Hello, how have you been?
What a stupid way to start an interview. Such a vague question. How exactly is one to answer that question? ‘How have you been?’ is such an usual way to start a conversation, but I don’t think it makes much sense to use it for an Internet interview. But I shall answer it, Hello, I have been good.

You have worked for RAW, UCW and MSW. What do you think is being done to make East Coast Pro Wrestling better?
Too many initials. To my knowledge, the offices at ECPW are working extremely hard to bring a solid, all round product back to the Maritimes. They are looking to really establish local, Maritime talent as the focal point of the promotion. Giving Maritime fans a regular show instead of maybe one show a year that this fly-by-night promotions of the past were able to do. The Maritimes are really the last real territory left in North America and ECPW and has an excellent history. ECPW seems to want to carry out that tradition.

What should be done to make sure that happens?
Hard work. Period. From the guys setting up the ring, to the folks who sign the pay checks. If everyone involved gives their best, there’s no telling how successful ECPW can be.

Why do you think Kentville was picked to host ECPW 's first show in 2005?
I was truthfully surprised when Kentville was selected. The Valley has been a popular wrestling area. I currently attend the NSCC in Kentville and there isn’t a week go by that I don’t get asked when wrestling is coming back to the Valley. But to be the home of ECPW’s first show is a great idea. The City is only an hour away and it’s a great community.

How were the Sinner Camp students in 2004 compared to other students you have seen trained by the Sinner's the past ?
Kingman and Kowboy have a knack for only letting the strongest survive. The two students who finished the school both worked very hard. But training school is the easiest part of the professional mat game. I’ll wait and pass judgment once they get into the rigors of being out on the road and the sacrifices that are made there.

What are your thoughts on the whole Ring Of Honor concept, the field of honor, the code of honor, pretty much promoting it's product as more of a sport, then sports entertainment?
I’ve seen some things from ROH that I liked, then some things that really drive me crazy. The honor stuff drives me retarded. I know that when I’ve got someone down on the mat, I’m not going to bring him back to his feet, I’m going to keep him on the mat and make him work to get back up. I’m not going to sit here and tell you what we do isn’t predetermined, but when I’m in the ring I care about two things, looking good and keeping the fans entertained. I don’t think the fans are entertained watching me and my opponent break dancing our way through our match which a lot of stuff out there these days is. I’m getting paid to WRESTLE and the fans are paying expecting to see WRESTLING. I want the guy in the arm bar on the mat to use WRESTLING to get back in control. A lot of stuff I’ve seen on ROH tapes looks like it was choreographed by the guy who did Michael Jackson’s thriller. Just get in the ring and WRESTLE.

Do you think that could work here the in Maritimes?
Imagine this. Lincoln Steen shaking the hand of Cinder before and after a match. Then Kowboy comes out to wrestle Colt Cabana and they shake. Then Eddie Watts comes out to wrestle Vinny Glyde and they shake hands. OK, now I’m bored. It’s bullshit. It’s the same thing every match. I know, why don’t before each match the wrestlers both disco dance or come out wearing the same gear and ring robes. Diversity is important on a wrestling card. I want to see two guys in the ring that hate each other. It’s even better when they don’t respect each other, because they beat the hell out of each other. What kind of story is it when two boy scouts wrestle each other. There’s no one to cheer and no one to boo. ITS BORING.

Why do you think ECPW picked to run it's first show as the Maritime Cup?
I’m not sure. Shouldn’t you be asking yourself that question. I’m sure ECPW has it’s reasons, and the success of the first cup probably was taken into account.

What wrestlers do you think need to be brought in to help make ECPW a success?
With the amount of local talent, it’s doubtful that you’ll see a lot of talent brought in. Not saying there won’t be, just not an entire crew brought in as other years have dictated. In saying that, personally I’d like to see Cheech or Watts come in as their wisdom is valuable. I’d also like to see some international talent come in. I’ve heard nothing but tremendous things about Robbie Brookside and many others in Europe.

Which do you think is a better idea brining in older WWE stars or bringing in top level indy talent (Aj Styles, Chris Daniels ect.) or a mix of both ?
From a fan’s aspect I’d suggest that older WWE stars are cool to have in. Most Maritime Fans have probably not heard of AJ Stlyes or Chris Daniels unless they have the Internet. I’ve had good matches with the Honky Tonk Man. I’ve had some barn burners with Gangrel. From my aspect, a wrestler is a wrestler regardless if they are a “name” or not. But I think from a financial aspect, the pay day for most of these talents don’t cover the return on the gate. With the talent ECPW lined up so far, I’m willing to say that while a cool idea, bringing in “names” isn’t necessary.

A lot of people have been praising Tony Armstrong for getting into better shape. Do you plan on getting back into ring shape for ECPW?
I’ve never been out of “ring shape”, but I’ve been training very hard as of late to try to look as good as possible in the ECPW ring. This will be the first time I worked for a promotion that cared how it’s wrestlers looked. With some promotions, I was the only regular guy who actually looked like a wrestler. I didn’t have to train hard, now I do and it’s nothing but a positive step not only for wrestling but for my health.

What are you doing to show the fans that Lincoln Steen wants to be a respected part of Maritime wrestling?
I’ve always considered myself to be a respected part of Maritime Wrestling. I’ve pushed my mat game further then I ever expected myself too and always had respect for those who helped build this territory. The fans have always had respect for me... at least the ones I talk to. I hate you New Scott.

Ring of Honor has made most of their money on internet video sales, do you think that is something that could help make ECPW special? by that I mean making video's of each show for sale, which is something that hasn't been done in the Maritimes before?
What do you mean.... don’t you sell tapes on the Internet? Keep up the good work, moron. WHERE’S MY BEST OF BENOIT?

Who do you think has the best shot at becoming the first ECPW champion?
I’d like to say me, but Kingman will probably be top dog. He is a huge monster. But in saying that, the jet setting Kingman probably won’t want the title holding him in one spot too long. Christ... I just looked at the roster page. Have you looked at the roster page? It’s like a huge list of potential champions. Except Trash Canyon. He’s too ugly to be ECPW Champion.

Is there someone out there that you think is too much of a risk, that you wouldn't get into the ring with?
I’ve never come across anyone who was too much of a risk. Although Gord Glynn tried to take liberties with me in the ring once, he didn’t try it again with me.

Your thoughts on Bobby Roode in TNA
Although I’ve seen no matches from TNA, I like the concept of Team Canada. Bob, Eric Young and Johnny Devine are guys that really are top talents. I’ve been on cards with both Bobby and Devine and they are both extremely talented. And everybody I’ve every talked to from Ontario said Eric Young was incredible. Bobby is doing great for himself and I hope to see him in the Maritimes again someday.

What does the future hold for Lincoln Steen?
I’m not sure. Inevitably death, but between now and then who knows. I’m on the verge of graduating from the NSCC’s Radio and Television Arts program. I’m in the midst of producing a radio drama involving professional wrestling. I’m hitting the gym harder then ever. If I can just stay focus and dedicated on my goals, I will have no problem attaining them. Hopefully I can get to the status of being booked to play in charity hockey games at some point or get a match with the Green Bastard from Parts Unknown.

Anything you want to plug?
I’m in the middle of rebuilding my website. www.steentopia.maritimewrestling.com I’m spread so thin between school, bouncing and the gym that it’s kind of on the back burner now.
Also I would like to plug physical fitness to the masses. Not weight lifting, but being active. I didn’t realize how inactive I became when I first left High School until this year. Even when I was on tour wrestling, I wasn’t as active as I was during my high school tenure. Between hockey, refereeing, amateur wrestling, acting in the school musical and being involved in student council during my high school years I was hardly ever sitting on my arse. Then I stopped being active regularly, now I’m getting back into it and feeling better then ever. Now I’m not just getting physically fit, I’m feeling the mental benefits of it too. Go for a walk or play in some rec. leagues. Get a gym membership or take up yoga. Stay Active, it’s fantastic.

Name Association

Sheldon MacLean - Treated me very well, along with the rest of the crew for his Cape Breton shows. He wanted to do things the right way.

Marko Estrada - I should have saved people headaches and drown him in Cape Breton when I had the chance. Marko is a waste of god given talent. I’m sure if he could get his head in the right place he would be a welcomed addition to any locker room.

The Dice - Jason? I’ve always hated the Dice. But he has taken steps to get beyond the shame he has brought on himself and the business. I would hope that he would use a different name now that he is truly trained just to make the total separation. Arion Stone would be a cool new name for him.

Colt Cabana - Never met him, nor seen his work. But his interview made me laugh and if Pete likes him he can’t be bad for business.

Trash Canyon - Ugly.... But it’s true what they say, if Trash puts his mind to it, it’s done. Trash is a wikid nice guy and does a lot for his friends.

Tracy Love - She seemed like a cool girl, only met her once, she had a decent match with Sarah in Cape Breton.

Flesh Gordon - From everything I’ve heard, this is one character I have to meet.

Vance Nevada - Vance is an interesting character. I have a lot of respect for the man, as if it wasn’t’ for him, I would have never gone to Winnipeg, nor worked for Tony Condello, nor met Watts or Cheech under such god graces. I owe him a lot. From what I’ve gathered he does this for a lot of young stars out in BC and gets zero in return. Those guys don’t know how rare it is for someone to take a genuine interest in helping you along. I know that Vance is apparently coming back to the Maritimes, and I hope he knows that while he is here, I would like to buy him coffee

Miss Chevius - She’s hot. I’d give her the onion.