Exclusive: The Renaissance of Ace Steel – From WWE to TNA – A Journey Through Wrestling’s Evolution

By Mark O’Brien Last updated Aug 14, 2024

Exclusive Interview with WrestleMobs

In the world of professional wrestling, few figures embody the spirit of perseverance and adaptability quite like Ace Steel. From his humble beginnings on Chicago’s independent circuit to his impactful roles in major promotions like WWE and TNA, Steel’s journey is a mirror to the evolution of professional wrestling itself.

As Steel puts it, “Wrestling has always been about passion and drive. If you don’t have that, you won’t last long. I’ve seen a lot of guys come and go, but the ones who make it are the ones who never stop loving this business.”

From Chicago’s Indie Scene to the National Spotlight

Ace Steel’s wrestling career began in the late 1980s on the tough streets of Chicago, where he quickly made a name for himself with his unique style and dedication to the craft. “Chicago was my proving ground,” he recalls. “Back then, everyone was trying to stand out, and I knew I had to be different. We weren’t just wrestling for a paycheck; we were wrestling to survive and make a name for ourselves.”

Steel’s determination paid off, leading him to form key alliances with wrestlers like CM Punk, with whom he would later co-found the Hate Breed faction in Ring of Honor. “We were hungry, man. We wanted to prove ourselves. Ring of Honor was where you went to show the world what you could do, and we were wrestling machines back then,” Steel says.

His passion and drive did not go unnoticed, and it wasn’t long before Steel caught the attention of major promotions, including TNA and WWE.

Surviving the WWE Machine

Steel’s tenure in WWE was marked by both challenges and memorable moments. While his in-ring appearances were sporadic, he made a lasting impression with his involvement in various storylines and segments. One of the most talked-about moments was his portrayal in the infamous 2007 segment where he spoofed Rosie O’Donnell. “I remember thinking, ‘Is this really happening?’ But at the end of the day, you do what’s asked of you and make the most of it,” Steel reflects.

Despite the comedic nature of some of his WWE roles, Steel was always serious about his craft. “WWE is a different beast altogether. It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle if you’re not careful. But for me, it was all about learning. I wanted to soak up as much knowledge as I could, and WWE was the place to do that.”

However, Steel’s time in WWE also taught him about the business side of wrestling. “You’ve got to understand the machine. WWE is a global brand, and you’re a part of that machine. It’s not just about wrestling; it’s about entertainment. And that was a big lesson for me.”

Finding Identity Beyond the Spotlight

After leaving WWE, Steel returned to his roots on the independent circuit, where he rediscovered his love for wrestling. “Going back to the indies was like coming home. It reminded me why I fell in love with wrestling in the first place,” he says. During this time, Steel also began to focus on training the next generation of wrestlers, establishing the Foundation of Professional Wrestling school in Florida.

“My school is my way of giving back to the industry that’s given me so much. I see so much potential in the new generation, and it’s my job to help them realize that potential,” Steel explains. “We focus on the fundamentals here because, without a solid foundation, you can’t build anything.”

Steel’s dedication to mentorship is evident in the success of his students, many of whom have gone on to wrestle in top promotions around the world. “I’ve had guys like Jody Threat and Adam Pearce come through here, and seeing them succeed is the biggest reward I could ask for,” Steel says proudly.

A New Chapter with TNA

In 2023, Steel’s journey came full circle when he joined TNA as a producer, a role that allows him to influence the product both behind the scenes and occasionally in the ring. “TNA is where I feel like I can really make a difference. The company is growing, and there’s a lot of excitement about what we’re doing,” Steel notes.

Steel is particularly proud of his work with talents like Joe Hendry, who he praises for his dedication and creativity. “Joe’s a special talent. He’s someone who’s always thinking about how to make his character better, how to connect with the audience. Working with him has been a highlight of my career,” Steel says.

With TNA’s recent rebranding and resurgence, Steel is optimistic about the future. “There’s a real sense of momentum here. We’re doing things differently, and I think the fans are responding to that. The sky’s the limit for TNA,” he adds.

The Legacy of Ace Steel

As Ace Steel looks back on his career, it’s clear that his journey is far from over. Whether he’s training the next generation of wrestling stars or helping to shape the future of TNA, Steel remains as passionate and driven as ever. “I’m 51 years old, but I feel like I’m just getting started. There’s still so much I want to do, so much I want to give back to this industry,” he says.

For fans of Ace Steel and professional wrestling, his story is an inspiring reminder of what it means to truly love what you do. As Steel himself puts it, “Wrestling isn’t just a job. It’s a way of life. And I’m going to keep living it for as long as I can.”

Full Interview with Ace Steel: