7 Shocking Facts About Kevin Nash's Secret Role As Super Shredder In TMNT II

Few roles in pop culture history are as surprisingly cast as the towering, mutated villain known as Super Shredder. For decades, a significant portion of both wrestling and cinematic fandom remained unaware that the man beneath the massive, spiked armor was none other than future WWE Hall of Famer and nWo founding member, Kevin Nash. This iconic, yet brief, on-screen appearance in the 1991 film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, served as Nash's feature film debut, a little-known fact that continues to amaze fans today. As of late 2025, Nash continues to discuss the role, shedding new light on the strange circumstances of his casting and the surprising financial windfall it provided.

The story of how the 6-foot-10 professional wrestler transitioned from a struggling talent to the ultimate, oozing antagonist is a fascinating chapter in '90s entertainment history. It’s a tale involving a last-minute casting swap, a massive, restrictive costume designed by Jim Henson's Creature Shop, and a payday that, as Nash himself revealed, was more than he earned in his entire first year in professional wrestling. The legacy of Super Shredder, though short-lived in the film's climax, has become an enduring cult favorite, cemented by his portrayal by the man who would become "Big Sexy" Diesel.

Kevin Nash: The Man Behind the Ooze and the Mask

Before he was "Big Daddy Cool" Diesel, a founding member of the New World Order (nWo), or a multiple-time world champion in both WWE and WCW, Kevin Nash was a relatively unknown wrestler looking for his big break. His role as Super Shredder predated his major wrestling fame, making the casting a truly unique discovery for fans years later.

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• Full Name: Kevin Scott Nash
• Born: July 9, 1959
• Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
• Height: 6 ft 10 in (208 cm)
• Wrestling Debut: 1990
• Initial Wrestling Gimmicks: Steel, Oz, Vinnie Vegas
• Breakout Wrestling Role: Diesel (WWF/WWE, 1993–1996)
• Most Famous Wrestling Group: The New World Order (nWo) (WCW, 1996–2001)
• Film Debut Role: Super Shredder in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991)
• Notable Film/TV Roles: Tarus in Magic Mike (2012), The Russian in John Wick (2014)
• Wrestling Accomplishments: WWE Champion, WCW World Heavyweight Champion (5 times), WWE Hall of Famer (2 times)

Nash’s sheer size and imposing physique were the primary reasons he was considered for the role. The Super Shredder character needed to be physically massive, a monstrous mutation of the original villain, Oroku Saki. Nash’s towering frame, which would later make him a dominant force in the ring, was perfectly suited for the bulky, intimidating suit.

The Shocking Casting Story and the "Predator" Connection

The story of how Kevin Nash landed the role of Super Shredder is one of Hollywood serendipity and a last-minute change that altered the course of his early career. Nash has recently detailed the circumstances on his podcast, Kliq This, reigniting interest in the nearly 35-year-old film role.

A Role Meant for Another "Big Man"

According to Nash, the role was not originally intended for him. The production initially sought out actor Kevin Peter Hall, a fellow "big man" known for playing the titular creature in the first two Predator movies and Harry in Harry and the Hendersons. Hall was an experienced suit actor, adept at performing inside the restrictive, full-body costumes that were a hallmark of 1990s creature features. However, due to unforeseen circumstances—likely related to Hall's health struggles at the time—he was unable to take the role.

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The producers suddenly needed a replacement who could fill the massive suit created by Jim Henson's Creature Shop. Nash, who was working a brief stint in WCW at the time under the name "Vinnie Vegas," was in the right place at the right time. His enormous stature made him one of the few people capable of fitting into the custom-made Super Shredder costume.

The Surprising Payday That Changed Everything

One of the most revealing details Nash has shared is the financial impact of the role. At the time, his wrestling career was just beginning, and he was not earning substantial money. Nash has stated that the money he made for his brief, uncredited appearance as Super Shredder was actually more than his entire salary from his first year working in professional wrestling. This unexpected payday provided crucial financial stability early in his career, before he became the main event star known as Diesel in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF).

The entire role, which consisted of only a few minutes of screen time in the film's climactic battle, was a significant turning point, both financially and as a unique, non-wrestling credit that would stick with him for decades. He was merely the suit actor; the voice for the character was provided by David Warner.

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The Enduring Legacy of the Super Shredder Suit

The character of Super Shredder, despite its limited screen time, has become a fan-favorite and one of the most memorable villains in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) film franchise. This lasting impact is largely due to the incredible design and execution of the creature suit, combined with the intimidating presence of Kevin Nash inside it.

The Jim Henson Creature Shop Masterpiece

The Super Shredder costume was a marvel of early 1990s practical effects, created by the legendary Jim Henson's Creature Shop. This was the same company responsible for the groundbreaking Turtle costumes in the first film. The Super Shredder suit was designed to look like a grotesque, hyper-muscled, and heavily-spiked version of the original Shredder, achieved by consuming the last vial of the mutagenic "Ooze" (TCRI Mutagen).

The suit was massive, bulky, and incredibly difficult to move in, which further contributed to the character's lumbering, powerful appearance. Nash's height was essential for filling out the armor, especially the exaggerated shoulder pads and helmet. The suit's design has been consistently praised and remains a popular subject for modern collectibles, such as the highly-detailed action figures released by NECA, which continue to generate excitement among collectors today.

The Climax and the "Ninja Rap"

Super Shredder appears at the very end of The Secret of the Ooze, confronting the Turtles (Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael) and their new henchmutants, Tokka and Rahzar, on a collapsing pier. The final battle is a frantic, chaotic sequence that is often overshadowed by the film's infamous and catchy "Ninja Rap" performance by Vanilla Ice. Despite the campy elements of the film, Super Shredder provided a genuine moment of threat, showcasing the ultimate power of the mutagenic ooze. His brief but impactful presence solidified him as an iconic villain.

For Kevin Nash, the role remains a unique footnote in a career defined by his success in professional wrestling. He often expresses surprise that so many fans, even those who followed his career as "Big Daddy Cool" and as a key figure in the nWo, were unaware that the towering figure who faced the Turtles in 1991 was him. It’s a secret that the Hall of Famer continues to enjoy sharing with the world, proving that sometimes, the biggest stars are found in the most unexpected places—even inside a giant, spiky, mutated suit of armor.