Dolph Ziggler: Where Is He Now? WWE Status, Nikki Bella, Solo Sikoa & Release
Dolph Ziggler is one of the most enduring and versatile names in professional wrestling. From his well-known in-ring work to his personal relationships and surprising returns — over the years, many fans have asked: Where is he now?, Is he still in WWE?, What happened with Nikki Bella?, and more recently, what’s the deal with Solo Sikoa? In this comprehensive article, we’ll cover all that and more.
1. Who Is Dolph Ziggler?
Dolph Ziggler (real name: Nicholas “Nick” Nemeth) is a professional wrestler best known for his long tenure in WWE, where he made a name for himself with a high-energy style, strong mic skills, and a flair for dramatic comebacks.
He debuted in WWE’s developmental territory and gradually rose through the ranks, winning multiple titles over his career.
2. Dolph Ziggler & Nikki Bella — Their Relationship Explored
One frequently asked question is whether Dolph Ziggler and Nikki Bella were ever a couple, or if he still has feelings for her.
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Yes, they dated in the past.
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In the reality TV show Total Divas (2015), Ziggler admitted that he still had feelings for Nikki Bella.
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He even told her he wanted to give her marriage and children — a notable moment, especially since John Cena (Nikki’s partner at the time) was publicly ambivalent about having kids.
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According to more recent reports, Nikki Bella has addressed those feelings, humorously rejecting an old comment from Dolph:
“No Dolph I won’t have your babies… lol … or are those eyes ‘cause you are way more (not coward) than me.”
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They eventually parted ways; their relationship is often cited, but it ended around 2010–2011.
3. Dolph Ziggler’s WWE Career — Rise, Highlights & Departure
Dolph Ziggler had a long and successful career in WWE:
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He was active in WWE for nearly two decades, from 2004 onwards.
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During his run, he won multiple championships including world titles, Intercontinental, and tag-team titles.
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One of his notable periods was in NXT, where he won the NXT Championship.
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Despite his talent, like many wrestlers, he faced the ups and downs of booking, injuries, and changing creative direction.
4. What Happened to Dolph Ziggler: Release From WWE
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On 21 September 2023, WWE officially released Dolph Ziggler (Nick Nemeth) from his contract.
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This was part of a broader wave of cuts under WWE’s then-new TKO / Endeavor era.
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After his release, he expressed that a future WWE return could depend on whether it helped his current company (TNA).
5. Where Is Dolph Ziggler Now (Post-WWE)
Since leaving WWE:
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He has been working under his real name Nic Nemeth in TNA Wrestling.
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He’s remained active and competitive, showing that even outside WWE, he still has passion for wrestling.
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In interviews, he has indicated that although he’s open to a WWE return, it would need to be under terms that align with his current goals. Dolph Ziggler WWE status.
6. Dolph Ziggler vs. Solo Sikoa: Recent News & Return
In a surprising turn of events:
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On 17 November 2025, Dolph Ziggler made a surprise return on WWE Raw as Solo Sikoa’s mystery opponent in the “Last Time Is Now” Tournament.
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Reports suggest that internally, WWE had prepared materials naming him (under his old ring name) to face Solo Sikoa.
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According to news coverage, Ziggler performed well, made Sikoa look strong, but ultimately lost the match.
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This match raises speculation: Is this just a one-off appearance or a sign of a longer-term comeback? As of now, there’s no confirmed long-term deal, but the return has certainly reignited fan interest.
7. Could Dolph Ziggler Return to WWE Again?
Given the 2025 return, several possibilities exist:
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He may be making sporadic appearances, similar to other veterans, rather than signing a full-time contract.
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In past interviews, he said he would return only if it benefited TNA, his current employer.
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The “Last Time Is Now” Tournament could be just a vehicle for a memorable comeback moment, not necessarily a full-fledged re-signing. Dolph Ziggler WWE status.
8. FAQs
Q1: Is Dolph Ziggler still in WWE?
No, he was released in September 2023. But he did make a surprise return in November 2025 for a match vs Solo.
Q2: Why was Dolph Ziggler released?
He was part of a broader wave of roster cuts during WWE’s restructuring under the TKO/Endeavor era.
Q3: What is Dolph Ziggler doing now?
He’s wrestling in TNA Wrestling under his real name Nic Nemeth.
Q4: Did Dolph Ziggler date Nikki Bella?
Yes — they had a relationship earlier in their WWE careers.
Q5: Does Dolph Ziggler still have feelings for Nikki Bella?
At least in 2015, he admitted on Total Divas that he still had feelings. In 2025, Nikki Bella responded to one of his social media comments with a humorous rejection.
Q6: What happened in Dolph Ziggler’s match with Solo Sikoa?
He returned as a surprise opponent in the “Last Time Is Now” Tournament and lost to Solo Sikoa, but he made a strong impression.
Q7: Will Dolph Ziggler come back to WWE full-time?
There’s no confirmed long-term deal yet. He has expressed willingness to return only under conditions that benefit TNA, his current company. Dolph Ziggler WWE status.
9. Conclusion
Dolph Ziggler’s journey in professional wrestling is far from over. Though he was released by WWE in 2023 after a storied run, he continues to thrive in TNA as Nic Nemeth. His surprise return in 2025 to face Solo Sikoa shows he still has strong ties to WWE and hasn’t closed the door on future appearances.
His past relationship with Nikki Bella, marked by genuine emotion and reality TV moments, remains one of the more talked-about storylines in his personal life. Whether he returns more permanently to WWE or remains a “special appearance” talent, one thing’s clear — Ziggler’s legacy is secure, and fans will always be watching.
