Kevin Nash believes seven years of professional wrestling is enough to leave lasting damage on a performer’s body.
Speaking on Kliq This alongside Sean Oliver, Kevin Nash discussed the physical toll wrestling takes on performers regardless of their position on the card.
When Oliver suggested that almost anyone who spends significant time wrestling eventually suffers physically, Nash offered a specific timeframe for when he believes the damage becomes permanent.
“I think it’s seven. Seven years to me is like that’s it.”
However, Nash suggested the amount of punishment a wrestler takes can also depend heavily on their style and how they are used. He pointed towards Goldberg as an example of someone whose explosive wrestling style could accelerate the physical toll.
“Unless it’s seven. If it’s like Goldberg and you start right in the ring, your time is you’re f***ed quick.”
Kevin Nash Explains Physical Toll Wrestling Takes On The Body
Before entering professional wrestling, Goldberg had already accumulated significant wear and tear through his football career. He played college football at Georgia before spending time with the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers. A torn abdominal muscle eventually ended his football career.
Kevin Nash believes Goldberg’s exceptional explosiveness contributed to the injuries he suffered throughout his athletic career.
“The thing with Bill was, Bill had already played, you know, he was all SEC defensive end. He played pro football,” Nash said. “Bill’s problem was he was so explosive. He just tore stuff. I think he tore his abdomen when he was cutting in the NFL.”
Goldberg made his WCW debut in 1997 and quickly became one of the promotion’s biggest stars. His wrestling style centred on explosive power moves and short matches, helping establish him as a dominant attraction.
His initial full-time wrestling career lasted approximately six years before he stepped away in 2004. Goldberg later returned for several shorter runs rather than maintaining another full-time schedule.
Nash’s own career lasted considerably longer than the seven-year period he believes can cause permanent physical damage. He made his professional wrestling debut in September 1990 and competed in his final match in January 2020, giving him a career spanning close to three decades.
The WWE Hall of Famer has experienced numerous physical problems himself. Elsewhere on the same episode, Kevin Nash discussed tearing his quadriceps at the age of 42, an injury that left him using a wheelchair for 40 days. Nash has also undergone replacement surgery on both knees following his lengthy career in professional wrestling.
