WWE News: Dolph Ziggler on his last US title run, Royal Rumble, and NXT

What’s the story?

Speaking to Chris Van Vliet of WSVN-TV, Dolph Ziggler opened up on a myriad of topics.

Ziggler asserted that he wasn’t happy with his last US title run. Besides, Ziggler spoke about being eliminated almost immediately from the 2018 Royal Rumble, while also discussing whether the presence of NXT back when he started in WWE would’ve helped him achieve greater success in the business.

In case you didn’t know…

Dolph Ziggler, whose real name is Nick Nemeth, has been performing for the WWE since 2004. He initially competed as Nicky in The Spirit Squad, before eventually breaking through as Dolph Ziggler. Over the years, Ziggler has won several accolades in WWE, including the World Heavyweight Championship.

The heart of the matter

Dolph Ziggler alluded that the primary reason behind him not being happy about his last US title run, is that he intended to take a break from his constant appearances on WWE TV. He added that apart from a 2-week layoff after receiving a concussion at the hands of Jack Swagger, and a 5-week break to film a movie, he’s not really taken an extended break from WWE competition.

Ziggler continued that he asked WWE for a 6-month to 1-year leave, so as to make sure that he disappears from WWE television, which in turn could lead to the fans wishing that he’d come back. However, he was put into a US title matchup and ended up winning the title, and with WWE not allowing him an extended leave of absence he relinquished the title on SmackDown Live to make an impact on the fans, only to return a few weeks later.

Ziggler also spoke about being eliminated as soon as he entered this year’s Royal Rumble Match—

"I only lasted about 90 seconds and that was so disappointing to me for everything I had done in the last couple weeks and months."

Furthermore, Ziggler explained that if NXT were present back when he started off in the business, he would’ve benefitted greatly, owing to the fact that NXT Superstars are carefully groomed by legends such as Triple H and Shawn Michaels, and are already a planned piece of the puzzle that is the WWE Universe. He added that upon receiving a main-roster call-up, NXT Superstars are generally booked into a prominent angle on RAW or SmackDown.

Ziggler elucidated that he’s thankful to have had Rip Rogers teach him how to perform as a pro-wrestler from the crowd of 4 people to that of 4 million. He alluded that unlike the less than desirable start he received in WWE, starting off in NXT would’ve helped him ascend to the upper echelons of WWE in a systematic manner.

What’s next?

Dolph Ziggler presently performs on the WWE’s SmackDown brand. Ziggler continues to compete as a mid-card talent and hasn’t signed a new contract with the WWE…for now.

Author’s take

Dolph Ziggler is perhaps one of the most underrated talents in the professional wrestling business today. Ziggler could serve as a top Superstar in the WWE, however, his character lately seems to have hit a wall; as regards hype & substance. Here’s hoping “The Showoff” regains his swagger in WWE in the days to come.