With Triple H calling the shots in WWE, the company has frequently started working with smaller promotions, including TNA Wrestling. That's led to stars from both companies showing up where you wouldn't necessarily expect and we anticipate that happening again at the Royal Rumble.
Both the 30-man and 30-woman matches are typically full of surprise returns and appearances, but what about TNA standout Nic Nemeth, a.k.a. former WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler?
In a new interview, the TNA World Champion admitted that he thinks a return with his classic WWE entrance theme would lead to an impactful moment but dismissed the notion of a run in NXT (which is where TNA stars most often show up for brief runs).
"I’m trying to think now—what music would be better to make everyone go, ‘Oh!’? I don’t know. As much as I’d want to hear my new music, I think we’d play the old stuff, and then maybe the new one on the way out or something," he started. "But when it comes to NXT, I talked with our guys very early on and said, 'NXT—first of all, I’ve been there, done that. I’ve been the NXT Champion.'"
"Also, I left WWE on purpose, not to go right back. Plus, we have so many young up-and-comers, guys and gals. I was like, 'Put them in that spot,' which they were already doing," Nemeth continued. "But it was just like, I want to focus on those guys and gals, getting a few more eyes on them."
Ultimately, as much fun as the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion knows he could have by surprising fans next February, Nemeth's priority would be to use that to put the spotlight on TNA.
"A Rumble spot, though? Dude, that’s so cool. WWE’s killing it right now," he explained. "To do something fun - wear my old trunks, get the old music to play, come out there, and kick somebody in the face - that would be awesome."
"But the most important thing would be creating a viral moment, so I could talk about TNA. That’s the only reason I’d want to do it. It’d be cool to see some old friends, but most importantly, I just—you know, I left on purpose. Not because I hated that place. They’re killing it right now," Nemeth concluded.
The Royal Rumble PLE is set to take place on February 1, 2025 at Lucas Oil Stadium. Watch the full interview below.