Nic Nemeth, known as Dolph Ziggler during his tenure in WWE, recently made an appearance on Konnan’s “Keepin’ It 100” podcast. During the discussion, he addressed topics such as his potential involvement with AEW, his decision to sign with TNA Wrestling, and more.
Regarding inquiries about joining AEW:
“In the past, there have been some inquiries, but I had a plan that I’ve been working on for probably the last year and a half. I didn’t want to commit to going anywhere just yet.
I appreciate that several companies reached out immediately, but I had this one plan in mind. I wanted to do things on my terms. However, Scott D’Amore was persistent because of the strong locker room in TNA. Many people from the locker room reached out, making it difficult to resist. So, I agreed to do some dates.
I wasn’t willing to sign a three-year contract right away. I wanted to have the freedom to bounce around and be a hired gun, working with different promotions.”
On his reluctance to sign a long-term deal immediately:
“I had just ended a long-term relationship, and I didn’t want to be tied down with paperwork that would restrict me. I still wanted to represent the company and be a brand ambassador, but without the long-term commitment.
I had stayed in one place for too long before, waiting for the right moment to leave. Now, I’m mentally and physically in the best shape of my life, and I’m confident in my wrestling abilities.”
Reflecting on the current phase of his career:
“I believe I’ve timed everything perfectly according to my plan. Despite what some fans may say on Twitter, I’ve executed my plan exactly as I wanted. I initially thought I would bounce around for about six months, but it’s been longer, and I’m enjoying it.
Japan has been great to me, and the locker room atmosphere is fantastic. TNA also provided me with several opportunities. I appreciate their business model, which resembles WWE’s in terms of long-term booking and storytelling. I prefer this approach, where decisions can be made without always needing to consult the top boss.”
In another podcast, Al Snow shared his thoughts on the current state of wrestling during his appearance on the “Busted Open Radio” podcast. He expressed concerns about the loss of the art of wrestling in the modern era.
Highlights from Snow’s discussion include:
Critiques of contemporary wrestling:
“What I dislike about modern wrestling is the diminishing focus on the art of the craft. There’s a lack of emphasis on selling, on conveying the true essence of the competition, and on making the audience care about the stakes involved.”
Emphasizing the importance of character:
“It’s not just about the athletic prowess of the performers; it’s about the characters they portray and the stories they tell. The audience needs to believe in the characters and understand why each match matters. There needs to be a sense of urgency and a clear narrative that resonates with the viewers.”
