On a recent episode of his “Kliq This” podcast, WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash recalled his often-discussed tenure as part of WCW’s booking committee during the company’s turbulent later years (roughly late 1999-2000). Nash shared details about his favorite storyline angle from that period, a controversial plot involving wrestlers Lenny Lane and Lodi that featured overt homosexual undertones but had a surprising, unrealized twist planned.
The angle, which aired prominently in the latter half of 1999, depicted Lenny and Lodi with highly flamboyant mannerisms, entering arenas together, and engaging in suggestive behavior that strongly implied they were a couple. Nash described the initial audience perception: “My favorite was Lenny and Lodi,” Nash stated. “They kept having these weird coincidences, and they looked at each other in the shower. Everybody thought storyline wise… that they were gay…” The on-screen portrayal, relying heavily on stereotypes, indeed generated significant buzz but also drew criticism and complaints from viewers and groups like GLAAD regarding its handling of LGBTQ+ themes.
However, Nash revealed the intended endgame for the storyline was a dramatic swerve, shifting the nature of their relationship entirely. “…but then they were going to find out that they were both adopted and they were brothers,” he disclosed. This “secret brothers” reveal, meant to subvert the audience’s assumptions built over weeks, never occurred on WCW television. Nash confirmed the storyline was abruptly halted “before the Standards and Practices pulled the angle…” Turner Broadcasting’s standards department intervened, removing the characters from TV due to the controversy surrounding their stereotypical portrayal and the network’s sensitivity to the subject matter at the time.
Despite the external controversy, the angle’s premature cancellation, and the criticisms often leveled at WCW’s creative direction during his involvement, this unfinished storyline remains Kevin Nash’s personally favored contribution from his time attempting to steer the company’s narrative course.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Kliq This TV with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
