Real Reason Vince McMahon’s Chosen One Didn’t Make It Big in WWE Revealed

Nathan Jones was a powerhouse who was billed at 6’10 height and 340 lbs weight. He had the ideal body type that Vince McMahon aspired for his performers. Hence, Jones was given a mega push upon his arrival where he feuded against The Undertaker, performed alongside Brock Lesnar, Big Show, and John Cena.

Renowned wrestling commentator Jim Ross was interviewed in the latest episode of the podcast Grilling JR. The episode premiered on YouTube on December 23rd where JR spoke about Nathan Jones and his failed stint in the WWE.

Despite an ideal body, Nathan Jones had to leave WWE

Though, Nathan Jones had the physique and athleticism of a wrestler, thanks to his history of arm wrestling. But after a series of struggles WWE had to bid goodbye to him. Vince McMahon liked Jones personally, but unfortunately he had to fire him.

Explaining the reason behind the axing of Nathan Jones, Ross said, “He [Nathan Jones] didn’t understand the business as well as we would like for him to. I don’t know how much he invested, you know, learning, customs, what’s accepted and what isn’t.”

Jim Ross was referring to the traits of the pro-wrestling business and how Nathan Jones was a total green. In fact he was sent back to Ohio Valley of Wrestling to hone his in-ring skills after a kayfabe injury in 2002.

Jim Ross further added another reason for his departure and said, “Well, yeah. Nathan didn’t travel well. And Nathan sometimes had his downfall was his people skills.” Wrestlers travel over 200 dayys in a year while interactinga and entertaining fans continuously. Hence, it was difficult for Jones to survive and grow in the business without these key essentials.

Read more: Top AEW Star Openly Thanks WWE Sparking Curiosity After His Vince McMahon Comment About AEW Stars

But the old JR did not just cuss on the former WWE superstar. He even had words of praise for Nathan Jones as he said, “His look, his facials, his body, par excellence. Perfect, big heel body that would eventually turn baby face and he would have been, he would get over.” It was the same recipe WWE had used to put over Kane and Big Show in the past. In recent times, Braun Strowman is a suitable example.

Despite his natural appearance, Nathan Jones had different ideas

Despite a personal touch from Vince McMahon, Nathan Jones left WWE shockingly in 2003. WWE was in Australia for an episode of SmackDown when Jones refused to show up. He hated travelling and took his chance when he was back at home in Australia. 

After WWE, he worked in other promotions for a while before quitting pro-wrestling. But then he worked for a while in Hollywood where he featured in many high-profile movies like Troy and Tom Yung Goong.

Do you remember Nathan Jones? What is your favorite moment featuring him?

Watch this story: