By PWTorch Staff

With Hulk Hogan and Co. out the door, the likes of Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Shawn Michaels were at the forefront of the "New Generation" in early 1990s WWF. Nash talked about why he got along with Michaels, how he pulled off being hated and viewed as a non-threat at the same time when he walked in the door from WCW, and how the wrestling business was changing at the time during a recent podcast interview with "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

"The minute I walked in, I knew Scott (from WCW) and I met Shawn for the first time. I didn't realize Shawn was about 6'1". The thing was I wasn't really a wrestler; I was a bodybuard, so I was almost treated by the boys like a manager. So, I wasn't a threat," Nash said.

However, Nash noted that he inherited Hall & Michaels's reputations when he associated with them publicly. "As soon as I got out of the car with Scott and Shawn, they were just like, 'Oh, by the way, nobody likes us.' (laughs) I was like, 'F---. Great,'" Nash said.

Nash said that because he and Michaels were both young, hungry, rising stars trying to create a new era in WWF, they "immediately got along" behind the scenes. Nash also recognized Michaels foreseeing the future of the pro wrestling in the ring.

"We traveled together, so were in the car talking business. It was basically talking business 24/7," Nash said. "When we would sit in the car, Shawn said to me, 'You can work like Warlord and those guys and not go off your feet, or you can use your size and be athletic and learn how to work. Because the style is changing. The Road Warriors s--- ain't working anymore.' That was kind of the Clique's way of work."

Nash added, "The thing was the bigger guys weren't selling for him. So, they would sell for me. I would do one thing, roll them back in, and Shawn could go to work on him. It was just a different era - guys didn't sell for anyone anyways."

Nash took Michaels's advice, but was later scolded by The Undertaker for attempting an "athletic move" he had no business attempting. Nevertheless, the Clique was formed and the foundation was set for a polarizing group of top stars using their influence behind-the-scenes to shape the foundation of WWF/E as it's known today.

[ LINKS: Austin's podcast can be heard HERE at PodcastOne.com. Part 2 of Nash's interview can be heard HERE ]

[Torch art credit Grant Gould (c) PWTorch.com]

We suggest these recent related articles...

WWE NEWS: Superstars SPOILERS - Results from Chicago Raw

WWE NETWORK: Monday, Oct. 12 Schedule - Raw pre-show, Sting DVD preview

WWE NEWS: Lana & Rusev reportedly engaged - follow the interesting 2015 timeline