Kevin Nash is one of the most successful stars of the 1990s, starring for both WWE and Ted Turner's WCW and earning a ton of money while doing so. Despite everything he accomplished during the decade, and the unprecedented heights he took WCW to as a founding member of the New World Order, he is constantly reminded of the fact that he is the lowest-drawing champion in the history of Vince McMahon's company. The label may be accurate, based on attendance figures and financials from that period, but is it fair? Upon closer examination, the answer is a resounding "no." The fact of the matter is that during his time as champion, Diesel was faced with one of the weakest talent pools ever. Sure, Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker were on the roster during Diesel's time at the top but as babyfaces, they were in no position to present Big Daddy Cool with consistent opposition. As a result, the seven-foot-tall champion was left to work the likes of Sycho Sid, Tatanka, Jeff Jarrett, Mabel and Davey Boy Smith, who had recently turned heel for the first time in his career. While many of those competitors were solid and valuable assets to the company throughout the decade, none were what you would, or could, call legitimate draws. The matches were bad, the crowds unimpressed and Diesel's reputation as champion suffered because of it. Had Diesel been a champion a year later, when the company was infiltrated with tremendous performers and interesting characters such as Vader, Mankind and Goldust, his title reign may be viewed differently. Unfortunately for him, and his legacy, that was not the case and his reign will forever be judged based on matches with Henry Godwinn and IRS as a result. Whether it should be or not.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
