Wrestling legend Kevin Nash has weighed in on the debate of who throws the best “working punch” in the sport.
A “working punch” in professional wrestling is one that appears to be real, but is actually performed in a way to avoid injuring the opponent. Wrestlers like Jerry Lawler, Terry Funk, and Jeff Jarrett have been long praised for their abilities to deliver a convincing “working punch.” However, in a recent discussion on his podcast, Kevin Nash offers a different perspective.
On his Kliq This podcast, Nash highlighted the talents of his close associates and fellow “Kliq” members when it came to delivering a good working punch. He praised Scott Hall’s punch for its believability, Triple H’s for its solid technique, and Shawn Michaels’ for its overall effectiveness, while he playfully criticized Bret Hart’s as being somewhat ‘clubby’.
Nash described the mechanics of his own working punch, noting the additional difficulty he faces being left-handed. For Nash, throwing a right-handed punch doesn’t come as naturally.
“Learn to throw working punches. Mine was always…because I’m left-handed, so to throw that right working punch was hard. To me, that’s not my… I strike with my left, I jab with my right. You know, when I’m in a fistfight,” Nash explains, detailing his personal approach to the technique.
Nash Declines Physical Role in Sting’s Retirement Match
Nash also spoke candidly about his decision not to appear at Sting’s retirement match. On the same podcast, he shared that he was approached to participate in some physical capacity, which he ultimately decided against.
“For some reason, people think that Paul [Triple H] told me I couldn’t go and my thing was I’m a WWE guy. When this thing first came out, it came to fruition, I got contacted by Steve [Sting]. He was telling me what he wanted to do. Then, in that same breath, he said, ‘What can you do physicality-wise? So if anybody wants to know why Kevin Nash was at home, that’s why. He asked me what I can do physicality-wise,” Nash said, explaining his reasons for not being part of the event.
FAQs About Kevin Nash’s Views on ‘Working Punches’
- What is a ‘working punch’ in wrestling?
- A ‘working punch’ is a punch thrown by a professional wrestler that looks real but is performed in such a way as to prevent actual injury to the opponent.
- Who did Kevin Nash say has the best ‘working punch’?
- Nash praised Scott Hall, Triple H, and Shawn Michaels for their ‘working punches.’ He noted that while Bret Hart’s punches are effective, they’re a bit ‘clubby.’
- Why did Kevin Nash turn down the opportunity to appear at Sting’s last match?
- Nash was asked about what physicality he could bring to the match, which he was not comfortable with due to his loyalty to WWE and his physical limitations. Thus, he chose not to participate.
Conclusion
Kevin Nash’s insights into the art of the ‘working punch’ in professional wrestling reflect the nuances of the sport’s physical storytelling. Praising the technique of peers such as Scott Hall, Triple H, and Shawn Michaels, while gently critiquing others, shows not only the respect he has for the craft but also the camaraderie within the industry. Nash’s open discussion about his own limitations and decisions towards the end of his or his peers’ wrestling careers indicates a level of self-awareness and respect for his body and legacy that resonates with fans and fellow wrestlers alike. Whether in the ring or on a podcast, Nash remains an influential voice in the world of professional wrestling.