WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has weighed in on comments from Kevin Nash that, "wrestling died" when Eddie Guerrero and Chris Benoit hugged as the WWE Champions at WrestleMania 20.
Lots of controversy seemingly on some of my friend @RealKevinNash comments recently on Twitter. Kevin talked about the "death of wrestling" and how, in his view, smaller wrestlers aren't the answer to 'revitalizing' a 'dead' business.
First of all, the Grantland piece on Kevin was fantastic. Well written and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I enjoy most Grantland features and am a regular reader. If you haven't read them regularly and are a sport's fan, I highly recommend the site. Especially the writings of Bill Simmons who is brilliant, a long time wrestling fan and is in touch and has strong opinions on several things.
That may be the point here...strong opinions. I don't agree with every opinion from people that I like and respect including Kevin Nash. But I will fight my Oklahoma ass off for his right to express himself. That goes for you, too.
I'm an old school guy who thinks that wrestlers come in all shapes and sizes and that the final, final decree on how well said talents produce is ultimately left up to the consumer aka the fans.
Lots of sub six feet tall athletes have been huge box office draws in the biz over the years. There are too many to mention here.
Several big men who have migrated into the pro wrestling world simply because of their size have failed. Some haven't. Kevin Nash was and still is very successful. He's made a lot of money and he's saved it. Smart guy. Out of the entire Grantland piece the thing that I felt was most compelling for today's wrestlers, rookies, wannabe's, etc, is that Kevin Nash made big money and he took care of it.
Nash is a brilliant guy...love him or hate him. He's a survivor and by any means necessary which at times doesn't sit well with some people.
I helped give Kevin one of his first breaks while we were both in Atlanta in the early 90's when WCW management, and I use that term loosely, did not know what to do with an athletic, 7 footer who could talk and who had a great look. When management heard Kev in on my WSB Radio show it opened their eyes to what they potentially had.
No, I don't agree with Kevin on his smaller wrestlers theory as I like all that have true talent. But I do defend his right to express himself and chuckle at the ability that he has to manipulate fans and peers alike in 140 characters or less.
You can read JR's full blog by clicking here.