Backstage news regarding the WWE return of Dolph Ziggler (Nic Nemeth) at RAW from Madison Square Garden

As seen during the November 17th 2025 edition of WWE RAW at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Solo Sikoa wrestled in a “Last Time is Now” tournament match against a mystery opponent who turned out to be Dolph Ziggler. Ziggler ended up losing the match.

While speaking to Jonathan Coachman, Ziggler (Nic Nemeth) revealed that the original idea was for his return to be announced in advance…

“A few weeks ago when I was told, it’s like, ‘Hey, we’re gonna have you in this thing and we’re gonna announce it ahead of time. They’re going to show brackets’ or something, and I go, ‘Oh my God, that’s such a bad idea.’ I go, ‘Is there any way we’re not doing this?’ They go, ‘There might be something they’re gonna put out today. It’ll be on social media. Maybe retweet or something.’ I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I hope this doesn’t happen’ and nothing happened.” (quote courtesy of Fightful.com)

In a similar fashion to Zack Ryder’s one-off appearance at SmackDown, Fightful reports that Ziggler has not signed a new contract with WWE and is still considered to be with TNA. WWE officials were said to be pleased with Ziggler’s performance.