Kevin “The Great Oz” Nash is best known for his towering presence in WCW and WWE’s nWo era but few know about his hidden gem: teaming with Japanese icon Jushin Thunder Liger in a legendary tag tournament in Japan. Before Diesel took over, Oz and Liger shocked the wrestling world by winning the exclusive Crush the Super Heavy tag competition in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).
From Gimmick to Glory: Oz & Liger’s Epic Tournament Win
In a candid segment on his “Kliq This” podcast, Nash recounted:
“My first tour over there it was a tag team tournament, it was called ‘Crush the Super Heavy,’ and Oz and Liger won the tournament.”
The duo’s dynamic chemistry was unexpected—Liger’s lightning-fast lucha style merging with Nash’s power. It’s no wonder Nash considered staying in Japan afterward, with Liger pushing him to elevate his game.
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Why This Moment Changed Everything
1. Character Evolution – Wrestling as “The Great Oz” in Japan gave Nash the freedom to explore beyond American constraints.
2. Skill Growth – With veteran guidance from Liger and the Japanese locker room, Nash admitted he learned pacing and reaction—valuable tools when he returned to the US.
3. International Cred – Success on Japanese soil added legitimacy to Nash’s character arc as both Oz and later Diesel, reinforcing his global appeal.
Legacy That Echoes Today
Nash’s Japanese chapter remains a lesser-known but pivotal part of his career. Wrestling historians and fans alike still marvel at the unlikely pairing of Oz+Liger—proof that sometimes, the most remembered moments come off the beaten path.
Final Thought
This explosive tournament win in Japan was more than a flash in the pan—it shaped Kevin Nash into the superstar he became. Curious to see the full match? NJPW archives might just hold the footage of that unforgettable union between Oz and Liger.
Whether you’re into retro wrestling lore or exploring hidden history, this unexpected victory is a must-know tale in the evolution of Kevin Nash.
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