate and grateful to get my training and start with the WWE but
ultimately at the end of the day, they never gave me the ball or the
opportunity to develop my skills to the level that I know I can be at and
where and who I have become today. I have found other means to get to my
refined skills of what I have today. And a lot of those is being a real
person as well as a wrestling entertainer.
Andy Steven: You worked with Curt Hennig in WCW & WWE, feuding and
teaming with him. What were your experiences of working with him?
Shawn Stasiak: I always looked up to Curt Hennig. In fact, it was
during one of his matches that I was watching when I was back in high
school and knew at that point that I wanted to be a professional wrestler
one hundred percent. He was a great wrestling entertainer, athlete, and
character inside and definitely outside the ring. It was an honor for me
to work both with and against him during my career.
Andy Steven: Was there much of a difference of drug use in WCW &
WWE? Was it easy to cheat the drug testing?
Shawn Stasiak: To be honest. I didn't ask everybody what they were
on or how much or if they were even on anything to begin with. It wasn't
any of my business. It is obvious that there were larger than life human
beings walking around back stage but I can't speculate as that wouldn't be
fair. I feel personally that a fair share may have been used but once
again that is purely speculation. I was tested at least once maybe twice
with WCW and I can't recall if at all with WWE but I passed and no I did
not cheat. I simply was clean. I know that the WWE has implemented a
pretty strict drug testing policy as of late or even within the last
couple of years from my understanding. That's all I know about that.
Andy
Steven: When you heard that WWE had brought WCW what were you and the
other WCW stars thinking? Were there different reactions to Shane
McMahon's presence?
Shawn Stasiak: I didn't even see any of the WWE representies that
day. I heard that they were there but never saw anyone backstage or
anywhere until Shane McMahon walked out on live television during the
broadcast. I think there were quite a few talent feeling a sense of
insecurity as that would be normal if their jobs were on the line. But
honestly, I felt confident that my contract would be of the ones that
would be bought over and that I would be back with the WWE. I may have had
a thought or two regarding my situation on why they let me go the first
time and if enough time had elapsed for me to make a return. But I
ultimately felt good about my over all performance with the year I was
with WCW and felt that they (WWE) knew that I had improved and grew some
wisdom being away working with the other company as that company gave me
the time and effort.
Andy Steven: Was there any politics between the stars that were
brought in from WCW and the WWE stars?
Shawn Stasiak: I am sure that there was. There is always politics
involved in any business. Especially the wrestling business. Knowing the
mentality of that industry, I am sure there were plenty of existing WWE
talent worrying and wondering if their "spot" would be replaced by someone
else, especially with a WCW talent. So I think that created a little
tension and maybe some animosity among talent backstage. I also think it
made some matches better too. When ever someone feels their job is in
jeopardy and must perform to an up and above performance will usually
create a better product. Whether it is for a position, ratings, money,
etc…
Andy Steven: How do you feel you were treated by the WWE when you
signed with them once again, and would you return to WWE again?
Shawn
Stasiak: I am always grateful for any opportunity that anyone gives
me. Especially when I signed each time with WWE. But it became very
frustrating especially after the second time I was there. I came in shape
all year around, I could speak well, I could have a good match, I had the
size, shape, athletism, passion and determination and not to mention a
built in legacy with my father being Stan "The Man" Stasiak. An original
pioneer of the WWE and the fifth wrestler in the history of the WWE to
become champion. Back in his time it was referred to as the WWWF. But same
promotion. My dad worked mainly for Vince's father. My dad had nothing but
good things to say about him as he treated my dad very fair. I don't know
what happen to me and today's Vince McMahon. Maybe he didn't like my
father and took it out on me???(lol) who knows! Although I am very
grateful to have the experiences I had with the WWE good and bad, I am
thankful. Because no one would know who I was if the WWE didn't give me
the opportunity to start on the platform that I did. But looking back at
my career with them, I didn't even scratch the surface of what my
potential as a professional wrestling entertainer could have been. I never
really got a fair opportunity to show case or even develop my talents to
refine myself to a Shawn Stasiak level that fans would have really
gravitated towards. I have so many people come up to me especially over
the last couple of years and ask what happened? Why didn't they use you
better? We really wanted something to happen as we dug you but just needed
a reason to really care. Stuff like that. And today I get that more than
ever as I am in the best physical shape of my life. I am also by far so
much more mentally and spiritually stronger as well. I am definitely a
much more refined and improved man both in the ring and most importantly
outside the ring.
I would consider making a return especially with the WWE if they only gave
me a fair opportunity. The contract would have to be right too. I don't
need the wrestling business. I fortunately had another passion in becoming
a doctor of chiropractic and that is what I have become today as I
graduated last September. It took 4 years of chiropractic medical school
and passing of all of my national boards and trust me it wasn't easy. In
fact, it was the hardest thing I ever had to endure in my life as not only
did I push myself mentally but pushed myself in the gym most nights and
mornings of the week to stay in peak physical shape. So you can say that I
had to reach deep down and find my character. It was humbling but I made
it through and that is where I am today. I have another new passion and
that is to develop my motivational speaking career within the
chiropractic, health, wellness, and fitness realm. I want to be in an
office about half the time working with my patients and the other half
spreading good information about ways for people to live a healthier and
enchanting life. I plan to do this on a world wide basis. I just finished
being in a film documentary entitled Shawn Stasiak Determined. It has a
lot of diversity and substance to it that I feel most people of all
genders, ages, and cultures will be able to take from and make positive
changes in their lives. That is my mission and one of my main purposes in
this world is to make positive changes in as many of people's lives I come
into contact with on a physical, mental, and spiritual plane. But I would
definitely consider making a return to the wrestling business only if the
terms were finally done right. I am a humble and respectful man but I will
call a spade a spade and if given the right opportunity especially with
TNA or WWE or any major wrestling promotion, just get behind me, give me
the ball and see what happens. I can almost rest assure that any wrestling
promoter will not regret their investment as I can make them a lot of
money. Especially now at this stage of my life. Hey, here's an idea. How
about not have me be the wild e. coyote running into walls and milk trucks
and trip over everything and realize that if I were to win the WWE
championship one day that I could actually make WWE history as that would
be the very first time a father/son duo had ever attained that feat. Wow,
what a great story line an idea that could be told to build to that
pinnacle moment. But it was just a thought! Time will tell. Either way I
will be ok with or without the WWE title. But it does have a nice ring to
it. Shawn Stasiak, the winner and NEW WWE CHAMPION!!!
Andy
Steven: You were released in September 2002, what was the reason for
your released?
Shawn Stasiak: Don't know and probably never will. I would imagine
backstage politics??? Hey maybe if I was I chiropractor back then, they
would have kept me as they would have needed me for their necks and
backs??? Just a thought! Boy do I bring so much value to the table!
Andy Steven: What is your opinion on drugs in wrestling and how do
you feel the TV media are treating the Benoit case?
Shawn Stasiak: I think it has been a problem of the past. I think
there is a difference between use and abuse. I think that their could be
those who are abusing their bodies with what they could be taking and the
amounts and combinations of what they could be taking but I don't know for
sure and am not going to point fingers at anyone in particular. I have my
speculations but it would not be fair to single out any one person because
I don't know for sure who is doing what or if anything at all.
I think their should be off seasons in the WWE. Make it so that talent
works the road for 3-4 months and then have a month to a month and a half
off to help recover their bodies and be with their families. Create a
contract so that maybe you make a little more when your on the road as
business must go on but for those who are at home resting still get a pay
check to support their families but at the same time get the rest they
truly need both physically and mentally. Maybe this could cut down or even
eliminate those who do use substances for whatever the reason.
Remember, the word steroids have such a bad stigma associated with it and
is a term that is used so vague. In some cases and in more recent
research, it shows that there are actually physiological and mental
benefits in therapeutic steroid use. I am not condoning the use of
steroids but just stating some facts supporting the therapeutic use of
them for some people.
The Benoit issue is horrifying and very sad. But it happened and nothing
can be done about it now. The media by nature seems to always look for the
most negative in most stories around the world. That is what our society
unfortunately seems to thrive on. Of course, people want answers. I want
answers. But all that is ever going to come out of this whole situation as
to why it happened and what ultimately caused it; we will never really
know the answer. We can only speculate unless some hard fact evidence
comes out to explain how and why. It could have been any one isolated
reason or a combination of reasons why. But we will never really
understand why. All we can do is pray for them and for their family and
friends.
Andy Steven: I would like to thank you very much once again for
taking this time to take part in this interview for www.PWMania.com,
I wish you the best of luck in the future and do you have any messages to
say to your fans and what is next for Shawn Stasiak?
Shawn Stasiak: Yes, I would like to say hello to all of my fans. A
special thank you to all of those who supported me and would have stood
behind me no matter what. I didn't realize how many fans I truly had until
the last couple of years of being away from the mainstream.
My life has changed for the better and I know I am on a whole new path
that is going to make a difference in many peoples lives in a good way. I
hope that you all go to
www.musculargalore.com to order my documentary film entitled
"Shawn Stasiak Determined." Which will be released in a few
weeks. I strongly feel that most of you will be
pleasantly surprised with what you get out of it. You will have an
opportunity to get to know the real Shawn that you never could have known
from my past experiences on television wrestling. I hope you all enjoy it
and pass the information on to others. I will have a website up and
running within the next month or so that I would like everybody to check
out. Right now I have a my space page.
www.myspace.com/shawnstasiak and I am just learning how to use it
so bear with me folks. And my website will be www.shawnstasiak.com
www.musculargalore.com.
And if I ever get a real opportunity. A real fair chance to do something
with merit in the wrestling business, I promise I will stand for who Shawn
really is. A Shawn Stasiak that most if not everyone can relate to and
look up to as a good role model especially for younger kids. That is my
true love and passion. To contribute to a positive life that one will
live. This is one of my callings in life while I am here.
Thank you for the opportunity in having me conduct this interview. Best,
Shawn.
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Andy
Steven: Firstly I would like to thank you for taking time out of your
busy schedule to take part in this interview for
Andy
Steven: You signed with WCW in 2000, how different was it from WWE, do
you feel you were treated better their and why? 
Andy
Steven: When you heard that WWE had brought WCW what were you and the
other WCW stars thinking? Were there different reactions to Shane
McMahon's presence? 
Shawn
Stasiak: I am always grateful for any opportunity that anyone gives
me. Especially when I signed each time with WWE. But it became very
frustrating especially after the second time I was there. I came in shape
all year around, I could speak well, I could have a good match, I had the
size, shape, athletism, passion and determination and not to mention a
built in legacy with my father being Stan "The Man" Stasiak. An original
pioneer of the WWE and the fifth wrestler in the history of the WWE to
become champion. Back in his time it was referred to as the WWWF. But same
promotion. My dad worked mainly for Vince's father. My dad had nothing but
good things to say about him as he treated my dad very fair. I don't know
what happen to me and today's Vince McMahon. Maybe he didn't like my
father and took it out on me???(lol) who knows! Although I am very
grateful to have the experiences I had with the WWE good and bad, I am
thankful. Because no one would know who I was if the WWE didn't give me
the opportunity to start on the platform that I did. But looking back at
my career with them, I didn't even scratch the surface of what my
potential as a professional wrestling entertainer could have been. I never
really got a fair opportunity to show case or even develop my talents to
refine myself to a Shawn Stasiak level that fans would have really
gravitated towards. I have so many people come up to me especially over
the last couple of years and ask what happened? Why didn't they use you
better? We really wanted something to happen as we dug you but just needed
a reason to really care. Stuff like that. And today I get that more than
ever as I am in the best physical shape of my life. I am also by far so
much more mentally and spiritually stronger as well. I am definitely a
much more refined and improved man both in the ring and most importantly
outside the ring. 
Andy
Steven: You were released in September 2002, what was the reason for
your released? 
