Nic Nemeth recently opened up on Busted Open Radio about the internal conflict every aging wrestler faces: the rational knowledge that protecting his health for the next 50 years matters more than chasing dream matches, versus the emotional pull to never stop being great and never go quietly from the business.
The TNA World Champion reflected on the mindset of a performer who is told that his time’s ticking. He used Kenny Omega’s injury-related issues as an example.
The former WWE star believes that fighting through pain is second nature to wrestlers. However, a point comes in career where the decision becomes about far more than one match.
My body is hurting, and my health for the next 50 years is much more important than one more year of some dream matches,” Nemeth said.
No matter how much in your head you think that’s the case, you have to deal with all these different things.
Nemeth Reflects On WWE Legends Chasing One More Run
Nemeth recalled how wrestling legends he grew up watching would still line up, hoping for one more run. During his time in the promotion, which shaped his eventual return to WWE, featured him around wrestlers who were well past their physical prime.
You get four people who are legends who you’ve looked up to, and you watch for years, but they’re in their 70s, and they’re lining up to talk to Vince,” Nemeth said.
Not to say hi to Vince. They’re looking for a push. For a chance to fight for the title. And you’re like, are you kidding me? What is wrong with these guys?
45-year old Nemeth admitted that he feels that mentality.
Now me, not at 70, at 45, I’m going, oh right, I will not go quietly into that night either, damn it,” Nemeth said. “I don’t ever want to stop being awesome at this and stealing the show. I don’t ever, ever want to stop.
Nemeth made the comments as the reigning TNA World Champion, a title he captured for the second time at Slammiversary.
