Backstage Notes on WWE Raw Return of Dolph Ziggler, Contract Status

As previously reported, former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler (aka TNA’s Nic Nemeth) made his long-awaited WWE return last night on Raw. He competed against Solo Sikoa in a losing effort in a first-round matchup for The Last Time Is Now Tournament. Fightful Select has an update on Dolph Ziggler making his WWE return.

According to Fightful’s report, Ziggler’s deal is similar to what happened with former WWE Superstar Matt Cardona (aka Zack Ryder), who was also a surprise entrant in the tournament on last Friday’s WWE SmackDown. Specifically, WWE sources informed Fightful Select that Ziggler is not currently signed to a new WWE contract.

Ziggler is reportedly still signed with TNA Wrestling, after re-upping with the promotion earlier this year. Ziggler has reportedly been working in TNA through a series of short-term contracts. TNA sources indicate that Nemeth prefers that method after being locked down to WWE for such a long period of time.

Additionally, Fightful Select notes that WWE was happy with Ziggler’s performance on WWE Raw. WWE also has new Dolph Ziggler merchandise available on WWE Shop following his surprising return on Raw.

The wrestler originally debuted in WWE in 2005 as the sidekick caddie to Kerwin White. He was ultimately released by WWE in September 2023.