Making Bad Look Good – Scott Hall redefined what it meant to be a wrestling superstar

This last week I started thinking about how two weeks ago (20th November) marked eleven years since I met one of my all time favourites in Scott Hall aka Razor Ramon in London, England. He, alongside Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman were coming to the UK that November, Scott was fresh off a few months getting life-changing hip surgery, one whose campaign I donated to and with pleasure I might add. Once my brother and I heard about this tour, we knew we had to do our utmost to attend. It isn’t often you get to meet three of the greatest and at the same time. The tour organized by Ministry of Slam was marred with a lot of controversy admittedly but nothing could dampen our spirits, leading up to the signing and on the day itself.

There was a long line to get into the venue but it was whilst lining up that I met some of my now best friends in Craig Gravis, his sister Karen and Craig’s now fianceé Samantha Pugh. London in November is cold but that hour and a half, almost two where we talked shop flew by. Once we were inside, my brother and I had enormous butterflies in our stomachs. I wanted to ensure that I got enough time to at least tell Scott that I donated for his hip surgery and to greet Sean Waltman and Kevin Nash to thank them for their storied careers.

Once it was my turn to take a picture with the trio, I froze but I was greeted with an infectious smile and it was Scott who came up to me first. He shook my hand, asked for my name and where I was from. Kevin and Sean did the same. I got the chance to tell Scott what I had done and he went on to give me a thank you and I quote. “Thank you bro. It is fans like you that gave me the adrenaline to keep going.” Wow. I wasn’t expecting that! Chitchat was over and we posed for the picture and it is now one moment that I will treasure forever and it is my brother that I have to thank for it.

The fun didn’t end there and after a fun Q&A we got to line up again but this time for autographs. I took two 8×10’s for Kevin and Sean to sign but for Scott I decided to bring my WrestleMania X VHS. More on that later..

The Birth of Razor Ramon: A Charismatic Anti-Hero

Razor Ramon debuted in the WWE (then WWF) in 1992, bringing with him an electrifying persona inspired by Tony Montana from Scarface. Donning gold chains, toothpicks, and an unapologetically cocky attitude, Razor Ramon wasn’t just a character—he was the epitome of cool. Unlike many wrestlers of his era, who relied heavily on over-the-top gimmicks, Razor oozed natural charisma. Fans loved to hate him, and eventually, they just loved him.

His ability to toe the line between heel and babyface was groundbreaking. Razor Ramon exemplified the anti-hero archetype long before it became mainstream in wrestling. His promos were delivered with a unique blend of humor, arrogance, and street-smart grit that made them instantly memorable.

In-Ring Ability: Excellence Beyond the Gimmick

While Razor Ramon’s character work was legendary, his in-ring ability was equally remarkable. Scott Hall stood 6’7” and weighed over 280 pounds, yet he moved with the agility and fluidity of a much smaller athlete. His versatility allowed him to put on stellar matches with opponents of all sizes, from Bret Hart to Shawn Michaels to Diesel.

Razor’s finishing move, the Razor’s Edge, became one of the most iconic finishers in wrestling history. It wasn’t just devastating—it was a symbol of his larger-than-life presence. Hall’s knack for storytelling in the ring set him apart. He knew how to pace a match, build tension, and deliver dramatic payoffs that left crowds in awe.

The Ladder Match: A Historic Milestone

One of Razor Ramon’s crowning achievements came at WrestleMania X in 1994, where he faced Shawn Michaels in one of the first televised ladder matches for the Intercontinental Championship. This match wasn’t just a spectacle—it was a revolution. Razor and Michaels innovated a new style of match that showcased creativity, athleticism, and danger.

The WrestleMania X ladder match is often cited as one of the greatest wrestling matches of all time. To me? It is a masterpiece and my all time favourite match. It not only elevated both competitors but also solidified the Intercontinental Championship as a prestigious title. Razor’s performance demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion on the grandest stages, proving he could steal the show alongside the best in the business.

Elevating the Intercontinental Championship

During the 1990s, the Intercontinental Championship was viewed as the “workhorse” title—a belt carried by the company’s most technically proficient wrestlers. Razor Ramon’s reigns as Intercontinental Champion helped elevate the belt’s prestige. His feuds with the likes of Jeff Jarrett, Shawn Michaels, and Goldust made the title synonymous with high-quality matches and compelling storytelling.

For many fans, Razor’s four Intercontinental Championship reigns were the highlight of the WWF’s midcard during this era. His ability to make every feud feel personal and significant ensured that the title always felt like a coveted prize.

The Outsiders and the nWo: Revolutionizing Wrestling

While Razor Ramon’s WWE career is legendary, Scott Hall’s impact didn’t end there. In 1996, he made one of the most shocking debuts in wrestling history by appearing unannounced on WCW’s Monday Nitro. Speaking directly to the audience, Hall blurred the lines between reality and fiction, igniting what would become the New World Order (nWo) storyline.

As part of the Outsiders with Kevin Nash, and later the nWo alongside Hulk Hogan, Hall helped revolutionize professional wrestling. The nWo storyline spearheaded WCW’s dominance during the Monday Night Wars, forcing WWE to innovate and leading to the creation of the Attitude Era. Hall’s cool, rebellious demeanor made him the perfect figurehead for this movement. His presence was crucial to wrestling’s mainstream resurgence in the late 1990s.

Personal Struggles and Redemption

Scott Hall’s journey wasn’t without hardship. His battles with addiction were well-documented and often cast a shadow over his career. However, his perseverance and eventual redemption only added to his legacy. With the help of his close friend Diamond Dallas Page, Hall overcame his personal demons, showing a level of resilience and vulnerability that inspired fans worldwide.

Hall’s story resonated because it was real. Wrestling is often about larger-than-life characters, but Scott Hall’s willingness to share his struggles made him human. His induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014 was a triumphant moment, cementing his place among wrestling’s elite.

A Legacy of Influence

Razor Ramon’s influence on wrestling is undeniable. Many of today’s top wrestlers cite Hall as an inspiration, not just for his character work but for his psychology and ability to connect with audiences. His contributions to the ladder match and the nWo storyline continue to shape modern wrestling.

Hall’s famous quote during his Hall of Fame speech captures his enduring legacy: “Hard work pays off. Dreams come true. Bad times don’t last, but bad guys do.”

This line embodies the essence of Razor Ramon—a character who was larger than life and a man who overcame immense challenges to leave an everlasting mark on professional wrestling.

Conclusion

Scott sadly passed away in March of 2022. I am not ashamed to confess that I cried like a baby when I read the news. His greatness will forever lie in his ability to transcend eras. From his unforgettable persona in WWE to his revolutionary role in WCW, Scott Hall redefined what it meant to be a wrestling superstar. His charisma, in-ring prowess, and impact on the industry ensure that his legacy will live on for generations. In a world of bad guys, Razor Ramon will always stand as one of the greatest.