Kevin Nash on Wrestling Career: Long-Term Effects and Taking Bumps

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WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash recently shared his thoughts on the physical toll of professional wrestling and expressed his reservations about certain moves and bumps that can potentially have career-threatening consequences.

Speaking on the podcast "Kliq This," Nash delved into the subject of suplexes and their impact on wrestlers' well-being, reflecting on his own experiences after a three-decade-long career in the industry. One particular move that he voiced his opposition to is the Tiger Driver '91, which Kenny Omega executed on Will Ospreay during the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event.

Reconsidering German Suplex: Neck Injury Concerns

Nash candidly questioned the prevalence of certain moves, stating, "Show me the numbers of broken necks before the German Suplex became a f***ing staple in professional wrestling.

I don't remember any." While acknowledging that the German Suplex has become a common and widely used maneuver by numerous stars, including those who have encountered Brock Lesnar's infamous Suplex City, Nash expressed concerns about the repetitive nature of such bumps and drew a parallel to the impact of repeated headshots in terms of potential long-term damage.

Drawing attention to the cumulative effect of such maneuvers, Nash emphasized, "Because it's not necessarily the one, it's like fing CTE. It's the onslaught. It's the fing 10 years ... And then finally, you bend over to pick up a lightbulb and you're paralyzed." Nash has previously expressed his willingness to donate his brain to the CTE Center at Boston University and the Concussion Legacy Foundation, further highlighting his commitment to raising awareness about the physical risks associated with the sport.

During the podcast, Nash also provided an update on his own neck injuries, disclosing that while his condition has shown some improvement with positive bloodwork results, there are days when his body simply cannot perform certain movements as desired.

He mentioned the positive impact of stem cell treatment on his overall well-being. Reflecting on memorable moments in wrestling, Nash expressed his astonishment at Mick Foley's unforgettable leap from the top of the Hell in a Cell structure.

Nash not only empathized with Foley's fellow competitor, The Undertaker, who believed he had seriously injured Foley during the match, but also shared his belief that competitors should never leave the confines of the cage during such encounters.

In Nash's view, leaving the cage undermines the psychology and purpose of the stipulation. Returning to the subject of CTE, Nash pointed out a specific instance involving Mick Foley and The Rock, where he felt Foley may have regretted the handcuffed chair shots he endured.

Nash remarked, "The only thing I think that Mick would take back was when he was handcuffed and Rock hit him with those chair shots. I think after the first or second one, Mick was out." Kevin Nash's insights shed light on the physical toll and potential long-term effects of professional wrestling.

As the industry continues to evolve, it remains crucial for wrestlers, organizations, and fans alike to prioritize the well-being and safety of the performers, and engage in ongoing discussions about minimizing risks associated with the sport.