10 Most Shocking WWE Roster Cuts EVER
8. Dolph Ziggler
When The Spirit Squad first debuted, nobody could have predicted that one of its members would go on to become a world champion.
Dolph Ziggler, who wrestled as Nicky as part of the annoying cheerleader troupe, was the textbook example of an underdog in WWE. He wasn't just fighting the odds in the ring, but behind the scenes too, as it was painfully clear that those in power didn't see him as 'the guy'.
The Showoff still managed to carve out a great career for himself, including that iconic cash-in in 2013. By 2023, he was 43 years old and had been with the promotion for almost 20 years. The stage was set for him to see out his in-ring days as a veteran before transitioning into some sort of backstage role.
This wasn't to be.
When Ziggler was released by WWE, the wrestling world gasped. It just didn't seem possible WWE could exist without him, or vice versa. To give Nick Nemeth (to use his current moniker) immense credit, he's done very well for himself in the years since. It still doesn't feel right that he's in TNA, though.