Dolph Ziggler, the two-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion and six-time Intercontinental Champion, officially returned to WWE programming two years after his shocking exit from the company.
The 45-year-old's one-night return came as part of WWE's ongoing Last Time Is Now Tournament this past Monday. As the name suggests, the tournament is meant to determine which WWE performer will wrestle John Cena in his retirement match on Saturday Night’s Main Event XLII on December 13.
Previously, Ziggler was known for his nearly 20-year stint in WWE under various names and guises. Originally participating in WWE's developmental territory OVW, Ziggler eventually made his way to mainstream television as Chavo Guerrero's on-screen caddy, eventually becoming a member of the cheerleading faction, the Spirit Squad.
Following a brief return to OVW in 2007, Ziggler returned to WWE programming as a far more brash and flamboyant character. From there, he quickly enjoyed increasing levels of success in WWE, culminating in multiple reigns as Intercontinental Champion, United States Champion, Tag Team Champion, and World Heavyweight Champion.
Though recognized for his fan-favorite role in the company for almost two decades, Ziggler opted to leave the organization in 2023. Since then, he has largely competed in WWE's rival company, Total Nonstop Action, under his real name of Nic Nemeth.
As with his tenure in WWE, Nemeth has again managed to achieve lasting success in TNA, winning the company's World Championship as well as TNA's World Tag Team Championship alongside his younger brother, Ryan.
Though WWE currently has a partnership with TNA allowing talents to make appearances in both companies, it's unknown whether Nemeth will make any additional appearances for WWE under his Ziggler moniker. As those who tuned into Monday Night Raw know, the 45-year-old failed to advance in The Last Time Is Now Tournament, competing in a losing effort to MFT leader, Solo Sikoa.