Stephen Wolf’s path as a wrestler has not been an easy one, but it is a story of perseverance in the face of adversity. A story of setbacks, hard work, and a love of professional wrestling. Starting out his training in his hometown of Peoria, Illinois, in 2014, he was one of the few students of Tracy Smothers at the time. Before the interview he recalled:
Stephen Wolf: “He took on very few students at the time, but luckily enough, he liked me because of my high dropkick. I still remember him telling me to dropkick 10 people in a row and calling me ‘The dropkick kid’.”
After six years of training and hard work, Stephen Wolf made it to the WWE in 2020. His efforts paid off and he was officially signed to the promotion. However, his initial medical examination revealed that he had a herniated disk that he’d been wrestling on for two years. His contract was terminated on December 30th, 2020. His birthday. Shortly after he found out that he could have been paralyzed if he had kept wrestling with his injury.
Fortunately, Stephen Wolf’s story didn’t end there. Since his recovery, he has been very active on the independent scene and you can see his work all over IWTV or Title Match Network.
- After your initial injury diagnosis what was the correction for that injury? Rehabbing, surgery, etc.?
There was really only one option for correction, and that was surgery. Rehabbing afterwards was a must. There was no actual guarantee I would be able to return to wrestling, though. That was up to how well the doctors would do and how my body would react to the surgery. All I knew was: It was the only chance I had to get back into the ring.
- How long did recovery take you, and until you were back in the ring?
Initially the doctor said it could be up to nine months to a year before I could start training again. Luckily, since I’m a relatively healthy person, I was able to return full time in around nine and a half months.
- Was there a conversation or hesitation to keep wrestling? I guess I want to know what kept you going. How did you stay inspired/driven?
There definitely was a lot of hesitation. Wrestling was the only thing I felt I was good at. However, if my body couldn’t handle it, then what was the point of trying to continue it? But after I was able to work through all the negativity swirling through my head with therapy and the support of my family, I realized that I was made for this. I would just have to be better, smarter and more creative than ever before on how I do things in the ring. That way something like this will never happen again.
- Do you have any words for future wrestlers who could go through a similar situation? What helped you get through it?
Focusing on what you can control. You can’t wrestle, but your mind can still be creative. Come up with new ideas for your look, move set, gear. Anything that will help you when you come back. Plus, finding something you love outside of wrestling. It’s always good to have something to take your mind off the stress. Which wrestling can very much be when you’re not able to get out there.
- Does this entire situation leave you with a chip on your shoulder, or desire to push harder or to be more careful and in the moment, so to speak, after coming so close to your career possibly ending?
Without a doubt, after my surgery, I’ve been even more determined to be the best. Not just to get back to my dream of wrestling for a living, but to prove to myself that I can be better without having to do crazy high-flying gif-able moments. I will give people memorable moments that won’t cause me to lose years off of, not just my career, my life.
- I don’t want to dwell too much on the past, as you have a lot ahead of you. So, my final question about the past is: You said you started training in 2014. What inspired you to start training or decided you wanted to be a wrestler?
Wrestling is all I ever wanted to do growing up. From wrestling stuffed animals to having ladder matches with my friends on a trampoline (which I do NOT recommend), wrestling is all I ever wanted to do. I was lucky enough to have a father and grandmother who did everything they could to keep that fire burning in me. However, growing up in good ol Peoria, Illinois, didn’t leave me with many options. By some stroke of luck I started a conversation with this guy who came into my job who ended up being a local indie wrestler. He told me to come out to the show that weekend, and the rest, as they say, is history.
- Do you keep up with a lot of your fellow independent wrestlers’ careers? Or specific independent or major companies? What kind of wrestling are you personally invested in or keeping up with?
I do. I love seeing my people succeed. Even if we aren’t necessarily friends, it’s always great to see good things happening to good people. I wouldn’t say there’s many specific companies, because there’s just so many great ones out there. Personally, I would recommend keeping up with New Texas Pro down here in Houston, Texas. Not just because that’s my home promotion, but because they really do everything they can to help elevate wrestling as a whole with their product.
Hart: Stephen and HYAN joined the short list of wrestlers who have shared the ring with their significant other and the even shorter list of wrestlers who have faced their significant other one on one. Stephen stepped up during an open challenge by HYAN after her scheduled opponent had to drop out.
- What was it like stepping in the ring with someone you’re married to?
It’s an experience for sure. Regardless of our relationship, I truly believe HYAN is one of the best wrestlers on the scene today, so being in the ring with her in general, I know it’s going to be something special. Teaming with her was easy, since she and I are a team every single day. Going against each other, however, was a different story. It was a VERY weird feeling thinking “I have to hurt my wife”, but after she kicked me in the face I got over that feeling really quick.
- Have you two ever had discussions about becoming a tag team?
We have a few times, but neither one of us wants to be the Jannetty of the team, so we had to scrap that idea.
Hart: As someone located on the west coast, I frequent independent wrestling ran by places such as Prestige, West Coast Pro, POW, as well as having friends who are massive supporters of DOA, DEFY, etc. While we were on the subject of HYAN, I wanted to ask Wolf about wrestling on the West Coast.
- On the topic of HYAN, back in May, I was there live at the Queen of Indies tournament by West Coast Pro in San Francisco, where she had an excellent match vs Masha Slamovich. You’ve never been able to make it out for any of the larger west coast independents. Are there any specific companies you watch on this side of the country, and if so, which ones would you like to work for?
I watch a lot of Prestige, West Coast Pro, and Defy. Those 3 are the ones I’ve been really wanting to be a part of. I recently started watching DOA and I think they’re doing amazing work.
- Any message you’d like to send to companies, bookers, talents, whoever on the west coast/PNW?
Like I said earlier, I want to be the absolute best wrestler I can be. To be the best, you have to face the best. Everything about the west coast demands that you be on top of your game, and that’s an environment I know that I can not only flourish in, but help build up as well.
- What are some of your dream opponents? Both realistic and totally out there.
Realistically, Shelton Benjamin. He’s been THE guy for me since I was in grade school. The fact that he’s still going, and killing it means that there’s a chance for it one day. Unrealistically, I’d love to wrestle Ricky Steamboat. He’s the top legend on my list for sure, and that match with Macho Man at mania? Perfection.
Hart: I have a personal appreciation for wrestlers who go out of their way to interact with fans. I wanted to talk with Stephen Wolf about it, because it’s one of the reasons I became a fan of his, similarly to Ray Lyn, who I’ve interviewed in the past. It’s also the main reason I’ve been able to interview any wrestler I have.
- I’ve asked Rae Lyn a similar question, but you’re very active on social media and interact with fans a lot. Does it happen naturally for you, or do you make it a point to make sure you go out of your way to connect and talk with fans? Is being approachable something you care or even think about?
Yes and no. Yes, because I love talking to people and hearing what’s on their mind. You never know what might make someone’s day or not. I always try to treat people with the idea that you have no idea what kind of day they’re having, so be the reason they have a good one. It’s difficult for me because I almost have to force myself to get on social media. I want to be accessible to fans but I also hate being on my phone all the time.
- Define your wrestling style without comparing yourself to another wrestler for reference.
I have a very hybrid style. First and foremost, I hit hard. I’m not a fan of going for 3 or 4 punches. I’m gonna knock you off your feet with one. If someone can stand up with me, then I can go to the air. There’s no one in the game who can float in the air like I can. If you want to try me there, I have an amateur wrestling background that can keep you on the mat for as long as I want you there. Humbly, there’s not really much I can’t do inside the squared circle.
- What are your goals for the rest of 2023 and heading into 2024?
My biggest goal is to get an opportunity on the west coast. So many great things are happening out there and the wrestlers out of there are elevating the game all over. I would love to experience that for myself. The number one company I want to work for is NJPW Strong. That’s my goal, and I’ll make sure to do everything I can to get there. When it comes to the companies that I’m currently working for, it’s all about getting into the main event picture.
- Following up on that question, what are your ultimate goals in wrestling? TV, championships, critical acclaim?
The ultimate goal has always been to make it to TV. I made a promise to my grandma that I would make it, so that’s what I’m going to do. Once I get there, then the focus will be championships, fame, etc. From a smaller aspect, I’ve always wanted to be able to walk into a store and buy my own action figure. That’s when I feel like I’ll finally feel as if I ‘made it’.
- Is there anything you’d like to leave fans with, or hope they take away from this interview?
No matter the setback, as long as you believe deep down that you’ll be able to come back from it, you will. Take care of your mind and there’s nothing you can’t accomplish.
- Thank you for your time!
Thanks for having me!
