WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash has officially crowned a new favorite wrestler, elevating WWE’s Rhea Ripley above AEW’s Kenny Omega, who previously held that distinction. On the latest episode of his podcast Kliq This, Nash responded immediately when asked if Omega still remained his top pick, emphatically stating that Ripley had “taken his spot” due to Omega’s recent absence from wrestling action.
From Kenny Omega to Rhea Ripley: A Shift in Favorite Wrestler
For several years, Kevin Nash praised Kenny Omega extensively, highlighting the AEW star’s unparalleled in-ring ability and adaptability. Nash even compared Omega’s skills to those of his longtime friend Sean Waltman (X-Pac), emphasizing Omega’s ability to work with any style and opponent. However, since 2023, Omega’s activity has significantly decreased due to health issues involving surgery and recovery from diverticulitis. This absence on TV and in-ring appearances influenced Nash’s shift in allegiance[1][2].
On Kliq This, Nash told listeners, “I haven’t seen Kenny work in a while,” explaining why the Australian powerhouse Rhea Ripley ascended as his new favorite. Despite this, Nash maintained admiration for Omega as his favorite male wrestler, meaning his change was more about recency and visibility than a complete retraction of his earlier praise[1].
Why Rhea Ripley? Nash’s Praise of the “Eradicator”
Rhea Ripley, known for her commanding presence, fierce in-ring style, and rapid rise within WWE’s women’s division, captured Nash’s admiration on multiple fronts. The Australian star, nicknamed “The Eradicator,” has steadily emerged as one of WWE’s top global female talents, holding multiple women’s championships and appearing in high-profile main events, including key WrestleMania matches[4].
Nash expressed his admiration for her recent performances, such as her hard-fought match against Asuka on WWE Raw, and even suggested she would have fit perfectly in the legendary New World Order (nWo) faction, where Nash himself was a major figure[1][6]. One WWE insider remarked, “Kevin’s excitement for Rhea isn’t just about her athleticism; it’s her aura and how she commands the ring, much like the wrestlers from Nash’s era.” This combination of skill, charisma, and presence makes Ripley a compelling star in Nash’s eyes.
Ripley’s Injury and Its Impact on Storylines
Currently, Ripley is sidelined with a broken nose — an injury WWE recently integrated into an ongoing storyline involving Asuka and Kairi Sane. The injury reportedly occurred during a house show in Japan, showcasing the physical toll top-tier performers endure regularly[3][4]. Meanwhile, WWE has advanced this storyline by drawing in notable female stars such as Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Bayley, and Lyra Valkyria, heightening anticipation for Ripley’s eventual return and vendetta.
Industry sources speculate that when Ripley comes back, she’ll seek retribution and possibly align with IYO SKY, another talented WWE star with history against the Kabuki Warriors. This narrative direction underscores WWE’s faith in Ripley as a central figure in women’s wrestling moving forward.
Nash’s Thoughts on Wrestling Styles and Recent Matches
During the podcast, Nash also briefly commented on current wrestling styles, mentioning his mixed feelings toward the high-flying match between Will Ospreay and Ricochet. “They do all that flippy flop, then stop and strike superhero poses — it irritates me,” Nash humorously remarked[3]. This comment illustrates his preference for a different wrestling style than some high-flying modern matches, perhaps explaining part of his attraction to Ripley’s more hard-hitting, powerhouse approach.
Contextualizing Nash’s Changing Favorite Wrestler
Kevin Nash’s shift in favorite wrestler reflects broader trends in professional wrestling that balance legacy, current visibility, and stylistic preferences. Despite his respect for Kenny Omega’s work, the AEW star’s reduced presence has shifted Nash’s focus to talents currently delivering regular, high-impact performances on WWE programming.
According to a source close to WWE, “Kevin values both legacy and fresh stars who connect strongly with fans today. Rhea fits the bill perfectly with her recent momentum.” This change signals how wrestling veterans remain engaged with the evolving landscape and new generations of talent emerging at the forefront.