The COVID era was unprecedented times for the pro wrestling industry, with companies having to come up with new ways to keep things going. This included allowing storyline ideas that would be considered absurd in normal times.
During a recent interview with Public Enemies Podcast, former WWE writer Chris Dunn revealed one such crazy idea that almost came to fruition. According to the former WWE employee, they had actually come really close to introducing a new version of nWo featuring names such as Sheamus and Shinsuke Nakamura:
“Do you guys remember the Thunderdome? It was really tough to do TV in there, so a lot of ideas were thrown against the wall. So, it was discussed at one point bringing back the nWo in 2020 again. A new version. So, the pitch was Sheamus, Cesaro, Nakamura, and Lars Sullivan. We were really close to it happening.”
Dunn claimed that Vince McMahon was high on Sullivan and the former WWE chairman was always trying to get him on TV. The whole idea was nixed, however, when the legend who was supposed to get the faction started, tested positive for COVID themselves:
“I forget which legendary nWo member was supposed to fly to Orlando to introduce this new nWo. It wasn’t X-Pac. But essentially, they landed and didn’t pass the COVID test.”
WWE and WCW veteran Kevin Nash did share his doubts on the story later on. Reacting to it on X, the nWo founder said that he never heard anything of the sort:
“Never heard anything about it. Scott [Hall] and @TheRealXPac and myself were out almost every weekend together. So it definitely wasn’t one of us.”
Never heard anything about it. Scott and @TheRealXPac and myself were out almost every weekend together. So it definitely wasn't one of us.
One WWE Superstar who accepted a 50% pay cut during the company’s recent effort to renegotiate contracts is still making “huge money” according to Kevin Nash. The multi-time World Champion and nWo founding member shared insider details from his “moles” in WWE on the latest episode of his Kliq This podcast.
Nash admitted he was stunned after learning how much one wrestler was earning prior to agreeing to a reduced contract.
“I’ve got enough moles in the business where — I mean, I know the people that took 50 percent cuts,” Nash said on his Kliq This podcast.
“I know one of the guys, and when I found out what the person was making, and after I just picked myself up off the ground that he was making that much money, and then realized that even at 50 percent, he was making huge money.”
Following WrestleMania, WWE made several roster cuts while reportedly approaching select wrestlers about reworking their existing deals for less money rather than being released outright.
Some performers reportedly accepted cuts as steep as 50 percent, while others like Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods said “no thanks, we’re out.”
Nash Clarifies TKO Creative Comments
The WWE Hall of Famer also addressed recent comments he made regarding TKO’s involvement in WWE creative. Nash recently suggested TKO should stay out of the creative side and allow Triple H to handle things without interference.
However, Nash clarified that Triple H never personally told him TKO executives were meddling in the creative process.
“One thing Paul and I have never done is we have never talked business,” Nash explained. “Because that takes away the trust that he has with the people he works for. So that’s always been, it’s none of my business.”
Nash suggested his frustration may have boiled over after a long stretch of travel. “Maybe I got pissed off last week. Maybe it was just because I did a lot of driving. Maybe I thought I was a wrestler again,” he said.
Nash also spoke positively about his interactions with TKO CEO Ari Emanuel, noting Emanuel has always treated him respectfully. “He was such a gentleman. He came up, he shook my hand. I’ve never been treated better by anyone in management than the way he treated me,” Nash stated.
WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash is speaking out about the wave of roster cuts that followed WrestleMania 42, and he isn’t mincing words about the company’s direction under TKO Group Holdings.
Nash recently addressed the post-WrestleMania 42 releases, calling out specific firings as flat-out wrong. The WWE legend also set his sights on the financial optics of the situation — pointing to the significant executive compensation packages at TKO while rank-and-file performers were being let go.
Nash Criticizes TKO’s Financial Priorities
According to Nash, the juxtaposition of TKO leadership raking in big paydays while wrestlers are shown the door doesn’t sit right with him. The former WWE Champion singled out Nick Khan and TKO’s reported financial growth as a backdrop to cuts that Nash believes were unjustified.
“It was wrong,” Nash said of the releases, per recent reports.
Nash’s comments come in the context of a broader wave of budget-tightening at WWE. TKO moved to cut costs through more than 24 releases and asked at least six talents to take pay reductions. Among those who reportedly declined a 50% pay cut were Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods of The New Day — both of whom were subsequently released.
The Bigger Picture: TKO’s Budget Squeeze
The Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer reported in early May that WWE asked some talent to renegotiate to lower pay, with NXT talent particularly affected. Notably, Roman Reigns was reportedly not among those asked to take a reduction.
Nash’s frustration reflects a sentiment shared by many in the wrestling community: that the business case for the cuts is difficult to accept when TKO’s executive class continues to grow its earnings while the locker room shrinks.
This isn’t the first time Nash has used his platform to hold WWE leadership accountable. The WWE Hall of Famer has long been one of the industry’s most outspoken voices on talent rights and business ethics inside the squared circle.
A Growing Chorus of Criticism
Nash is far from alone. The post-WrestleMania 42 cuts have drawn widespread criticism from current and former WWE talent, media personalities, and fans alike. The combination of high-profile releases, reported pay cut requests, and TKO’s focus on profit margin has made this one of the more contentious off-screen periods in recent WWE history.
As more former stars speak up, the pressure on TKO to address the optics — if not the decisions themselves — is only likely to grow.
Kevin Nash has a simple question for WWE and he cannot understand why no one inside the company has acted on the answer.
On the 200th episode of Kliq This, Nash addressed Bron Breakker’s name during the Raw recap segment and made the case that the solution to whatever is holding Breakker back from the next level is sitting right there in his family tree.
“I saw, or actually heard, Seth call him Steiner, and it’s like, when is the WWE going to realize that he is a Steiner. He’s Bronson Rick Steiner. Why don’t I just call him Bron Steiner?”
Nash then went directly at the current ring name with the kind of clarity that only someone with decades in the business can bring.
“Bron Breakker sounds like something I watched on a cartoon in 1971.”
Co-host Sean Oliver compared it to a Marvel villain’s name. Nash did not disagree and continued building his case, arguing that the refinement Breakker has shown as a performer has made the corporate ring name feel even more mismatched.
“Bron Breakker. And maybe they thought that’s the direction that he’d go, but now that it’s been refined, and he held his nose and did this, the voice. It’s just like, come on, man. The guy can do it all. He looks like a million bucks. He can talk, he can definitely do the walk. So it’s just like, let the boy Boogie Woogie. Let him be Steiner.”
Nash returned to the family legacy argument again later in the same segment, pointing out the internal contradiction of WWE referencing the Steiner name through storylines while refusing to put it on the marquee.
“If you’re gonna make reference to it, if you’re gonna make reference to his uncle and his father, then…”
He was referencing the 2022 NXT angle where Joe Gacy and Harland kidnapped Rick Steiner to set up Breakker’s title program. Bronson Rechsteiner is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Rick Steiner and the nephew of Scott Steiner. He inducted both into the WWE Hall of Fame in April 2022 and uses the Steiner Recliner, the camel clutch his uncle made famous, as one of his finishing moves.
Nash also addressed Breakker’s spear, which appeared twice during Monday’s Raw against Seth Rollins. He praised the first one, a full-sprint effort from the entrance ramp, while questioning the second.
“He half ass missed that one. The first one, when he comes that whole distance, let alone the fact that it was a 390 yard sprint.”
Oliver raised concerns about the spear as a long-term career move given the spine and shoulder stress it generates. Nash agreed and pivoted to his own back, which he said is herniated at L2, L3, and L4 from years of his sidewalk slam dropping his full weight and his opponent’s onto his right hip.
WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash has voiced his disagreement with WWE’s recent decision to release the Motor City Machine Guns. He also said that WWE President Nick Khan took half of WrestleMania 42’s net revenue.
The WWE Hall of Famer made his stance clear during a Q&A session on his Kliq This podcast. He discussed the April 24 wave of roster cuts. The releases of Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin caught Nash’s attention among the departures announced that day. He said:
“I would not have gotten rid of the Motor City Machine Guns, that’s for damn sure.”
Nash’s comments reflect the surprise some fans felt about the tag team’s exit. The Motor City Machine Guns had been part of WWE’s roster before the company decided to part ways with them.
Kevin Nash Jokes About Executive Compensation
When asked if the latest round of cuts surprised him, Nash said not really, especially after seeing recent reports about TKO executive compensation. He joked about WWE President Nick Khan’s earnings in relation to the roster decisions.
“Not after like two weeks prior when I see what the CEOs [are making]. What Nick’s getting paid. I mean, Nick took f***ing half of the WrestleMania net [laughs],” Nash said. “But I’m busting his balls because we sat here and went over the numbers and the year before was 1.4 billion. The next year, you’re 1.7 billion. So that’s 300 million.”
Nash also acknowledged that Khan has delivered significant financial growth for WWE. Khan reportedly earned $24.3 million in total compensation for 2025, including a $2 million base salary, $11 million in stock awards, and over $10 million in bonuses.
Kevin Nash has addressed the fallout from his controversial Je\’Von Evans comments on the latest episode of his Kliq This podcast, offering lavish praise for the young WWE star while standing behind the spirit of his original criticism.
How This Started
Nash drew widespread backlash several weeks ago after describing Evans on Kliq This as being too \”Mr. Bojangles\” and wishing he was \”a little bit more urban.\”
The \”Mr. Bojangles\” reference — a racially charged term rooted in minstrel-era stereotypes — prompted Nash to issue a Twitter apology, though he later deleted the post.
Kevin Nash wants to settle this
On his follow-up episode, Nash was effusive in his praise for the 21-year-old Raw standout.
\”I really want to bury this because — let me say this first,\” Nash said. \”This Je\’Von, if he was a f***ing wide receiver, he is basically a rookie Randy Moss. Like, this kid could be a generational f***ing talent.\”
However, Nash also used WWE\’s decision to bring Atlanta-based rapper Offset to ringside for Evans\’ win over Kofi Kingston on the February 23 episode of Raw — which took place in Offset\’s hometown of Atlanta — as validation of his earlier point.
\”I guess the thing that pisses me off is like, all I want for the guy is for him to be used in a way, like — how off was I if when they really want to showcase him, they put him with Offset?\” Nash said. \”I mean, they could have put him with f***ing Reba McEntire. She\’s got a name.\”
Je\’Von Evans\’ Reaction
Evans has yet to formally address Nash\’s comments beyond an indirect Instagram response on February 18, where he set his post to SpaceGhostBLK\’s nWo Wolfpac theme — a clear nod to Nash\’s most famous WCW faction.
Evans\’ caption read, \”Just Wanna Apologize Real Quick….Im Sorry For Being The Best In Da Game Right Now!!\”
Despite the controversy, Evans continued his momentum heading into Elimination Chamber, where Randy Orton ultimately won the men\’s match to earn a WWE Championship shot against Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 42.
Kevin Nash has issued a public apology after facing widespread backlash for referring to Je\’Von Evans as \”Mr. Bojangles\” during a recent episode of his podcast, though the apology itself is drawing its own share of criticism.
On his Kliq This podcast, Nash praised Evans as an \”incredible athlete\” but said the 21-year-old was \”a little bit too f*cking Mr. Bojangles\” for his taste and expressed a wish that Evans were \”a little bit more urban.\” The remarks were widely condemned as racially stereotypical, particularly given they were directed at a young Black wrestler during Black History Month.
After the backlash intensified on social media, Nash posted a statement to his @RealKevinNash account on X on February 18, writing:
\”I apologize for the use of the term Mr. Bojangles, it was in poor taste and obviously offensive. I just see talent being pushed in a direction that I disagree with. He should be the male version of Sol Ruca. More contemporary than urban. It\’s funny how I\’m usually the only person who pays attention to the development of black talent.\”
Nash\’s statement also included a reference to Uncle Tom, arguing that the literary character is often misunderstood, before pivoting to his critique of how WWE is presenting Evans on the main roster.
How often have you heard the term Uncle Tom? Most likely, it was used in a degrading way. If you've actually read the literature, Uncle Tom was whipped to death for helping free two female slaves. I apologize for the use of the term Mr Bogangles, it was in poor taste and…
The controversy began when clips from Nash\’s podcast circulated online, in which the WWE Hall of Famer discussed Evans\’s presentation. While acknowledging Evans\’s physical abilities, Nash used the term \”Mr. Bojangles\” — a name historically associated with Black minstrel performers — to describe what he saw as an outdated creative direction for the young star.
Nash\’s suggestion that Evans, who officially signed with Raw in January, should be presented as \”more urban\” only added fuel to the fire. Multiple outlets covered the remarks as an example of racial stereotyping, and fans on social media were quick to voice their displeasure.
Apology Draws Mixed Reactions
While Nash acknowledged that his choice of words was offensive, the rest of his statement has been criticized for centering his own perspective on how Black wrestlers should be presented. His comparison of Evans to Sol Ruca, suggesting Evans should be positioned as her male counterpart, and his claim that he is \”usually the only person who pays attention to the development of black talent\” have not gone over great on social media. Many fans feel the statement acknowledges fault, but still includes commentary on how Black wrestlers \”should\” be presented, extending the discourse rather than ending it.
The WWE Hall of Famer had criticised Punk for not taking off his shirt during his match on the December 22 episode of Raw. A house show video went viral not long afterward, showing the Straight Edge Star removing his shirt only to reveal another shirt underneath it.
CM Punk trolled Kevin Nash last night at WWE's live event in Fort Myers, FL ??? pic.twitter.com/dqs8oCrC2x
Though the current WWE star denied the whole thing being a shot at the Kliq member while speaking to Sam Roberts. CM Punk claimed that it was just good old-fashioned house show fun:
“Yeah, and it’s not that deep. That was to pop the guy I was wrestling. Doesn’t go any deeper than that but, you know, somebody’s always gotta throw their two cents in and, ‘No, no, no, what he was doing was –’ no, no, no. I made dude laugh, and that’s what house shows are for.\”
CM Punk reminded people of a similar house show incident from last year\’s Madison Square Garden event, where he made the save for Damian Priest in a shower cap and bath towel:
\”I’m like king of ribs on house shows. Last year at The Garden, I’m running out in a towel, soaking wet with a shower cap on. Come on, I’m trying to (make people laugh). Some people really wanna be miserable though. I’m trying not to be. I’m really, really trying.”
This is the second time in the last few days Punk has recommended that people enjoy what is in front of them instead of thinking too much and upsetting themselves. Whether fans actually take the hint, is a different matter.
Do you believe this explanation from the former AEW star? Let us know in the comments below.
WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash delivered pointed criticism of both CM Punk and World Heavyweight Champion Gunther during the latest episode of his Kliq This podcast, questioning Punk\’s current in-ring capabilities and challenging the authenticity of Gunther\’s crowd reactions.
Nash expressed concern about Punk\’s recent performances, particularly his physical presentation in main event programs. \”I watched him closely,\” Nash said. \”He looked slow. To me, it looks like it\’s time.\” The Hall of Famer specifically criticized Punk wrestling in a t-shirt while positioned in top-level matches, arguing it undermines the credibility required at that spot on the card.
WWE
Kevin Nash talks Gunther
Turning to Gunther, Nash pushed back against the notion that the champion currently generates genuine heat. While acknowledging strong crowd reactions, Nash described them as manufactured rather than organic. \”He\’s got the closest thing to heat on that show,\” Nash said. \”But it\’s not real heat.\”
Nash argued that authentic heat disrupts the flow of programming and demands immediate response, not polite introductions and scripted exits. He explained that if Gunther truly had real heat, WWE would not simply allow him full entrances and orderly departures from the ring.
Kevin Nash was less than pleased to see his recent royalties coming in and touched on how much of a shift he\’s seen in that regard since Endeavor bought WWE in 2023.
On his podcast Kliq This, Nash was speaking to his co-host Sean Oliver about a conversation that the former previously had with his WWE Hall of Fame peer Sean Waltman also known as X-Pac. Nash mentioned that he was chatting with Waltman for one of their weekly calls and the latter laughed on the phone mentioning that obviously \’Big Daddy Cool\’ had received his recent round of royalties.
In responding to Waltman and then touching on how he had seen the signs of a shift in the wake of TKO\’s takeover of everything, Nash said:
\”I said, ‘Holy f**k.’ I said, ‘The last one was good… this one was rotten.’ I mean, it was half… When I was making huge money in my royalties, it was broken down. It would say ‘nWo t-shirts’, ‘nWo women’s t-shirts’. Now it says ‘nWo intellectual property’ and there’s just a number.\”
\”It got weird when they sold. It started when they sold, all of a sudden… the weirdness starts.\”
Kevin Nash continues to expound upon his thoughts on recent TKO royalties
Kevin Nash is not the only one noticing a change of the times with the major paradigm shift in WWE since merging with UFC under the TKO umbrella. It is a multi-pronged situation with many consumers also noticing seemingly ever growing price points with being a WWE fan. This comes across both in terms of wanting to attend live events but also for those watching the product at home.
To revisit the Nash point, the former WWE and WCW champion said he could ultimately speak only to his situation but stated that the recent shift in royalty amounts is to the scale of several millions of dollars. Nash also pontificated on what the difference in that sense would be for figures like The Rock or Steve Austin who, per Nash, command greater percentages of their merchandising royalties and the like.
Kevin Nash did mention in a cursory way that he brielfy had the idea of involving forensic accountaunts for the purposes of a lawsuit. But after his co-host Oliver mentioned Nash was a TKO shareholder, the former NWO member mentioned that while his long time friend Paul Levesque was in charge that Nash would simply roll along with whatever is happening with TKO considering his connection to Triple H.
WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash is recovering after a recent medical procedure to correct an irregular heartbeat. The wrestling legend took to social media to give his fans an update, and he did so with his signature brand of humor.
The post, while lighthearted, came after Nash had revealed some serious and surprising details about his heart health, including the discovery that he may have unknowingly suffered a heart attack two decades ago.
His health has been a topic of concern for fans, given his family\’s history with heart disease, making this positive update a welcome piece of news. Nash shared the news of his successful procedure on his social media account.
“Procedure went fantastic. Penis reduction was a success. Actually the strain of no longer pushing blood in the entire hog brought my heart rhythm back to normal. Thanks to everyone concerned about my well being.”
Jokes aside, the procedure was a serious one designed to \”zap\” his heart and put it back into a normal rhythm. In the lead-up to the procedure, Nash had revealed on his podcast that his cardiologist discovered scar tissue on his heart. The doctor suggested this was likely the result of a heart attack that could have occurred twenty years ago when Nash had a stent inserted.
Nash\’s father passed away from a heart attack at the age of 36. An autopsy later revealed that his father had suffered five heart attacks in total, with the fifth one being fatal.
Bret Hart recently made headlines when he spoke about being invited to SummerSlam, only to be told there wasn\’t a seat for him. For Hart, this situation demonstrated what he feels is a lack of respect of him by WWE despite his contributions to the pro-wrestling world.
During his interview, Hart claimed that Kevin Nash received a seat, alluding to WWE giving preferential treatment to one of Paul Levesque\’s closest allies. On his Kliq This podcast, however, Nash tells a very different story
\”I didn’t go to the show, because I knew I didn’t have a seat. I guess my name got brought up, it would be, oh! Triple H’s buddy got a f*cking seat!\”
Instead of attending the show, Nash had a signing inside MetLife Stadium, the two-time WWE Hall of Famer claimed. Nash added that his signing lasted from 1:30 to 3 o\’clock, but that was all he did.
Nash shared that he called Bret, making clear that \”I stopped going after they put me in a f*cking box and the monitor in the box didn\’t work.\” Nash also rejected the idea of watching a show with no announcing, as well as being unable to fast-forward the show.
As for Bret, it remains to be seen when, if ever, he appears for WWE again. Whatever\’s next, the Hitman believes he was disrespected at WWE\’s Biggest Party of the Summer.
Hulk Hogan was recently laid to rest following a cermony attended by some of pro wrestling\’s biggest names. Kevin Nash was one of the attendees at the Hulkster\’s ceremony, and he experienced a bizarre encounter after the somber affair.
Speaking on his Kliq This podcast, Nash shared what happened hours after the service. While trying to get home in the rain, Nash decided to pull into his usual secluded spot to urinate.
\”I\’m standing up in the rain and I’m just going to let it go. I spin around, open my door, right in front of me is a Daytona Beach Shores SUV police and I’m like, ‘Oh, f—.’\”
Nash\’s run-in with the police forced him to abort plans to urinate. Fortunately, the matter was resolved without Nash facing an arrest.
\”I’m looking right at the cops. I haven’t even touched my zipper. So now I’m going to jail for indecent exposure. So I sit back in my car.\”
Nash continued his drive, still holding his bladder. When he tried to make it to another spot — he lost the battle in spectacular fashion.
\”I can feel like I’m starting to get a squirt of piss. I’m in my car, I grab the t-shirt I had on earlier and cram it over my [junk], and the next thing you know, man, that thing feels like a water balloon in my hand.\”
Drenched in his own car, Nash called his wife to share the unfortunate news. When he eventually made it home, Mrs. Big Daddy Cool was prepared for the worst.
“As I’m pulling up, the garage doors are already on their way up. She’s got paper towels and some Lysol. I said, ‘Could you shut the garage door please?’”
It has been almost 30 years since World Championship Wrestling struck gold when Hulk Hogan joined the dark side, becoming “Hollywood” Hogan and aligning with Kevin Nash and Scott Hall. The formation of this group of villainous renegades helped put the company on the map. altering the future of the business forever. Its impact inside and outside the ring is explored through Marc Raimondi’s book “Say Hello To The Bad Guys: How Professional Wrestling’s New World Order Changed America.”
The historical deep dive into the nWo sees the ESPN reporter take readers from the nWo’s black and white roots to evolving into a global pop culture phenomenon. One that created a ratings and box office bonanza, causing WWE to change course in order to survive. This trip down memory lane peels back the curtain to provide an inside look at what went on with the major players, ego power trips, creative clashes, courtroom battles between WWE and WCW, and everything in between.
“Wrestling fans I think will dig the book, but I really want non wrestling fans to read this book,” Raimondi said. “I’m excited about the possibility and potential of nonfans or lapsed fans reading this book and having a different view of wrestling. Viewing wrestling in a different perspective instead of just the stigma that it’s fake or just for kids or why are you watching that. It’s art. It’s an artform.
“I’ve always said it is the greatest art America has given to the world, and I do believe that. I feel very grateful to not only write about a group in a time period very near and dear to me. Also, try to indoctrinate into this weird space we’re in. I think wrestling is for everyone, and I would love for people to pick up this book who maybe are not fans and say, ‘Let me figure out this happened. How did wrestling become so important to American culture?’ That’s kind of the hope.”
One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is examining the legal wars between WWE and WCW. Titan Sports Inc. v. Turner Broadcasting, which was spurred by Scott Hall’s arrival from one company to the other. It almost didn’t make the book as Raimondi explained there was talk it deviated from the flowing narrative of the chronology. However, the importance of the story outweighed all that. The questions of what constitutes intellectual property in wrestling? Where does the character begin and the real person end? What made Razor Ramon, Razor Ramon? The lines are blurred on many levels.
“I was able to get around 4,000 pages from the lawsuit that nobody ever has gotten before. I was proud in that sense from a journalistic standpoint that I was able to uncover stuff nobody had seen before,” Raimondi said. “These depositions for Scott Hall and Eric Bischoff. These are statements given in the ‘90s that nobody has ever seen before. I thought that was really cool. Getting to interview the lawyers from both sides Jerry McDevitt from WWE and David Dunn from WCW and to hear their perspective of it.
“Jerry McDevitt has worked with it for a very long time. David Dunn has not. They are not necessarily in the wrestling business per say, but they are in the legal business. The way they were able to explain to me that case was so interesting. The book is about how the nWo and pro wrestling changed America. This is another way I think the nWo affected America because this was a really important legal case as far as trademark law and intellectual property. Even the side case with Mark Madden as someone who is dispensing information. Wrestling in the ‘90s helped shape the precedent of what constitutes a journalist in the eyes of the legal system. That is mindblowing to me.”
At the core for much of the story is the dynamic between Hall, Hogan and Nash. The three Hall of Famers went through it all, for better or worse. Hall, who died at age 63 in 2022, was clearly an important thread. His contributions can’t be denied.
“I love the Hall and Nash friendship and that relationship because it really was a special friendship from everyone that I spoke to,” Raimondi’ said. “Nash really looked out for Hall. Several people told me how Nash was a big brother to Scott Hall. I can definitely see that from all the stories and anecdotes. It was tough on him because Scott was really struggling a lot in the ‘90s. It was such a fast moving time. Scott’s demons were getting the better of him. He was in rehab a few times and struggling and flipping rental cars in 1998 and not getting injured somehow. He was drunk driving and flipping cars. Kevin Nash always stood by his side. When the times called for when Scott was in rehab they were trying to do an angle with Nahs in the storyline and were going to crap on Hall for not being there. He wouldn’t do it because that friendship is there. The same for Sean Waltman when he got fired from WCW. Those guys were really upset. You could almost trace the end of the really good creative of the nWo to that moment because they pretty much stopped contributing from a creative standpoint with their best stuff. Hall is a creative genius.
“They shut down because they were really pissed off. Bischoff fired Waltman. That friendship is very special; they never turned on each other. You never heard one say a bad thing about the other. That was really a tight knit friendship. Best friends. For life is the saying, btu they really were going back to the Kliq and the nWo. As far as Hogan, at one point in the beginning it was rocky, then they got close, and it got rocky again. I think now 30 years or so later, there is that great bond between a Nash and Hogan and a Hogan and Bischolff and Nash and Bischoff because there is an awareness they did something special together. I don\’t think they are best friends. I don\’t think Nash and Hogan are talking every week. Maybe not every month, but where is that feeling that if I need him as a friend, he’ll be there for me. And vice-versa. I ended the book that way. I find that to be very special. They really ended up something special for them as human beings and not just a wrestling gimmick or business. Those guys were all about business, but it did end up giving them lifelong friends as well.”
“Say Hello To The Bad Guys: How Professional Wrestling’s New World Order Changed America” is out wherever books are sold June 24.
WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash believes Rhea Ripley possesses a rare combination of athleticism, psychology, and star power that separates her from her peers and could potentially allow her to compete against male competitors.
Speaking on his \”Kliq This\” podcast with co-host Sean Oliver, Nash didn\’t hold back his admiration for the current WWE Women\’s World Champion.
\”Rhea is so athletic. She looks like she could go against probably 50% of the male roster,\” Nash stated. \”I even wrote a note that said she can work the men\’s division.\”
The wrestling legend continued his praise, emphasizing Ripley\’s complete package:
\”She\’s a star, man… It\’s tough to put her in the ring… She\’s super over. She\’s super everything.\”
The Lost Art of Selling
Nash specifically highlighted Ripley\’s selling ability—her talent for reacting to opponents\’ offense—as a particularly rare skill in today\’s wrestling landscape.
\”I said a long time ago on this show that there\’s so few people that sell and Rhea can sell. Like Rhea knows how to sell,\” Nash explained.
The former nWo member also touched on the psychological aspects of Ripley\’s matches, noting how her offense should be portrayed differently than her opponents\’.
\”A kick from Rhea to one of her opponents in this particular match should feel differently and be sold differently than a kick from Roxanne to Rhea,\” he said. \”All things are not equal. And I think that psychology has to creep into [the match].\”
\”I\’m not like an ink guy,\” he noted, referring to Ripley\’s tattoos, \”but she pulls everything off.\”
Larger Than Life Presence
Perhaps most fascinating was Nash\’s discussion of how Ripley projects a larger-than-life presence despite not being as physically imposing as she appears on television.
\”I thought Rhea was like 6 foot, 185 pound girl and she\’s probably 5\’7,\” Nash revealed. \”But on TV, the way she moves, she comes across as bigger than life, which stars do.\”
Nash compared this phenomenon to his early experience as a wrestling fan:
\”I remember when I was a mark and I saw Hogan work and I swore Hogan was 6\’9\” because he was just bigger than life, his charisma, everything else. And then when I finally met him, he was nowhere near that size.\”
The WWE Hall of Famer drew further parallels to movie stars who have similar qualities:
\”Across all genres too, you know. Stallone\’s a tiny guy supposedly. Tom Cruise, they say, is small too.\”
He also shared his personal experience meeting Ripley backstage:
\”When I saw her at SummerSlam, she was just with no makeup on, everything. She\’s quiet and she\’s really chill.\”
The Championship Dilemma
Nash\’s comments suggest Ripley could be headed for an extended championship reign similar to Roman Reigns.
\”It\’s so hard because if you give the people what they want, which is Rhea\’s the champion, then she\’s now in a Roman spot. She\’s going to have the thing for four years,\” Nash predicted. \”It\’s that kind of situation where you\’ve got to use her to elevate [others].\”
While acknowledging Ripley\’s dominance, Nash did mention a few wrestlers who could potentially match up with her.
\”Although Bianca, I think someone like Bianca or I think Jade… I think Jade will get there. She\’s still green, but she\’s improving vastly.\”
With such high praise from one of wrestling\’s most respected minds, Ripley\’s position as one of WWE\’s cornerstone performers seems secure.
Nash\’s analysis not only validates Ripley\’s current status but suggests her ceiling might be even higher than previously thought—potentially including groundbreaking intergender competition that could redefine her legacy in professional wrestling.
Kevin Nash has weighed in on John Cena’s shocking heel turn at WWE Elimination Chamber, suggesting that Randy Orton should be the third man in the newly formed faction alongside Cena and The Rock.
On his Kliq This podcast, Nash, a founding member in the industry-changing New World Order (nWo), expressed skepticism about rapper Travis Scott’s involvement in the group. Instead, he believes adding a veteran like Orton would elevate the faction’s credibility and intensity.
“Have Randy Orton join Cena and Rock,” Nash said. “I don’t think Travis Scott is the right guy to be out there as the third.
You would have to have somebody come back, like if you could get Austin or ‘Taker… But we’ve all timed out. I think Randy looks amazing right now.”
The Third Man?
Orton and Cena have a storied history as rivals, making a potential alliance even more intriguing.
The Viper recently referenced Cena’s shocking turn on WWE SmackDown, fueling speculation about his next move.
With Cena and The Rock embracing their dark side, the addition of Orton could take the faction to another level. Whether WWE will shake up the lineup remains to be seen, but Nash’s insight carries weight given his experience in industry-defining stables.
Hulk Hogan, one of wrestling\’s most iconic figures, was met with a chorus of boos from the live crowd when WWE Raw premiered on Netflix in January 2025. Despite Hogan\’s best efforts to win over fans, even bringing up Randy Savage and Andre the Giant, the crowd inside Los Angeles\’ Intuit Dome made their views loud and clear on the Hulkster.
This response has renewed conversations about Hogan\’s legacy in wrestling and whether he still has a role in the industry. On his Kliq This podcast, Kevin Nash recalled that this is hardly the first time a modern crowd has booed the Hulkster.
\”He got booed at that \’Mania in Tampa [37] when he came out there,\” Nash recalled. \”I think that he and Titus [O\’Neil] were supposed to do something together, but I think that [the booing] was because Titus was black. I think that it just churned that whole thing back up.\”
Hogan was fired from WWE in 2015 following racist remarks coming to light, but was brought back into the fold in 2018. Given O\’Neil\’s standing as a well respected name due to his philanthropy and community work, pairing him with Hogan in 2021 was seen by many as a blatant attempt by WWE to force fans not to boo the Hulkster.
Hogan has yet to appear for WWE since his disastrous Raw appearance, which he has blamed on politics and his past in the NWO. For now, it seems Hulk Hogan\’s presence in wrestling will continue to elicit mixed emotions—if not outright boos—from the WWE Universe.
Wrestling legend Kevin Nash recently shared his predictions for the upcoming Royal Rumble on the Kliq This Podcast, picking CM Punk as his top choice for the men’s match and Nia Jax as the likely winner in the women’s division.
“I think I’m gonna go with CM Punk as my choice in the men’s Rumble,” Nash stated. “And I think—how does Jax not win the women’s Rumble?”
CM Punk’s return to WWE has been one of the most talked-about moments in recent wrestling history. If Nash’s prediction holds, a Rumble victory would set up a potential WrestleMania main event for Punk, continuing his redemption arc. Given Punk’s past success and star power, many fans see him as a natural fit for the win. However, with top-tier competitors like Cody Rhodes and Gunther in the mix, it won’t be an easy road to victory.
Nash’s belief in Nia Jax as the likely women’s Rumble winner is based on her sheer physical dominance. Jax has been positioned as one of WWE’s most powerful female superstars, and a victory could solidify her as a major player heading into WrestleMania season. However, challengers like Bayley and Becky Lynch remain strong contenders.
The John Cena Factor
Beyond the Rumble, Nash also weighed in on John Cena’s potential future in WWE, suggesting that if he were booking, Cena would win his record-breaking 17th world title in his final opportunity.
“He would win on his last opportunity possible to break the record of 17, and he would leave on a win just the same way he left and never turned heel,” Nash explained.
With the Royal Rumble just around the corner, fans are eager to see if Nash’s predictions hold true. Will CM Punk make a triumphant return by winning the Rumble? Can Nia Jax power through the competition? And will WWE set the stage for John Cena’s historic moment? The road to WrestleMania is heating up, and all eyes are on Indianapolis tonight.
Kevin Nash couldn\’t help but feel bad for Hulk Hogan, and has questioned if the frosty reception he received was WWE\’s plan all along. Taking to his Kliq This podcast, Nash admitted his surprise at the response the LA crowd gave the Hulkster.
\”I did not think that they would s*** on him. Because the last time he came out was a couple years ago, and he blew the roof off.”
Nash questioned if Paul \’Triple H\’ Levesque was aware of the response Hogan would receive, and went ahead with it anyway. Nash, who like Hogan is a two-time WWE Hall of Famer, pointed out that the response to Hogan received mainstream attention and that \”Nothing got more coverage than Hulk being booed.\”
\”Who’s to say that they weren’t smart enough to know that that’s exactly what they were going to get?\”
Kevin Nash felt bad for Hogan, though not just for the response he received. On the podcast, Nash shared his knowledge about the health issues of the Hulkster, who was noticeably limping in the Intuit Dome.
\”Hulk is beat to f***… I know he’s in pain like a motherf******. I watched it. I felt bad for him. But at the same time for him, it’s like, man, I’d rather get a response than none.\”
Hogan will reportedly be a part of this month\’s WWE Saturday Night\’s Main Event show, where he hopes to receive a warmer welcome by the crowd in San Antonio, Texas, a state that like Hogan, backed Donald Trump in last November\’s election. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the Hulk Hogan, who continues to make an impression with fans, both positive and negative.
WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash recently shared his thoughts on The Kliq and explained why it wasn\’t an on-screen faction.
The Kliq remains to be one of the most infamous backstage groups in wrestling history. Back in the 90s, Triple H, Kevin Nash, Shawn Michaels, Scott Hall and Sean Waltman formed the group and were known for allegedly using their backstage influence to succeed in WWE. However, the group never competed inside the ring. Nash and Hall became a successful tag team, while Michaels and Triple H also tasted success. However, they did not wrestle as a stable.
Speaking on his Kliq This podcast, Kevin Nash was asked whether he would consider The Kliq a faction. Here is what he explained:
\”We never wrestled together. It was a backstage political group. I’d say we were a bunch of cutthroat mother****ers that held a lot of people back. See, I said that with a straight face, and people will buy that. ‘He even said it.’
No, it was five guys that loved the business and had very like psychology, and if you didn’t, we’d beat it into you.\”
In November last year, Kevin Nash canceled a couple of Meet & Greet appearances for MCW Pro Wrestling. The Maryland-based indie wrestling promotion shared a message from Nash on social media. Nash had revealed that he was dealing with herniated discs in his back. He further said that he had been in therapy and working with doctors.
It\’s been over two decades since Bill Goldberg\’s WCW streak ended, though how he was handed his first loss is still a sore spot for the legend. After racking up 173 wins (though many have disputed the accuracy of this number) Goldberg\’s first WCW loss came at Starrcade 1998 to Kevin Nash, thanks to the interference of a cattle-prod-wielding Scott Hall.
The manner in which Goldberg\’s streak ended has often been derided by fans and is seen as one of the many issues that led to the company\’s demise. Speaking to Inside the Ropes, Goldberg explained that while he pitched the electrocution, he originally envisioned something bigger to shock him.
\”If you beat me, you have to put 50,000 volts through me. But for some reason, they didn\’t to do that. Hence the goofy-looking cattle prod.\”
Rather than be lit up \”like a freaking Christmas tree\” Goldberg sold the prod and slumped to the floor before Nash got the win. Over a quarter of a century later, the WWE Hall of Famer remains unhappy as to how he earned the 1 in 173-1.
\”I wanted them to shoot the barbs in me and light me up… I\’m still pi*sed off.\”
Goldberg will be hoping to have a better send-off to his career when he competes in his retirement match next year. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Bill Goldberg as the WCW legend prepares to say goodbye to the squared circle.
WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash has called off a couple of appearances for MCW Pro Wrestling The Maryland-based indie wrestling promotion shared a message from Nash on social media.
The veteran wrestler stated that he was dealing with herniated discs in his back. Nash further revealed that he had been in therapy and working with doctors. Unfortunately, it is impossible for him to travel for his Meet & Greet appearances on November 9th and 10th.
\”Big Sexy\” further said that he was in too much pain to take a flight but he did not take medication for the pain. Kevin Nash then apologized to everyone and said that he had a long road ahead of him to recuperate.
Kevin Nash reached out to us directly with a video message explaining that he’s been dealing with herniated disks in his back. He’s been back and forth to therapy and working with his doctors, but his condition has unfortunately made it impossible for him to travel this weekend.… pic.twitter.com/MzDerXUA1H
MCW announced that WWE Hall of Famers Booker T and John Bradshaw Layfield will replace Nash at their events on November 9th and November 10th.
\”We understand this change may be disappointing for some, but we’re excited to have two legendary replacements in Booker T and JBL, who are ready to deliver an unforgettable experience.\”
In September, Kevin Nash had revealed that he underwent an MRI for back pain. Nash made it clear that there was no notable strain on his back but still he recently started suffering from severe back pain. The WWE Hall of Famer had then disclosed that an MRI found herniated discs were due to competing inside the squared circle for decades.
\”I had sciatica, and it didn’t go away, and I went and got an MRI, and I’ve got a couple herniated discs, and that ain’t from anything except cumulative damage to doing that ‘fake’ bullsh*t, landing on wood, with a 300-pound guy landing on top of you.”
Kevin Nash also recently teased getting involved in NXT during a show next month. However, his role on the show is yet to be revealed.
In the ever-evolving world of professional wrestling, few topics generate as much interest and debate as the salaries of WWE superstars.
Recently, WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash shed light on this subject, offering a fascinating comparison between the reported earnings of today\’s wrestlers and those from the New Generation Era of the 1990s.
The New Generation Era: A Different Financial Landscape
Nash\’s Early Career Earnings
Kevin Nash, a prominent figure in wrestling history, began his journey in the industry during the New Generation Era. He recently revealed that his initial contract with WWE (then WWF) in 1993 guaranteed him $75,000 per year.
This base salary, while substantial for the time, pales in comparison to the figures we hear about today.
The Significance of House Shows
During Nash\’s early years, wrestlers heavily relied on house show earnings to supplement their income. Nash explained that these non-televised events were crucial for boosting a wrestler\’s paycheck, with top performers potentially earning an additional $1,000 to $1,500 per show.
Modern WWE: A New Financial Era
Reported Salaries of Current Stars
Fast forward to the present day, and the financial landscape of WWE has transformed dramatically. Nash pointed out recent reports suggesting that current WWE stars like Roman Reigns are earning around $15 million annually:
\”I saw a list, and I don\’t know how accurate it is or not, but it had the salaries of the top 10 salaries in the WWE, and Roman was at 15 million dollars. I was talking to Hurricane we were going back and forth. I said, \’F**k, Roman made more than the entire crew in \’93.\’\”
The Shift in Revenue Streams
The substantial growth in wrestler salaries can be attributed to WWE\’s expanded revenue streams. Today, the company benefits from lucrative television deals, streaming rights, and global merchandise sales, allowing for higher guaranteed contracts.
Two-time WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash is coming to WWE NXT, though what role the former World Champion will play is yet to be revealed.
On his Kliq This podcast, Nash shared that while he won\’t be attending this week\’s stacked edition of the silver brand, he will be around next month. Nash didn\’t confirm whether his role with the show will be on-screen or behind the scenes, but this tease has excited fans eager to see the former WWE and WCW World Champion.
Nash\’s role with WWE NXT, whatever it may be, will see \’Big Daddy Cool\’ reunite with Kliq buddy Shawn Michaels, who today serves as WWE\’s Senior Vice President of Talent Development and leads creative in NXT. Before Michaels, NXT was overseen by Paul \’Triple H\’ Levesque, another friend of Nash, who these days can be found running the main roster. Nash was backstage at at WWE SummerSlam 2024 in Cleveland,
WWE NXT in Philadelphia
WWE has yet to announce Nash for any NXT shows in December, as all attention right now is on this Wednesday\’s show in Philadelphia\’s 2300 Arena. The show has been moved to avoid competing with coverage of the U.S. Presidential Election, and will see NXT once-again go head-to-head with AEW Dynamite.
With the show being in the 2300 Arena, the episode will feature several ECW alum including Bubba Ray Dudley, Dawn Marie, and Rob Van Dam. Stay tuned for the latest from Kevin Nash as fans could soon be seeing the NWO founder on WWE programming within a matter of weeks.
There’s the cliche that it’s a “fine line between love and hate” but that line Jim Cornette drew between he and Donald Trump is wider than the Mississippi River his home state rests alongside.
A rightful WWE Hall of Famer, Cornette clearly despises Trump, a 2013 celebrity inductee, who aims to reclaim the Oval Office once again this November. With Election Day less than a week out, there’s a fine line between politics and pro wrestling, and while an immense amount of hate is harbored from Cornette to Trump, Donald pulls quite a bit of promotional tactics from the world of wrestling. The distinct difference is one is just selling merchandise, the other is doing that and campaigning to be the next leader of the free world.
Two well-known no-no’s in the wrestling business have been to steer clear from politics and religion. If you’re currently in the ring or under a promotion’s umbrella, that notion (for the most part) still holds true. Very rarely do you see an AEW name, a WWE name or a “name your promotion” name take a political stand because when you\’re in between the ropes, your goal should be to unite the people in an effort to make money.
The late great George Carlin said division is what makes the government run off the backs of the lower and middle classes. \”It\’s a big club and you ain\’t in it,” unless you buy a ticket to take the ride, something those classes do in droves for pro wrestling. While the First Amendment gives everyone the right to speak their mind, doing such under a wrestling company’s eye could garner some repercussions. Good or bad, you’re not just representing yourself, but the promotion you work for.
That doesn’t stop the retired names from talking, however. Dave Bautista made it known he’ll be voting for Kamala Harris. She got the Venn diagram of pro wrestling and Juggalos with ICP’s support. Mick Foley shot a video believing America will have a “Nice Day” if you go to the polls for Harris/Waltz. Same goes for Kevin Nash, always an outspoken Clinton Democrat, “sidewalk slams” Trump’s bluster on a weekly basis. However, his fellow NWO member Hulk Hogan notoriously tore off his shirt for Trump and JD Vance at the Republican National Convention. Right after Bautista voiced his vote, Trump literally sat in between Undertaker and Kane for a TikTok video. “The Brothers Of Destruction” called out “The Animal,” making it known they’ll be voting for Donald on November 5. Trump was then the next guest on Undertaker’s podcast.
Jim Cornette Pulls No Political Punches
While Jim Cornette has never been one to mince words, he makes a point to saw off the end of the double barrel and fire away at anyone who evokes the name of Trump. He did just that with Undertaker and Kane.
“Another former great wrestler on the list of alien pod people duped by the world\’s most repugnant con man. Mark & Glen, you made it this long with everyone admiring you, then in the end you ruin your reputations AND try to destroy the country along with them. I\’m ashamed FOR you.”
Cornette was so motivated by many of his colleagues speaking their minds, the legendary manager ended up doing the same. Very rarely does Jim Cornette put himself on video (his podcast clips are mostly adorned with Hannah-Barbara like illustrations), but he made clear that “we’re all idiots” if we as a country put Trump back in office.
Cornette has been out of the mainstream pro wrestling spotlight for years, but has created his own relevancy via his podcasts and his undeniably astute takes on the business. Because of his brashness, particularly when it comes to AEW, Jim Cornette has created a fine division amongst the cesspool that is social media. Jim has cultivated his own “Cult of Cornette” that backs him and there are plenty of wrestlers (plenty) that agree with his philosophy on the business. I too find myself nodding along in agreement with a good deal of his thoughts. Granted, how he sometimes expresses said thoughts can cut deep and raise eyebrows, but that’s always been what made Cornette the legend he is in the business.
In a lot of ways that willingness to verbally flamethrow is what helped his ultimate heel become president. Before he was ever a primetime factor on \”The Apprentice\”, Trump’s ties to the WWE have been long-standing since WrestleMania 4. Lavie Margolin’s “TrumpMania\” does an in-depth job at showing Donald’s continuous ties to pro wrestling before he became the 45th President covering his beef with Rosie O’Donnell, the potential influence of Dutch Mantell’s Zeb Colter. For basically a decade now, the “cult of personality” conjured up Donnie’s own passionate fanbase, filled with all types of wild merchandise to show your MAGA support.
However, there is a very distinct difference between Trump’s rise to power and Jim Cornette’s impact on the business. Cornette has been a bricklayer for how the house of pro wrestling has been presented while Trump is the result of a broken system courtesy of both parties. The lack of attention to the middle class in favor of what\’s going on overseas, gave Americans an ax to grind and a division that is fiercer than anything ever exemplified in our lifetime.
Many Legends Don\’t Let Politics Divide
While Cornette is more than willing to draw a line in the sand between he and his colleagues, others aim to not torch their longstanding relationships over political sides. On his podcast, Nash said despite Kane fully putting the “red” behind “Big Red Machine” he didn’t bury him alive for his stance, same with Hogan, who \”Big Sexy\” checked in on following Hurricane Milton. In Mick Foley’s ballot backing for Kamala, Mankind didn’t throw his friendship with The Undertaker off the cell either despite disagreeing with him, but much like Cornette did to him, Undertaker took a light jab at Bautista for backing Harris and Waltz.
Pro wrestling fandom sure has its fair share of tribalism and the political contention is quite thick between everyone with less than a week away.
“I can count on one hand the number of friends I lost over politics. Friendships are stronger, family is stronger, the things that draw us together are so much more meaningful than the things that divide us,” Foley said in an interview with CNN, noting how much respect he has for Undertaker despite their political differences.
“When I see him for the next time, we’ll hug it out, we’ll agree to disagree and we’ll do the best we can to keep a 30 year friendship going strong.\”
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