Former WWE Superstar Nic Nemeth caused quite a stir when he made his debut for New Japan Pro Wrestling at Wrestle Kingdom 18.
Nemeth, best known to wrestling fans as Dolph Ziggler, was dressed to impress as he appeared in front of the crowd in the Tokyo Dome. The former Superstar was accompanied by his brother and AEW star Ryan Nemeth.
.@HEELZiggler appears in NJPW.
Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njwk18 #NJPW #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/g35eSbTB13
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2024
Nemeth’s Appearance Kept A Surprise
According to Cassidy Haynes of BodySlam.net, Nemeth’s presence was kept a secret from virtually everybody. Two sources who were backstage at the Tokyo Dome relayed that Nemeth was not in public view before he appeared on the broadcast and most of the wrestlers on the card found out along with the fans watching at home around the world.
Nemeth and Finlay brawled backstage, all but guaranteeing that this was more than just a cameo:
Acknowledging he doesn’t even go here, Nic Nemeth says he has pride for the IWGP Global Title…while he understands using “questionable” tactics to win, what Finley did was disgraceful. If given the opportunity to wrestle for it and win it, he will make it the pinnacle #njwk18 pic.twitter.com/uJ1ojAceWE
— Issa – PWI ? Contributor (@IssitaMarie) January 4, 2024
Nemeth’s arrival in New Japan comes months after his surprising release from WWE in September of 2023. The first wave of releases after the launch of TKO Group Holdings, Nemeth was cut alongside Mustafa Ali, Shelton Benjamin, Matt Riddle, Emma, Riddick Moss, Aliyah, and other Superstars.
What’s Next?
Nemeth watched on as David Finlay faced Jon Moxley and Will Ospreay to crown the first IWGP Global Champion. After the match, Finlay got in the face of Nemeth, who had some choice words for the new champion. The two would brawl at ringside.
.@THEdavidfinlay × @HEELZiggler "Next Battle?"
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— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2024
This post-match incident is seemingly setting Nemeth up as a future challenger for the IWGP Global Championship. It’s possible that the match could come as soon as NJPW Battle in the Valley which will take place on January 13.
NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 also saw the crowning of the second-ever NJPW World TV Champion. Click here to find out more.