In professional wrestling, few stories resonate as deeply with both fans and performers as talented stars feeling misused. The tale of Nic Nemeth—better known as Dolph Ziggler—and his creative, direct approach to securing his WWE release is more than just a behind-the-curtain glimpse. It highlights growing tensions in the wrestling industry over talent utilization, compensation, and creative fulfillment. According to sources familiar with the situation, Nemeth’s pitch to WWE management was honest, bold, and almost unprecedented—ultimately convincing them to let him leave nine months early, while he still held a major contract.
The Frustration Builds: Pay vs. Purpose
For years, Nic Nemeth was considered one of WWE’s most reliable hands. A two-time World Heavyweight Champion, six-time Intercontinental Champion, and Money in the Bank winner, Ziggler’s resume is that of a bona fide main eventer[1]. Yet, as the 2010s gave way to the pandemic era, his role on television diminished. By 2023, Nemeth found himself relegated to five-minute matches with little storyline investment—a dramatic departure from past glories[2]. “I’m just hanging out and doing cold five-minute matches,” Nemeth later reflected. “It’s not helping WWE, and it sure as hell isn’t helping me.”[2]
According to a WWE insider, there was a growing sense among several midcard performers that their contracts, often negotiated after major runs, didn’t match their current TV roles. “It’s not a new problem in WWE,” the source explained. “But when someone like Ziggler, who’s main-evented pay-per-views, is put in matches you’d expect from enhancement talent, you realize something’s out of balance.”
The Explosive Email to McMahon and Co.
Feeling undervalued, Nemeth decided to take matters into his own hands. In a move that shocked even seasoned backstage sources, he crafted a detailed, carefully worded email—a “compliment sandwich,” as he called it—and sent it directly to Vince McMahon, Paul “Triple H” Levesque, Bruce Prichard, and at least one other member of WWE’s creative leadership[4]. The core of Nemeth’s message was as blunt as it was diplomatic: “You’re paying me an astronomical amount of money as if I’m a main attraction, but you’re using me for roles a local would be in.”[4]
According to Nemeth, he made it clear that this situation was bad for both him and WWE. “I told them, ‘If you’re paying me like a WrestleMania main event, but using me for dark matches, it’s a waste for both of us.’”[4] Sources close to the situation say that while these kinds of concerns aren’t uncommon, it’s rare for a talent of Nemeth’s stature to put it so plainly—and rarer still for WWE leadership to seriously consider the request.
Timing Was Everything
Nemeth’s effort to secure his release wasn’t the first time he’d sought more, or less, from WWE. He almost departed in 2019 following a controversial match at Super ShowDown in Saudi Arabia against Goldberg, which he felt was mishandled creatively[3][6]. At that time, management refused his request, citing his ongoing contract[3]. However, by 2023, Nemeth sensed a unique opportunity. WWE was in transition: McMahon’s role was shifting, budgets were being scrutinized, and the company was preparing for further media consolidation.
“The timing was perfect,” said a source with knowledge of WWE’s financials. “Everyone knew things were changing, and when someone like Ziggler says he’s not happy, especially with the size of his deal, it makes sense for both sides to talk.” After Nemeth’s pitch, WWE granted him an early release in September 2023, ending a 19-year run with the company[1][2].
Life After WWE: The Independent Boom
Nemeth’s WWE exit didn’t spell the end of his career—far from it. Within months, he was wrestling in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, debuting at Wrestle Kingdom 18 and winning the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship in his first major non-WWE match[1]. He also made waves in TNA, winning the TNA World Championship at Slammiversary 2024, and even captured the AAA Mega Championship at Triplemanía XXXII[1]. By 2025, he’d added the TNA World Tag Team Championship to his resume, teaming with his brother Ryan[1].
The move wasn’t just a career renaissance for Nemeth; it became a case study for other WWE alumni seeking creative freedom and fresh challenges. “He’s proving you can jump ship and still headline major shows,” said an independent wrestling promoter. “That’s a powerful message for everyone in the industry.”
Lessons for WWE’s Talent Relations
Nemeth’s story raises important questions about WWE’s talent management, especially for veteran stars who may no longer be in the main event picture but aren’t interested in coasting. Many wrestlers, upon reaching a certain point in their careers, have faced similar frustrations—too much money to walk away, but not enough creative juice to stay motivated.
A WWE insider admitted, “Sometimes, it’s just business. But sometimes, letting someone like Ziggler go is the best thing for everyone. He got to reinvent himself, and WWE got to reinvest that money elsewhere.” With an ever-growing wrestling landscape, it remains to be seen whether more performers will follow in Nemeth’s footsteps—politely, but firmly, negotiating their own exits.
Conclusion: A Case Study in Professional Wrestling Negotiation
Nic Nemeth’s path out of WWE is a case study in professional wrestling negotiation, personal advocacy, and the evolving landscape of sports entertainment. By making a clear, rational argument—while remaining respectful and honest—he secured a rare early release and immediately capitalized on his newfound freedom, proving his worth across multiple major promotions[1][2][4]. As the wrestling world continues to evolve, stories like Nemeth’s will remain essential reading for fans, wrestlers, and executives alike.
For athletes pondering their next move and fans watching the scene closely, the message is clear: sometimes, the only way to get what you want is to ask—directly, emotionally, and honestly.