Kevin Nash has shared a fond memory of the late Paul Orndorff, revealing how “Mr. Wonderful” and Rick Rude helped him have a career-altering realization early in his run.
Speaking on Kliq This, Nash was asked about Orndorff, and he pushed back on the idea that the WCW veteran was difficult to deal with. “No, man, he was cool. He was passionate,” Nash said, before recalling a pivotal backstage moment.
Nash explained that after he got some heat on Ricky Steamboat during a taping, Orndorff approached him with genuine excitement, sensing a breakthrough. “I remember Orndorff came up to me, and it was one of those things where guys that know just come and grab you by your forearm,” Nash said. “It was like the light bulb finally went off. He was so excited.”
According to Nash, Rude shared that same enthusiasm and encouraged him to keep leaning into what was working. Nash recalled the veterans coaching him on how to get the most out of Steamboat. “Ricky will talk, Ricky will make sure Ricky stays strong, Ricky will fight back when Ricky needs to fight back. That’s one of those things you just learn in the business,” Nash said.
The moment proved to be a genuine turning point for Nash, who realized just how much he had been leaving on the table. “I was just like, oh, I get it,” he said, only half-joking as he wondered aloud, “Did I waste the last two years of my life?”
