Why WWE’s Mark Shunock Chose the Name ‘Nash’ Revealed

Mark Shunock didn’t want to change his name when he joined WWE—but the company had other ideas.

During his appearance on the You Know I’m Right podcast, the WWE ring announcer revealed how the name “Nash” came to be, and why it’s deeply personal. At first, Shunock tried to push back when WWE told him a new name was required.

“I didn’t want to change my name. This is my 29th year in entertainment, and I kind of pushed back a little bit. I was like, ‘Let’s just keep Shunock.’”

But that wasn’t going to fly in WWE. “They’re like, ‘No, that’s not the WWE way. You gotta create a name.’”

Instead of picking something flashy or random, Shunock decided to make it meaningful. He combined parts of his parents’ last names to form “Nash.”

“My mother’s maiden name is Nasser, and my father’s last name is Shunock. So I took the first two letters from my mother’s maiden name and the last two letters from my dad’s surname and put them together. That’s where Nash came from.”

And no, there’s no connection to any former wrestler, athlete, or celebrity. “It was strictly a family name that I was excited they approved—mom was happy, dad was thrilled. It just shows: family first for us.”

In an industry built on stage names and larger-than-life personas, Shunock’s decision to go with something rooted in personal legacy sets him apart. “Nash” isn’t just a ring name—it’s a tribute to the people who helped him get here.

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