On the Nash interview
Regarding the Q&A with Kevin Nash that I posted this morning, I have been asked why I didn’t ask Nash about our mutual experiences in WCW, including the time I requested an interview with him for a cover story in WCW Magazine and he rudely declined (although he did agree to it later after Vince Russo asked him to), which I have written about. I just thought it best not to go there, and my interview time with him was very limited anyway.
Here’s how the whole thing went down in Orlando, Fla. I had given Ross Forman, who does publicity for TNA and also worked for WCW when I was there, a list of five or six TNA personalities to interview at Universal Studios before the Impact taping, and he said he would try to get as many as he could. Because they were taping the show that day, each interview was kept to about 10 minutes or so (Kurt Angle went longer because he said he had the time to extend it).
Nash was not one of the people I requested, so to say I was surprised when he walked through the door would be an understatement. Having no time to prepare questions, I just asked him some things off the top of my head. Plus, I literally had 5 minutes with him because the taping was just about to begin.
To my surprise, he never mentioned anything about WCW and was as friendly as could be, even making small talk briefly after the interview and asking me about where I was living and about The Wire, the HBO series that is set in Baltimore. I also saw him at the end of the night and he acknowledged me on my way out.
When I look back now on what was really the only time I interacted with him in WCW, it could have been that he was just having a bad day and I probably made more out of it than it really was. I have a strong feeling that the incident resonated with me — mostly because the majority of people that I have dealt with in wrestling have been so accommodating, including mega-stars such as Hulk Hogan, The Rock, Ric Flair and even honchos such as Vince McMahon and Eric Bischoff — then it did with Nash, who might not even remember it.
I still have issues with Nash’s backstage politics, but I have let go of “the incident.”
Comments
I just think Nash has matured since the early days of the clique.
And I give him props for acknowledging and poking fun at himself for having bad knees, getting paid to stay home, etc.
And now, I really don't see him using that much politics. He's being used more as a 3rd wheel to help others get over.
At his age now, I don't think he wants the drama.
Posted by: ATP | April 10, 2008 3:07 PM
Let's face it Kev, I've come to the conclusion that guys like Nash were in the enviable position of doing what they wanted.
So as you say, if you caught him on a bad day, you ended up being a victim of that reality.
Perhaps the intervening years and the realization that he needs the business more than it needs him has given him a different perspective.
I always liked him better in WWE (Scott Hall too). I think if you could catch him in a totally honest moment, he might actually admit he let the stroke he had go to his head and Russo was able to reason with him.
Anyway, just my very amateur analysis.
As always, another must-read from Senor Eck.
Posted by: Walter Hollman | April 10, 2008 3:56 PM
What are you referring to when you say "the incident"?
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: The time he rudely declined my interview request when we both worked for WCW.
Posted by: Steve Higdon | April 10, 2008 4:09 PM
Nash has always seemed a lot more intelligent and business savvy that most people in wrestling.
Interviews with him are always great to read.
You did a fantastic job, and you deserve credit for not giving him grief about the chaotic days of WCW!
Posted by: Adam Annapolis | April 10, 2008 4:13 PM
Thanks for the postscript to the Nash interview Kevin . It did seem that you were throwing softball questions toward him . I knew that you had had a prior incident with him but I wasn't aware of the details . Thanks for the explanation .Not to downplay the interview , I found your follow - up more interesting .
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I didn't realize how much of a "softball" interview it was until I transcribed it. Maybe next time I'll go all John Stossel on him, he'll react like "Dr. D" David Shultz and I'll become a millionaire. But then again, maybe not.
Posted by: jack in hebron | April 10, 2008 5:04 PM
Kevin , unlike Stossel , I'm sure you'd have made us proud and fought back . Ah the memories of David Shultz , such as when he questioned Hogan's "persuasion " .
Posted by: jack in hebron | April 10, 2008 5:32 PM
You didn't have to make a post on my behalf, Kevin.
I just finished reading the Y2J book. Based on reading that, it seems like most of WCW's problems stemmed from a total lack of control by Eric Bischoff.
He let the top guys like Hogan, Nash, and Hall do whatever they wanted, and they just followed his example. I'm sure I would've acted the same way as the NWO if I had complete booking power, no other interests to worry about than my own, as well as nobody
to answer to.
WCW just didn't have a general like Vince to keep everyone in line.
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: Actually, I got a few e-mails about the interview in addition to your comment. Anyway, you are right about WCW. Talent did whatever they wanted. It got worse after Bischoff left (for the final time), as there really was no one in charge. Vince Russo was aware of the problem and called a meeting with people in the office and said that if any of the talent was uncooperative or prevented us from doing our jobs to let him know. So that's what I did, and to his credit, he did come through.
Posted by: John | April 10, 2008 7:37 PM
Hi Big Kev,
Is very professional of you to think things carefully and reconsider your position in the past. Not because you were wrong, because that's something that nobody will ever know, but shows us that you are not stick up to one idea, and I think is meaningful.
This happened that time you talked about Cena talking thrash about the Rock, and after that you rectified you talking about the misunderstanding.
But this time is a lot meaningful. I think we can respect you even more now, not only for you knowledge about the business, but for your honesty also.
Offtopic:
"how WCW killed Vince Russo" or something like that is the name of Russo's next book. Ironic,huh?
RESPONSE FROM KEVIN ECK: I just try to be as honest and fair as I can. As far as the Russo book, yeah, ironic would be one way to describe it.
Posted by: Gaston | April 11, 2008 12:40 AM
You should've asked Nash what it was like taking part in the hit movie "Grandma's Boy."
Posted by: Chief Clancy Wiggum | April 12, 2008 2:00 PM