Dolph Ziggler has announced plans for first ever match not under the umbrella.
The former world champion was shockingly in September as part of mass roster cuts following the Endeavor acquisition and merger, calling an end to his 19-year run with the company.
After impressing as an amateur wrestler, Ziggler – whose real name is Nic Nemeth – signed with WWE in 2004 under a developmental deal with Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) and before making his full debut on Raw in 2008.
He went onto become one of most respected performers on the roster, drawing comparisons to Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels.
Hisleft fans stunned, but now he has confirmed plans to step back in the ring on January 20, 2024.
Now working under his real name and calling himself The Most Wanted Man, the 43-year-old veteran will be in Puerto Rico for WWC’s Euphoria event after laying down a challenge for Ray Gonzalez.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, it doesn’t get any bigger than this,’ he said in a promo for the match, hailing himself as ‘the hottest free agent’ following his WWE departure.
He asked Gonzalez: ‘You think you can step foot in the ring with me and go toe to toe with the best damn thing going today?!’
Since debuting in 2004, he went onto wrestle over 1,550 matches on television, while holding the World Heavyweight Title twice, as well as having runs with the NXT, IC, United States and tag championships.
The match next month will be his first since his rival Monday Night Raw bout in May when he and JD McDonagh fought to a double count out.
After Ziggler’s release, there was an outpouring of , including a certain Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
Responding to the cuts, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter): ‘Just seeing all these releases now. These days so f’n tough for the ones who gave their all to our crazy world of pro wrestling. Like @HEELZiggler.
‘What a decorated @WWE career and I’ll always be a supporter and fan. Can’t wait to see what he (and everyone) does next… #onward’
Fellow wrestler turned actor John Cena , referencing his longevity as he wrote: ‘One thousand five hundred and fifty four matches. @HEELZiggler #Respect’
