WWE Royal Rumble 2025: 10 Surprise Entrants We Could See

6. Dolph Ziggler

Dolph Ziggler
WWE

Nic Nemeth would be in roughly the same boat as Matt Cardona. Basically, he'd have to do some crafty negotiating if he wanted to convince WWE that appearing as Nemeth rather than his more familiar Dolph Ziggler ring name would be for the best. That's what most WWE fans know him as, but people also aren't stupid. Nemeth wouldn't be the first wrestler to change monikers, let's get real.

He'd be a credit to the Rumble if a deal can be done. Nic is the current, reigning TNA World Champ, and it'd be eye-catching to see him carry that belt to the ring for such a tentpole WWE classic like this. Dolph used to be the kind of worker this promotion relied on to keep Royal Rumbles purring along nicely during midway lulls (even if Vince McMahon never viewed him as a top guy).

Don't be too shocked if they lean on him again here to do exactly the same.

Also, here's something fun: What if Nemeth and Joe Hendry come to blows during the Rumble? In short, seeing a TNA rivalry play out on one of WWE's most famous events = unique. Imagine that had happened with feuds like Jeff Jarrett vs. Kurt Angle back in the day, or Samoa Joe vs. Sting?! Pro wrestling is wild these days, folks.

The Ziggler name was used as a sub-heading here blatantly 'cause the chap writing this piece wants to see Dolph's return. Nic still has so much to offer, and it's a pity he's missing out on this Netflix boom after being a loyal WWE soldier for years. Throwing him a bone and shining eyes on TNA's product at the same time sounds like the right thing to do.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.