Kevin Nash, known as “Diesel” during his WWE run in the mid-1990s, was one of the company’s most heavily pushed talents. He won the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) World Championship and headlined marquee events like WrestleMania and SummerSlam. At the time, Nash was clearly positioned as a future face of the company.
But in 1996, Nash shocked fans by jumping ship to rival promotion World Championship Wrestling (WCW). Alongside his close friend Scott Hall, Nash’s exit was seen as a major hit to WWE during the peak of the Monday Night Wars.
The Real Reason Behind the Jump to WCW
For years, fans wondered why Nash left despite his top-tier position in WWE. On a recent episode of his Kliq This podcast, the Hall of Famer finally set the record straight. “I told this to Vince when I was leaving, and he said, ‘We’re family.’ I said, ‘No, we’re not family. My family is in Arizona, and my wife’s about to give birth in three months,’” Nash said. “I need to know how much I’m going to make. It’s hard to financially plan without that.”
Nash didn’t even tell Vince the offer WCW gave him he wrote it down and handed it to him. “Vince read it, dropped his head, took four steps away, came back, and said, ‘Yeah, I can’t match that.’”
A Risk That Redefined a Career
Nash went on to become one of WCW’s biggest stars, winning the WCW World Heavyweight Championship four times and helping form the legendary new world order faction. His impact helped WCW dominate WWE in ratings for 83 consecutive weeks.
Nash’s Legacy Lives On
Though he left WWE under controversial circumstances, Nash returned years later and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. His legacy remains secure both for his influence in the ring and for his honest, strategic approach to his career.
Also Read: Vince McMahon’s 80th Birthday Bash: WWE Icons, Rock Legends And Legal Clouds
Karan Singh Rathod is a dedicated sports journalist known for his sharp attention to detail and flair for storytelling. With over a year of experience in writing and editorial work, he blends thorough research with compelling narratives to deliver engaging sports content. A passionate follower of football and cricket, he starts his mornings with a newspaper to stay updated with sports, fashion, and current affairs. Outside of journalism, Karan enjoys traveling and discovering new destinations.
