The gloves came off when WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash delivered a brutal assessment of former WWE executive John Laurinaitis during a recent episode of his Kliq This podcast. Big Daddy Cool pulled no punches while discussing Laurinaitis’ controversial tenure running talent relations, painting a picture of corporate backstabbing that wrestling fans have long suspected.
Nash Breaks Down Laurinaitis’ Corporate Manipulation Tactics
When co-host Sean Oliver pressed Nash about whether Laurinaitis was difficult to work with, the nWo legend didn’t sugarcoat his response. Nash explained that your experience with “Johnny Ace” depended entirely on your position within WWE’s pecking order.
The former WWE Champion then exposed what he described as Laurinaitis’ calculated approach to impressing WWE management. According to Nash, the executive would actively seek ways to penalize wrestlers as a means of demonstrating his value to company leadership.
“He was one of those guys that would come in and to show his worth to the office. He would say, ‘Hey, I know how we can f*ck these guys. We’ll put a time clock, and they got to sign it, and if they’re not in by a certain time, then we’ll fine them.'”
The Independent Contractor Contradiction
Nash highlighted a fundamental contradiction in WWE’s treatment of talent under Laurinaitis’ watch. The wrestling veteran pointed out the hypocrisy of implementing employee-style time clocks while maintaining wrestlers’ classification as independent contractors.
“Not understanding that the number one thing that differentiates you from being an employee to being a f*cking 1099, is not having to show up to work on a certain time,” Nash explained, referencing the tax classification that defines independent contractor status.
This insight reveals the ongoing tension between WWE’s business model and their actual treatment of performers—a debate that continues to generate controversy in professional wrestling.
Nash’s Protected Status vs. Other Wrestlers’ Struggles
The Outsider made it clear that his own experience with Laurinaitis differed from many other wrestlers due to his established position within the company hierarchy. Nash acknowledged that by the time he dealt directly with Laurinaitis, his status protected him from the executive’s disciplinary measures.
However, Nash emphasized that he witnessed firsthand how other wrestlers suffered under these policies. His comments suggest a pattern of behavior that affected talent who lacked similar protection or political capital within the organization.
Laurinaitis’ Current Situation and Nash’s Measured Response
Nash’s commentary comes as Laurinaitis faces significant personal and professional challenges following his removal as a defendant in the Janel Grant lawsuit. While agreeing to cooperate in the case, Laurinaitis has largely disappeared from public wrestling events and signings.
Despite his harsh criticism, Nash showed restraint when discussing Laurinaitis’ current circumstances. “His life is f*cked, like he sees he’s f*cked,” Nash observed, noting the former executive’s absence from wrestling conventions and uncertain financial situation.
The wrestling legend made it clear he wasn’t interested in joining what he called “the pile-on,” even while acknowledging that Laurinaitis “continually made bad decisions” throughout his career.
Industry Insiders Finally Speaking Out
Nash’s candid assessment carries particular weight given his unique position as both a main event performer and someone with extensive backstage knowledge. His willingness to discuss these issues publicly reflects a broader trend of wrestling veterans sharing previously untold stories about WWE’s corporate culture.
The timing of these revelations, coinciding with ongoing legal proceedings and increased scrutiny of WWE’s business practices, suggests that long-suppressed industry secrets are finally coming to light. With Laurinaitis no longer holding corporate power and facing potential legal consequences, will more wrestlers step forward to share their own experiences with WWE’s controversial talent relations policies?
