WWE’s Original Plan for Dolph Ziggler Return

WWE’s Original Plan for Dolph Ziggler Return – Dolph Ziggler’s unexpected WWE return at Madison Square Garden on the November 17, 2025 episode of RAW was one of the night’s biggest reactions, but the surprise wasn’t how WWE first intended to handle it. Speaking with Jonathan Coachman, Ziggler — appearing under his real name, Nic Nemeth — explained that WWE initially planned to announce his involvement in the “Last Time Is Now” tournament ahead of time. Nemeth made it clear he didn’t want that approach.

“A few weeks ago when I was told, it’s like, ‘Hey, we’re gonna have you in this thing and we’re gonna announce it ahead of time. They’re going to show brackets’ or something, I go, ‘Oh my God, that’s such a bad idea.’ I go, ‘Is there any way we’re not doing this?’ They go, ‘There might be something they’re gonna put out today. It’ll be on social media. Maybe retweet or something.’ I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I hope this doesn’t happen’ and nothing happened.”

WWE ultimately kept his return quiet, and the live crowd erupted when he walked out for his match with Solo Sikoa. Even though Nemeth lost, his presence delivered a boost of energy to the show, and internal reactions to his performance were said to be positive.

However, fans hoping this signaled a long-term WWE comeback shouldn’t count on it. Fightful Select reported that Nemeth’s appearance was a one-off, much like Matt Cardona’s brief SmackDown return the week before. WWE hasn’t offered him a contract, and Nemeth continues to work with TNA.

“Much like with Matt Cardona/Zack Ryder the week prior, WWE sources indicated to Fightful that Ziggler is not signed to a WWE contract.”

According to TNA sources, Nemeth enjoys having more flexibility in his schedule and creative direction, something he didn’t have during his long WWE tenure.

“We were told by TNA sources that Nemeth has preferred that method after being locked down to WWE for so long.”

WWE’s Original Plan for Dolph Ziggler Return