“X-Pac Heat” is a phrase used to describe a wrestler whom fans wish would disappear. The phrase's origin came from Sean Waltman (better known as X-Pac), who oversaturated television screens during pro wrestling’s most popular era.
But, as a wise man once said, “you don’t know what you got until it’s gone.” Years removed from weekly Waltman matches, fans realize that they were harsh on the incredibly talented superstar. The reason X-Pac was so frequently utilized was because of his consistent and terrific in-ring ability. When you consider his immense talent and involvement with two of the biggest factions in the Monday Night War era, Sean Waltman may be the most underrated worker in pro-wrestling history.
Wrestling Fans Love An Underdog
Waltman first appeared in the WWF as a weekly jobber. He cycled through names like Lightning Kid or just simply, The Kid. On the May 17th, 1993 edition of Monday Night Raw, the kid pulled off a titanic upset on Razor Ramon, cementing one of the most memorable moments in Raw’s early history. It was with this career-launching victory that Waltman earned the name, The 1-2-3 Kid.
Fans quickly gravitated towards The 1-2-3 Kid. His high-flying ability was still unique to American audiences. Given his small size and young age, he also had an innate underdog quality, and everybody loves an underdog.
Waltman was given a golden opportunity in a classic Raw match, challenging Bret “The Hitman” Hart for the WWE Championship.
The match was so well-executed, it remains beloved by fans and wrestlers alike. In fact, on the recent AEW All Out show, CM Punk and Darby Allin paid homage to the match multiple times.
It wasn’t just fans who admired Waltman. Vince McMahon himself was keen on the kid. And when McMahon is pushing a wrestler that isn’t 6’5” and 280 pounds, there’s got to be a good reason. McMahon was once quoted as saying, “If you can’t have a good match with Waltman, then you can’t have a good match period.” The 1-2-3 Kid quickly became the companies litmus test for whether or not incoming talent was worth signing.
The Kliq: nWo & D-Generation X
In addition to the admiration from the boss, Waltman earned the respect of the locker room. In particular, the backstage inner circle known as The Kliq, which included Shawn Michaels, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and Triple H.
When Hall and Nash migrated to WCW, Waltman followed suit. Upon his arrival, he became the sixth member of the nWo and thus coined the name Syxx.
In a roster overflowing with huge stars and young talent, Waltman struggled to make his mark in the company. However, when given the opportunity, he still delivered dramatic, high-quality matches. His ladder match with Eddie Guerrero for the WCW Cruiserweight Championship was artful and exhilarating. Although he didn’t make the same impact in the company as Hall or Nash - he was still a member of one of the most storied factions (if not the most storied faction) in pro-wrestling history.
In 1998, the night after WrestleMania 14, Sean Waltman returned to the WWE as X-Pac, the newest member of D-Generation X, which was now being led by Kliq buddy Triple H. The faction was hugely popular and was an integral part of WWF overtaking WCW in the Monday Night ratings war.
When D-Generation X split in 1999, X-Pac found himself directionless as a character. X-Pac would continue to be a great in-ring storyteller. Still, because the fans were often frequented to this directionless, tired character - persistent chants of “X-Pac sucks” would accompany his matches. On-screen, the multi-time champion seemed to take the criticism in stride, but behind the scenes, Waltman was struggling.
X-Pac’s Issues With Substance Abuse
Throughout most of his professional career, Waltman battled personal demons and drug addiction. Considering the problems he was dealing with, it’s quite miraculous to look at Waltman’s body of work and how well he performed.
In the darkest of moments, Waltman attempted suicide but was luckily saved by his girlfriend. After this near-death experience, the former Cruiserweight Champion decided to get clean. With the help of WWE, Waltman was able to get back on his feet.
Sean Waltman's Career is Looking Bright
Sean Waltman went from jobber to mid-carder to show-stealer during wrestling’s most popular era. For an athlete his size, that is something to be respected. After his battle with personal demons, he would clean himself up and ultimately - win back the fans that once turned on him.
Sean Waltman is now a two-time WWE Hall of Fame Inductee (as a member of DX and nWo) and could potentially be inducted a third time as a singles competitor. He also hosts a very successful podcast, Pro Wrestling 4 Life w/ Sean Waltman. He also expressed a desire to return to the ring recently.
Through ups and downs, Waltman stands tall, and his influence can be seen through many of the young wrestlers working today.