SMOKE SIGNALS
An Interview With Big Vito

Smokey: Do you guys have input in the angle or is everything handed down from the booking committee?

Big Vito: We do at different times. Those guys, the writers and bookers, can help make our ideas work better and help us get our points across quicker. The combination is working well and I think both the fans and the office are noticing us. It's quite an honor to hold the straps this early, and I'm real thankful for the shot we've gotten.

Smokey: Fans asked if we are going to see Tony Marenara again and "Tony from Jersey" noticed Chuck Zito as Tony's dad in one of the early vignettes. Are there any plans to bring Zito back?

Big Vito: It's possible but I really don't know. I expect that there will be cameo appearances by those guys and others too. Nothing is planned for the immediate time but Italian "mob families" are usually pretty big. As far as Marenara goes he's in Vegas taking care of family business right now.

Smokey: In the past couple of years the WCW Tag-Team division has been not exactly consistent and many guys wind up working more singles matches than tag matches. Do you see that happening with the Mamalukes?

Big Vito: No not at all. I think that the management is committed to us and committed to creating more quality tag matches. They see that we want to defend of belts as much as we can. We've seen a few more signs each time we are in the ring and even a couple of Italian flags flying, and that's great. I hope to see more when we get to New York and Philly.

Smokey: One of the questions was directed at the name Mamalukes. It's kind of a negative term, and the reader asks if there are anything in the gimmick or story line that you felt was derogatory to Italians?

Big Vito: Not at all. Hey look growing up there's a lot guys like me that saw all the movies like Rocky, The Godfather and Wise Guys and wanted the chance to portray guys like that. We are having a good time we're Piasans and were the tag champs.

Smokey: Lot's of fans are noticing the work ethic and desire that The Mamalukes exhibit in the ring and many believe it's the thing that WCW needs to focus on. That is building new talent and giving the fans a chance to get involved in new feuds and new tag combinations. Can you guys feel the fans getting with you and are there plans for T-shirts and other Piasan merchandise?

Big Vito: yea, I think there are t-shirts on the way and we notice the leather jackets and hear the reaction of the fans and that's what we out there for. I look forward to my time in WCW and would be happy to answer any fan mail that catches up to us along the way.