SmashWrestling Interview

Interview with Dan Severn by Mike Aldren of EWN & SmashWrestling 8/00 Dan wrestled for the WWF weekly as he continued a grueling appearance, seminar, and no holds barred fighting schedule. He held the National Wrestling Alliance heavyweight title in the professional wrestling ranks for longer than any other previous NWA champion. Dan has been profiled in the press around the world in such publications as USA Today, People, Karate and Kung Fu Illustrated.

I had the pleasure to speak with Dan "The Beast" Severn. "The Beast" has captured the attention of fight and wrestling fans around the world. Dan began his career in the fight game as a Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestler. Gaining much notoriety in the Ultimate Fighting Championship and brief stints in the WWF and WA, "The Beast" is classed as one of the hardest workers in the business.

MIKE ALDREN: First off Dan I want to thank you for this opportunity to speak with you. I'm a huge fan as many of our readers are. I understand you have a pro wrestling school up there in Michigan, how is that going?

DAN SEVERN: The pro wrestling classes are growing on a daily basis. I have some great students and really enjoy teaching them what the sport is all about. We are also running shows to help them fine tune their ring skills.


MA: You've just finished a show for Frontier Wrestling Alliance in the UK called "Evil Intentions". At your Evil Intentions appearance your fight with Michael Kovac received the largest pop of the night and the crowd were all solidly behind you, is this level of support reflected in other countries?

DS: Yes, but I would like to say that the fans at Evil Intentions were tremendous. I am glad that they support the more scientific style that I utilize. Most places I get a good pop from the crowd. They know what to expect from me as a wrestler and I try very hard to put on the best show possible each time I wrestle.


MA: What is your opinion on the current UK Wrestling Scene?

DS: We really enjoyed going to the UK and the opportunity. The fans there are very supportive of pro wrestling. I feel that the UK is a great place to really make an impact. We would love to go back but I don't have anything scheduled at this time.


MA: Most fans will remember you for your appearances in the WWF. Unconfirmed rumors have it that you were in talks with both WCW & ECW are you any closer to returning to the main feds?

DS: Right now I am focusing on a fight that I have in Japan on August 23rd. It is a great opportunity for me and am concentrating solely on that. Once that is over then I will see what can be done on the pro scene.


MA: What were your feelings concerning the late Owen Hart considering he was the one who put you out of the WWF with your neck injury?

DS: I really enjoyed working with Owen. He also had an amateur wrestling background. The neck injury angle was part of the job at the time. I hold no grudge or anything like that. I feel very sad about what happened to Owen. It was unfortunate. I wish his family the very best. Owen was a true wrestler and great person!


MA: If you do return to a major promotion, aside from the WWF, do you think your shoot wrestling style will have more impact in ECW than it would in WCW?

DS: I am not sure. I don't pay much attention to the big 3 but, my students fill me in on what's happening. Both seem to be struggling at this time. I would talk to both and see what we could come up with. It would have to be what I want. I work with kids and do a lot of public speaking, so it would have to be positive for me that way.


MA: When you eventually hang up your boots what are your plans in retirement?

DS: I will retire from the shoot world before the pro wrestling world. I am enjoying being involved in both. I will retire when the body does not allow me to show case my skills properly.


MA: Well I'm sure your a very busy man, so I thank you on behalf of EWN and it's readers for talking to us. I hope to see "The Beast" on our TV screens again soon and wish you well with the rest of your career.

DS: Thank you for the interview Mike I look forward to reading it in EWN and on the site.

Visit Dan Severn's website located at:
http://www.The-Dangerzone.com.

If using ANY portion of this interview you must give full credit to Mike Aldren and www.SmashWrestling.com.

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