Introduction
Dolph Ziggler is one of the most enduring and beloved performers in modern professional wrestling. Known for his in-ring skill, charisma, and the moniker “The Showoff,” Ziggler’s career in WWE spanned nearly two decades. But many fans often ask: When did he leave WWE? What was his role in the Spirit Squad, and when did he wrestle his last match in WWE? In this article, we’ll dive deep into Ziggler’s WWE journey — from his beginnings to his exit — and examine the legacy he left behind.
1. The Early Days: Spirit Squad (2005–2006)
To understand Dolph Ziggler’s roots, one must first go back to his time as part of the Spirit Squad. Before Ziggler became “The Showoff,” he was Nicky, a member of this five-person male cheerleader faction.
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The Spirit Squad debuted in WWE around 2005.
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The group was used in a variety of storylines, particularly as underlings to management and in feuds with prominent figures.
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Their run came to a symbolic end on the November 27 episode of Raw, when the Spirit Squad lost a match to D-Generation X (DX). Following their defeat, the members were shown being packed into a crate labelled “OVW, Louisville, Kentucky” — a clear reference to WWE’s developmental territory at that time.
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Ziggler has since recalled that moment: > “No. when DX stuffed us in a box & we were taken off TV, I assumed I was fired.”
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Despite the breakup, the Spirit Squad’s legacy remains significant, because Nicky would later be rebranded as Dolph Ziggler, a change that paved the way for his long singles run.
2. Reinvention: From Nicky to Dolph Ziggler
After the Spirit Squad disbanded, the trajectory for Ziggler began to change.
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In developmental (OVW), Nicky honed his craft, refining his wrestling style and persona.
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By September 2008, WWE repackaged him as Dolph Ziggler, introducing a flashy, confident character — “The Showoff” — who could back up his bravado with exceptional in-ring ability.
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From there, Ziggler’s career soared. He became known for his Zig Zag finisher, superkicks, and his ability to steal the show in both high-profile matches and underdog scenarios. His achievements include multiple Intercontinental Championships, United States Championship runs, Money in the Bank moments, and even World Heavyweight Championship reigns.
3. Revisiting His Past: Spirit Squad Reunion (2016)
Interestingly, Ziggler’s history with the Spirit Squad was revisited years later:
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In 2016, Mikey and Kenny, two former Spirit Squad members, returned in a storyline with Ziggler and The Miz.
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On the October 11, 2016 episode of SmackDown, Ziggler defeated the two in a 2-on-1 handicap match.
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This storyline played on nostalgia, highlighting Ziggler’s transformation from his Spirit Squad days into a top-tier singles star. It also reinforced how far he had come.
4. When Did Dolph Ziggler Leave WWE?
This is a key question for fans, and the answer involves his release in 2023.
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On September 21, 2023, Dolph Ziggler was released from his WWE contract.
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According to reports, while he had spent nearly 19 years associated with WWE in some capacity, Ziggler decided to explore other opportunities outside the company.
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In interviews, Ziggler explained that one motivator for leaving was his sense of urgency: he felt he had a “certain window … to still be a game-changer, at a different company.”
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WWE had even discussed transitioning him into a coaching or backstage role, but Ziggler chose to take a different path.
5. Dolph Ziggler’s Last WWE Match
Identifying Ziggler’s final WWE match requires distinguishing between his last televised match and his last live event match.
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His last televised WWE appearance was on the May 15, 2023 episode of Raw, where he participated in an Intercontinental Title #1 Contendership Battle Royal.
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His final in-ring match for WWE (non-televised) came on May 29, 2023, during a Raw live event, where he went to a double count-out against JD McDonagh.
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After this event, there were no further matches reported, and his contract was officially terminated later that year.
6. Why Did He Leave? The Motivations and Implications
Ziggler’s decision to leave WWE wasn’t purely contractual — it was also strategic and personal:
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Creative Frustration: Over the years, Ziggler was widely regarded as under-utilized, especially given his in-ring prowess. Many believed he deserved more consistent pushes.
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Limited Time Window: In his own words, Ziggler recognized that his “window” for being a top performer was finite. He saw leaving as a chance to reinvent and challenge himself elsewhere.
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Transition Plans: While WWE offered him a role beyond active wrestling (coach/producer), Ziggler opted for a different journey — one where he could wrestle globally and not just be a backstage figure.
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Legacy Consideration: By deciding on his own terms to leave, Ziggler maintained control of his legacy. He didn’t “disappear”; he made a conscious exit.
7. Legacy & Impact
Dolph Ziggler’s career leaves a rich legacy in WWE and beyond:
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Versatility: He proved he could perform in any match — world title bouts, ladder matches, Money in the Bank, tag matches, and more.
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Work Ethic: Known for taking bumps, selling injuries, and making his opponents look strong, Ziggler earned respect from peers and fans alike.
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Longevity: Nearly two decades with WWE (including developmental and main roster) is a testament to his staying power.
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Influence on Others: Many younger wrestlers have pointed to Ziggler as an example of professionalism and how to maximize one’s talent, even without being the “face” of the company. Dolph Ziggler leave WWE.
FAQs
Q1: When did Dolph Ziggler join WWE?
He signed with WWE (then in its developmental system) around 2004, initially working as part of the Spirit Squad.
Q2: What was the Spirit Squad, and how was Ziggler involved?
The Spirit Squad was a five-man cheerleader-themed stable in WWE around 2005–2006. Ziggler performed under the name Nicky as part of that group.
Q3: When did the Spirit Squad disband?
The stable officially broke up after losing to D-Generation X on the November 27, 2006 episode of Raw.
Q4: Why did Ziggler think he was fired when the Spirit Squad was sent away?
In interviews, Ziggler revealed that when DX dumped the Spirit Squad into crates and sent them off, he genuinely believed he had been fired.
Q5: When did Dolph Ziggler leave WWE?
He was released from his WWE contract on September 21, 2023.
Q6: What was his last televised match in WWE?
His final televised WWE match was on Raw (May 15, 2023), where he competed in an Intercontinental Title #1 Contender Battle Royal.
Q7: What was his last live event match for WWE?
On May 29, 2023, Ziggler wrestled JD McDonagh on a WWE Raw live event. The match ended in a double count-out.
Q8: Why did Ziggler choose to leave WWE?
He cited his limited time window as a performer, a desire to test himself in other companies, and a more fulfilling career path than transitioning into coaching inside WWE.
Q9: Did WWE want to keep him in a backstage role?
Yes — according to interviews, WWE had plans to offer him a coaching or producer role, but Ziggler declined to take that route.
Q10: What is his legacy in WWE?
Dolph Ziggler is widely respected for his in-ring talent, longevity, work ethic, and versatility. He became a multi-time champion and a shining example of maximizing one’s potential, even without being the top main-event star consistently. Dolph Ziggler leave WWE.
Conclusion
Dolph Ziggler’s WWE journey is a compelling story of transformation, perseverance, and self-determination. From his humble beginnings as Nicky in the Spirit Squad to becoming a decorated singles star, his career has had many high points. His exit from WWE in 2023 marked the end of a significant chapter — but he left on his own terms, having earned respect across the wrestling world. As fans, we can celebrate his achievements and look forward to whatever new opportunities he embraces next.
