WWE fans saw a familiar face at NJPW’s biggest show of the year.
Shortly before the winner-take-all match took place at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 between Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions Hikuleo and El Phantasmo and IWGP Tag Team Champions Hirooki Goto and Yoshi-Hashi, Dolph Ziggler was seen walking to the ringside area.
Ziggler, now known as Nic Nemeth, was joined by brother Ryan Nemeth as they watched The Guerrillas of Destiny capture the IWGP Tag Titles.
Later in the night, the real reason for Nemeth’s New Japan appearance was made clear. David Finlay would defeat Will Ospreay and Jon Moxley to become the inaugural IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion. After the match, Finlay gloated about his title win to Nemeth and shoved the former WWE Superstar. Nemeth and Finlay then came to blows and were subsequently separated.
.@THEdavidfinlay × @HEELZiggler "Next Battle?"
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— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2024
While not shown on the broadcast, commentary stated that Nemeth followed Finlay to the back shortly before Kazuchika Okada made his entrance to face Bryan Danielson.
Nic Nemeth Is A Free Agent Following WWE Release
Nemeth was a part of the September 2023 round of WWE releases, the first major round of cuts since the company was taken over by Endeavor. One of the longest-serving members of the roster, Ziggler’s name was arguably the most surprising among the 20-plus names that were announced to be no longer a part of the company.
While the former World Heavyweight Champion has yet to sign with a major promotion, Dolph Ziggler has been announced for a match in January 2024.
Ryan Nemeth signed with AEW in 2021, last competing for the promotion on the November 4th episode of Collision, teaming with Peter Avalon in a losing effort to Paul Wight.
Having since appeared at Wrestle Kingdom 18 and TNA Hard to Kill, Nic Nemeth has also discussed the possibility of a future AEW appearance.