Fans Slam Dolph Ziggler's WWE RAW Return for One Reason

There had been much speculation over who would be revealed as Sikoa's mystery opponent after the match was announced a week ago. Some envisioned a safer option, such as a returning Austin Theory, while others went down the impossible route of a potential Edge shocker.

Instead, it was Ziggler (now known as Nic Nemeth) who answered the call, making his first appearance on WWE TV since his release in 2023. This came just days after Zack Ryder (now known as Matt Cardona) had returned as LA Knight's mystery opponent on SmackDown in the 16-man tournament first round.

Ziggler has plenty of history with Cena, who will face the winner of the tournament in his retirement match at Saturday Night's Main Event on December 13th. They have feuded with one another while also teaming up together, including at Survivor Series over a decade ago.

There was no fairytale win for Ziggler, though, as the former World Heavyweight Champion was defeated by Sikoa after an entertaining match. The 45-year-old's incredible selling abilities were on display, including a brutal-looking turnbuckle spot.

His failure to advance to the quarter-finals enraged fans online, who questioned having Solo go ove,r given there's more of a story between Cena and Ziggler.

One fan, @DanteonDeck wrote:

"Ngl Dolph Ziggler losing to Solo Sikoa is f***ing stupid lmao."

Another fan, @JackHammer10_, reacted to the match outcome with a meme:

"Bringing back Dolph Ziggler to lose to Solo Sikoa."

One fan, @DSimmondss, posted a video displaying his frustration:

"They brought back Dolph Ziggler just for him to lose to "Solo Sikoa"."

Another fan, @itsbybanshee, pointed out the "deafening pop" Ziggler received:

"Holy s**t man just checked that Ziggler pop and it was deafening. They really had this guy lose to ''Solo Sikoa."

This was echoed by @JayTPriv:

"They made Ziggler lose to SOLO SIKOA ffs."

On the positive side, Triple H stayed true to his tradition of posting a snap with a new champion or returning superstar on his X account. WWE's chief content officer wrote:

"Another (Madison Square Garden) moment made. Another show stolen. (@NicNemeth)."

Ziggler was extremely popular with fans during his WWE career, which lasted 19 years and included a Ladder Match against Cena at TLC 2012. His return is likely a one-off, similar to the deal struck between WWE and Ryder following his SmackDown appearance.

WWE Should Bring Back Dolph Ziggler and Zack Ryder

There is no denying that Dolph Ziggler and Zack Ryder remain two of the most beloved stars in pro wrestling, as shown by the affection handed to them by viewers after making their WWE returns. It's somewhat of a transitional period for the company as they enter a new era without John Cena.

The 48-year-old, who defends the Intercontinental Championship against Dominik Mysterio at Survivor Series: WarGames on November 29th, said he wants to give back to the business when he retires at SNME. He is holding exhibition matches on the same night as his final match, showcasing the future, including NXT stars.

If WWE want to give back to Cena, they should do so by continuing his legacy and bringing back two stars who shone brightest while he was top dog. Both Ziggler, signed to TNA, and Ryder, a free agent, have shown they are still excellent in the ring, especially Dolph last night, who looked fantastic.

Triple H and his creative team need reliable, experienced heads to lean on in the post-Cena era, and could benefit from the duo's star power. Imagine a match between Ziggler and Je'Von Evans or a feud between Ryder and Ethan Page.