How Good Was Kevin Nash Actually?

Kevin Nash was a major part of the most significant wrestling angle of the '90s, and maybe of the entire 21st century. Without his influence on the presentation of the nWo, there may not have even been a Monday Night War. The biggest heel turn in wrestling would’ve been a disaster without Nash pulling the Hulkster to one side and telling him to knock it off with the “brother, brother, brother” schtick.

If you’re going to have a big man in your faction, Kevin Nash is the best guy to take influence from. Charismatic and tough, and funny without having to be goofy, Big Sexy was a dominant force on the mic and in the ring. WWE’s PR machine always plays down WCW’s biggest stars, but Nash got fanatical pops during some of the biggest moments in WCW history, and better booking decisions with less Hulk Hogan creative control should have seen him reach greater heights than the lofty ones he achieved.

As such, Nash is largely considered an accomplice more than a leading man. He helped elevate Shawn Michaels, but couldn’t carry the WWE like HBK or Bret Hart. Nash was a vital founding member of the nWo, but if you’re judging those members as individuals, he’s the group’s bronze medalist. The Wolfpac were justifiably beloved, but you don’t see many red and black nWo shirts around today, while the black and white design still sells by the million.

Even with these caveats, Kevin Nash is much better than how he’s painted by some quarters. For all the snarky remarks about his quads, Nash was an essential part of the only roster in wrestling history to hand WWE their ass for 83 straight weeks, and his legend is held back more by the disaster that WCW became than by his individual performances during those years. 

7/10