Nic Nemeth, formerly known as Dolph Ziggler during his WWE tenure, has issued a strong statement directed at David Finlay ahead of their upcoming clash at NJPW: New Beginning in Sapporo.
Their feud ignited at Wrestle Kingdom 18 when Finlay confronted Nemeth during the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship bout, leading to a backstage altercation between the two rivals.
In an exclusive interview with njpw1972, Nemeth delivered a final warning to Finlay and also put his faction, Bullet Club, on alert:
“Finlay, you’ve proven yourself as a formidable fighter, but your methods are flawed. Come February 23 in Sapporo, with the Global Title at stake, you can bring anyone you like – your Club, your allies. It doesn’t matter to me. I carry a chip on my shoulder too significant to allow you to leave as champion. I will emerge victorious because I will showcase my undeniable talent. I am destined to become the new Global Champion, and I’ll defend it whenever the opportunity arises, for I am simply that exceptional,” declared Nemeth.
'Shinsuke said ‘if you’re ever getting out of here I can help you’ and I said ‘I might take you up on it one day’.'
Find out about Nic Nemeth's Japanese connection in our interview!https://t.co/iVsUB7xVw1 pic.twitter.com/PCFmxBIDW6
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) February 15, 2024
In the same interview, Nemeth also reminisced about his encounters with former WWE colleague Shinsuke Nakamura and the invaluable career guidance he received from him:
“For years, I contemplated my future in WWE, always finding reasons to stay – be it facing a new opponent or mentoring younger talent. During this time, I crossed paths with Shinsuke Nakamura. Initially, I knew little about him, but through our matches, I discovered his prowess and his genuine nature. Our bond grew, leading him to offer assistance if I ever decided to move on. That’s when I began exploring opportunities in Japan, inspired by individuals who thrived in unfamiliar territory,” shared Nemeth.
Nic Nemeth is set to challenge David Finlay for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship on February 23, 2024, marking Finlay’s inaugural title defense.
