Nic Nemeth Reflects on WWE Return and John Cena’s Final Chapter
For nearly two decades, Nic Nemeth was a fixture of the WWE landscape, known to millions as Dolph Ziggler. Since his departure from the company in September 2023, Nemeth has carved out a new path, including a successful run as the TNA World Champion. However, the lure of being part of John Cena’s historic retirement tour proved to be the catalyst for a brief but significant return to the promotion that defined his career.
In a recent appearance on the Sweet Pop podcast, Nemeth revealed that he had been approached by WWE on multiple occasions following his exit. While he initially declined those offers, the prospect of participating in the “Last Time Is Now” tournament—a series of matches designed to determine John Cena’s final opponent—was an opportunity he could not pass up.
The Motivation Behind the Return
Nemeth’s decision to return to Madison Square Garden in late 2025 to face Solo Sikoa was rooted in deep respect for his long-time rival. Reflecting on his conversation with WWE officials, Nemeth emphasized that the chance to honor Cena’s legacy was the primary driver for his comeback.
“They had asked me to come back a couple different times for some other things and I was like, ‘Uh, I don’t know. It’s been two years. I don’t really want to,’ and then they said, ‘This is for Cena,’” Nemeth shared on the Sweet Pop podcast. He went on to praise Cena’s impact on the industry, noting, “He’s the greatest of all time. So now, come back for this tournament? Yeah, hell yeah, I’ll come back. I really wanted to go, ‘I want you to see how great I am still.’”
A Career Defined by Rivalry
The history between Nemeth and Cena spans much of the 2010s, a decade during which they frequently clashed in high-profile championship programs. While Cena often occupied the main-event spotlight, Nemeth served as a vital mid-card mainstay, consistently pushing the 16-time world champion to his limits. Their participation in the “Last Time Is Now” tournament served as a final acknowledgment of that shared history.
Although Nemeth was ultimately defeated by Solo Sikoa during the tournament, the experience allowed him to step back into a WWE ring one last time while Cena prepared for his high-stakes retirement match against GUNTHER at Saturday Night’s Main Event in December 2025.
Looking Ahead
Since his departure from WWE, Nemeth has remained active across the professional wrestling circuit. Beyond his tenure in TNA, where he held the World Championship from October 2024 through January 2025, Nemeth continues to leverage the partnership between TNA and WWE to explore new creative avenues. As he looks to the future, Nemeth remains focused on high-level performances, whether in TNA or through his various independent and crossover bookings.
Key Takeaways
- Selective Return: Nic Nemeth turned down multiple WWE return offers before agreeing to participate in the “Last Time Is Now” tournament.
- Cena’s Legacy: The opportunity to be part of John Cena’s final WWE chapter was the deciding factor in Nemeth’s return to Madison Square Garden.
- Ongoing Ventures: Nemeth remains signed with TNA Wrestling and continues to pursue opportunities across the wrestling landscape following his 19-year WWE tenure.
Note: Quotes in this article were transcribed from the Sweet Pop podcast.
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