Tag: Dolph Ziggler

TNA’s Nic Nemeth Returned On Raw As Dolph Ziggler In ‘Last Time Is Now’ Tournament

In a surprise that lit up social media before the bell even rang, former TNA World Champion Nic Nemeth stepped back into WWE rings Monday night—only this time he re-embraced the persona fans know best: Dolph Ziggler. The longtime WWE standout returned on “Raw” as a mystery entrant in the “Last Time Is Now” tournament, a high-stakes bracket that will determine who gets the honor of facing John Cena in his final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

But Ziggler’s comeback run hit a wall early, courtesy of Solo Sikoa.

After “Raw” GM Adam Pearce kept Sikoa’s opponent under wraps all night, Ziggler emerged to a huge reaction. Sikoa made his entrance with Talla Tonga at his side, though he wouldn’t end up needing any backup. Ziggler came out hot, trying to overwhelm Sikoa with quick strikes and a series of elbow drops as he looked to shake off any ring rust.

The former World Heavyweight Champion pushed the pace, even locking in an early submission attempt that forced Sikoa to scramble for the ropes. When the action spilled to the floor, Ziggler bounced Sikoa off the announce desk, giving himself a brief opening. Back inside, a top-rope elbow and the Blonde Ambition weren’t enough—Sikoa kicked out with authority each time.

Momentum shifted when Ziggler lined up for Sweet Chin Music. Sikoa caught the first attempt, but Ziggler still managed to land a clean shot moments later. The problem? It didn’t keep Sikoa down for long. As Ziggler tried to regain his balance, Sikoa blasted him with a devastating Samoan Spike, dropping the 19-year WWE veteran for the three-count.

With the win, Solo Sikoa advances in the tournament, inching closer to a potential showdown with John Cena. As for Ziggler, his WWE return created plenty of buzz—even if his run in the bracket ended just as quickly as it began.

Nic Nemeth Confronts Champion After NJPW Debut At Wrestle Kingdom 18

Nic Nemeth and David Finlay needed to be pulled apart during today’s NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 event. David Finlay had just captured the IWGP Global Championship in a three-way match with Will Ospreay and Jon Moxley, before engaging in a heated exchange with Nemeth. 

Nemeth had been seated at ringside at Wrestle Kingdom alongside his brother Ryan Nemeth when Finlay came into focus. It was mentioned on the broadcast that Nemeth chased Finlay down backstage just as Kazuchika Okada made his entrance for the next match.

After their exchange, the former WWE star spoke to the media backstage while holding Finlay’s Global title. He noted that he isn’t currently signed to NJPW but he has a degree of pride for the IWGP Global title and found Finlay’s actions to be disgraceful. He made it clear that he would like to wrestle for the title, further decreeing to make the belt “the pinnacle.”

Nemeth, formerly known as Dolph Ziggler, was released by WWE in September 2023 after 19 years with the company. In recent years, the likes of Chris Jericho and Mercedes Mone have been brought into NJPW as major attractions owing to their previous runs in WWE. Like Nemeth, Jericho was involved in IWGP mid-card title programs, for the United States and Intercontinental titles, while Mone featured in the IWGP Women’s title program with inaugural champion — and now-WWE star — Kairi Sane. Mone similarly debuted at Wrestle Kingdom last year. 

Source: Wrestling Inc.

The Non-Compete Clauses Are Reportedly Almost Over For Several Released Former WWE Stars

One of the more unfortunate aspects of the WWE-UFC merger earlier this year was that it led to several within WWE, both in and out of the ring, losing their jobs this past September. And while the releases will surely still sting, with the end of December quickly approaching, many of the in-ring talents will finally have a chance to get back in the ring for another promotion.

PWInsider Elite reports that the bulk of talents let go by WWE in September are set to have their noncompete clauses expire next Thursday, December 21. Among the talents that would now be available to work for any promotion they choose are Dolph Ziggler, Mustafa Ali, Shelton Benjamin, Dana Brooke, Aliyah, Rick Boogs, Mace, Mansor, Riddick Moss, Top Dolla, Elias, Dabbo-Kato, Quincy Elliot, Yulisa Leon, Shanky, and Matt Riddle.

Many of the released WWE names have already been announcing future bookings, though so far all are for events one month after their noncompetes end. The includes Ziggler, who announced over the weekend that his first match outside of WWE would take place on January 20 in Puerto Rico, where he’ll work for the World Wrestling Council. Mace and Mansoor are set to compete at Effy’s Big Gay Brunch the same day, though they have already made one non-wrestling appearance for Deadlock Pro Wrestling this past weekend. Matt Riddle has also lined up future bookings for that month, with the controversial wrestler going down to Mexico to work for The Crash Lucha Libre on January 19.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Dolph Ziggler Released From WWE

Dolph Ziggler’s lengthy time with WWE has come to an end with his release this week, Fightful has learned.

Ziggler signed with WWE in 2004 and would debut on the main roster the following year as the ‘caddy’ of Kerwin White/Chavo Guerrero.

Returning to the main roster the next year as ‘Nicky’ of the Spirit Squad, it wouldn’t be until 2008 that Ziggler began using the name he would stick with for the rest of his run.

Ziggler leaves WWE a two-time World Heavyweight Champion, as well as a multi-time Tag Team, Intercontinental, and United States Champion.

The Show-Off returned to NXT last year and briefly held the NXT Championship, dethroning Bronn Breakker.

Source: eWn

Goldberg vs. Dolph Ziggler Set For SummerSlam

Goldberg made an appearance last night on RAW during a MizTV interview segment after it was explained that the contract Dolph Ziggler signed wasn’t for a match against The Miz as previously announced or against Shawn Michaels who was on hand for the segment.

Goldberg signed the contract and said to Ziggler – “Your’e Next.”

Just as the show was coming to a close …  Shawn Michaels hit Ziggler with some Sweet Chin Music.

Dolph Ziggler Returns, Viciously Attacked Kofi Kingston

Last night on SmackDown Live, Paul Heyman came out with Brock Lesnars’s Money in the Bank briefcase taunting WWE Champion Kofi Kingston. That’s when Dolph Ziggler made his surprise return to WWE viciously attacking Kofi.

Later Ziggler came out and explained why he did it. Ziggler says it should’ve been him instead of Kofi having all the success Kofi has had lately. Ziggler said he will ,make things right be defeating Kofi for the WWE Championship at WWE Super ShowDown on June 7 in Saudi Arabia.

Dolph Ziggler Gives Update On Status With WWE

Earlier today, Dolph Ziggler spoke with 98.5’s Wrestling Inside the Ropes about his current status with WWE.

The last time fans saw Ziggler on WWE TV was in January where he entered the Royal Rumble match at number 28. Making it to the final four, Ziggler would eliminate his former tag partner, Drew McIntyre, and eventually be eliminated by Braun Strowman.

During his interview, Ziggler was asked if he was still under contract with WWE and while he technically is, it’s under more of a “handshake agreement” to allow him to have outside opportunities, like his stand-up comedy.

“Technically, I am, yes,” Ziggler said. “It’s weird because for the last two years I’ve had somewhat of a handshake agreement, kind of behind closed doors deal with WWE. I’ve been able to do a lot of things, on my own, not at WWE, just because of the relationship we’ve had for the last 14 years. I have a bit of a handshake agreement right now, but we’ll know some more details in the coming months.”

You can listen to Ziggler’s full interview at link below.

https://omny.fm/shows/wrestling-inside-the-ropes/wwe-superstar-and-comedian-dolph-ziggler/embed

Source: Wrestling Inc.

News On Rumors Of Dolph Ziggler Leaving WWE

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After turning down an offer to become a WWE producer, there is speculation that Dolph Ziggler may be moving on from the WWE, according to PWInsider.

Ziggler has completely removed the “Dolph Ziggler” name from his social media accounts and he is scheduled for an upcoming comedy tour. Some sources claim to PWInsider that he remains under WWE contract. While some have denied that he is leaving the company, others are suggesting that he will be done on January 31st.

Ziggler has expressed frustration over the years with his position in the company. During an appearance on Edge & Christian’s podcast in late December, Ziggler discussed his role with being “the gatekeeper” and helping get NXT talent over.

“My job of making somebody that should be ready for a world title picture becomes harder and it’s not as much of a shove and if you see the last six months, a year of TV, basically, I’m a gatekeeper to the guys from NXT coming up that they have high expectations for, but if I lose for eight consecutive months before they show up, they are no longer getting that pat on the back to go up a notch, so I almost feel like it’s taking back from my role,” Ziggler said. “So I don’t know what the change would be, either be to switch things up, disappear here and there, or, I’ve said this to the boss on several occasions, I go, ‘I’ve made a career out of almost never winning, which is awesome,’ but I go, ‘at some point, I have to be seen as someone who can win, not just by pulling a needle out of a haystack or a lottery ball saying tonight is finally going to be the night because then it loses all of that luster.’

“Wins and losses don’t matter unless you’re the guy who loses every single night. And, if you’re that guy, then maybe you should be in the dark match, not fighting to see who becomes world champion each night. And even if you do pull that rabbit out of the hat, people know it’s not long term.”

Ziggler hasn’t appeared on WWE television since late last month when he lost to Drew McIntyre in a steel cage match on RAW and he has reportedly not been on the road with WWE in recent weeks. We’ll keep you updated on any further details that emerge regarding Ziggler’s WWE status.

As we previously reported, The Revival, Maria & Mike Kanellis have recently requested their releases from the company. As of this writing, none of the releases have been granted.

Source: WrestlingINC

Dolph Ziggler To Hit The Road With Comedy Tour

dolph ziggler comedy tour wwe

WWE star Dolph Ziggler has announced he’ll be headlining his own string of standup comedy events starting next month.

The DZ Comedy Tour kicks off on January 27 in Phoenix and lasts through March. Performing on the tour with the Raw Superstar will be comedian Sarah Tiana.

“Your attendance & reviews have made this all possible,” Ziggler wrote on Twitter. “Still pretty unreal. All ticket links will be posted throughout the upcoming weeks! PS: don’t worry, that Jan 27 show is AFTER the royal rumble (& across the street)”

Dates for the shows include:

January 27 – Phoenix at Standup Live

February 20 – Baltimore at Magoobys

February 27 – St. Louis at the Funny Bone

March 6 – Minneapolois at House of Comedy

March 7 – Edmonton at Comic Strip

March 20 – Cleveland at the Improv

March 21- Toledo at the Funny Bone

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

Ziggler Heel Turn, Ambrose Wins Intercontinental Title

It appears that Dolph Ziggler made a heel turn last night on SmackDown Live. After Baron Corbin defeated Ziggler, Corbin got a chair and looked to attack Ziggler, when Kalisto came down and made the save. Ziggler wasn’t very thankful as he nailed Kalisto with a superkick and said he never needed anyone. Later in the locker room he attacked Apollo Crews.

 

In the main event Dean Ambrose defeated The Miz for the Intercontinental Title.