Dolph Ziggler, the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion made his debut in New Japan Pro Wrestling on January 4 at the biggest event of the year, Wrestle Kingdom. Ziggler was rumored to join NJPW after his release from WWE in 2023.
Following his highly anticipated appearance at the Wrestle Kingdom event, Ziggler took to Twitter to share an intriguing video unveiling his latest persona, with the title “Wanted.”
Dolph Ziggler releases gimmick video following WK 18
In the video, Dolph Ziggler was portrayed as a suspect who was arrested for a series of criminal activities. Ziggler has earned himself the notorious nickname “The Wanted Man,” according to the police. In the later part of the video, a thrilling scene unfolds as Ziggler manages to escape from the pursuing cop. As chaos ensues with a zombie outbreak, Ziggler takes matters into his own hands, bravely fighting off the undead with a Molotov cocktail. Ziggler concluded the video by uttering the word “groovy.”.
Groovy pic.twitter.com/fu0TbD3rA8
— Nic Nemeth (@HEELZiggler) January 4, 2024
Ziggler made an appearance on the show using his real name, Nic Nemeth. His brother also joined as a guest commentator for the show. Ziggler entered the crowd as a special guest. A familiar face was seen in the front row during the intense match for the IWGP Global Championship, where Will Ospreay, Jon Moxley, and David Finlay battled it out.
After his departure from WWE, Ziggler announced his first project, a comedy variety show with his brother. The show was titled ‘The Nemeth Bros’ and it took place in Los Angeles in October 2023. Fans thought Ziggler would never return to ring, but his new gimmick video has created hype among the wrestling fans and it shows that he is ready for the next chapter in his carrier.
Dolph Ziggler sets up potential feud with NJPW star
David Finlay, the son of WWE legend Fit Finlay became the Inaugural IWGP Heavyweight Champion by defeating Will Ospreay and Jon Moxley in a triple threat match. After the match Finlay was confronted by Ziggler, who was at the ring side. Suddenly both started to exchange punches and they were immediately separated by the security team.
Later on the show at the press conference, Ziggler made a shocking appearance to the backstage and attacked Finlay by jumping over the conference table. After that Ziggler gave a promo by holding the title. He said, “The professional wrestling is a honor. This global championship is bigger than anything in the world”.
Nic Nemeth jumped David Finlay during the press conference and then cut ONE HELL OF A PROMO holding the new IWGP Global Heavyweight title!
— Drainmaker 🌧️ đź’µ (@DrainBamager) January 4, 2024
Woah. Color me intrigued for this post-WWE run for the man formerly known as Dolph Ziggler.pic.twitter.com/EQ2eqGshaH
He also said that he would do anything to make the Championship as the number one title in the world. His debut in NJPW was a huge shock for the wrestling world, as he had never wrestled outside WWE before.
Ziggler was with WWE over two decades, winning multiple championships and was released on September 2023, due to budget cuts after the Endeavor acquisition and UFC merger. With his wrestling experience and his new gimmick, he is expected to show a dominance in the NJPW roster in the upcoming shows.
