And that is where we disagree. If a combatant can hurt their opponent they can win.Let’s get back to good old Count Nefaria.
Count Nefaria has a combat score of 3, which is what he ranks in at in battle while using all of his abilities. Take note of the While using all abilities.
Rated 3, no more no less while under optimal conditions, and again while no nerfs are placed upon him.
If we took away 3 of those abilities, which are speed, flight, and laser vision, would this diminish his combat performance against a slower, -slightly weaker opponent that can not defend against his eye blasts?
Without the Flash’s speed, is he as dangerous? If we were to reduce the Flash’s speed to Hercules level, would he be as dangerous?
If we reduced Superman’s speed to Hercules level, took away his eye blasts, freeze breath, and his ability to fly, would he, or would he not be in for a world of trouble if he fought himself without losing the use of those abilities?
In this case, Count Nefaria has had his speed reduced to that of Hercules, he has lost his laser vision, and his ability to fly. Does that reduce his combat performance if we were to place him in a battle against another Count Nefaria that has his full speed, flight, and eye lasers?
We know that Hercules can hurt him, has a considerable skill edge in terms of actual technical fighting knowledge, and is not averse to using fouls. Most people would automatically believe that Hercules would win. If Hercules could not hurt Count Nefaria, I’d never pick Hercules to win. My response is that it would be a good fight, but Hercules would eventually lose do to eventually being tagged by a guy that he did not have the power to hurt.
The strength gap isn’t that great in this case though. Why? Because we know that Hercules can actually hurt him.