Arn Anderson, WWE Hall of Famer and respected wrestling veteran, recently lavished high praise on Nic Nemeth, better known to WWE fans as Dolph Ziggler. On his popular ARN podcast, Anderson discussed Ziggler’s underrated prowess in the ring and his sharp business acumen, underscoring that Nemeth was one of the most intelligent and skilled performers in WWE who never quite received the recognition he deserved.
The Underrated Talent of Nic Nemeth
Arn Anderson highlighted that Nic Nemeth was a consummate professional who fully understood the responsibilities of a wrestler in the squared circle. According to Anderson, Ziggler mastered the art of making each match compelling and knew exactly when and how to shine without overshadowing the overall event.
“He was smart enough to just slide into the ring, steal the show, and slide right back out—doing it night after night,” Anderson said, emphasizing that this consistent ability to elevate matches brought Nemeth sustained success and wealth. Anderson described him as “an incredible worker, great businessman” whose contributions often flew under the radar in the grand scheme of WWE stardom[1].
This reflects a prevailing sentiment among industry insiders that Ziggler’s wrestling skills and crowd engagement were top-tier—yet his position in WWE’s hierarchy was often limited by backstage politics rather than lack of ability or effort.
Career Highlights and Championships
During his two-plus decades with WWE, Nic Nemeth built an impressive resume embellished with key championship runs and accolades:
- Two-time World Heavyweight Champion
- Six-time Intercontinental Champion
- Two-time United States Champion
- One-time NXT Champion
- Winner of the 2012 Money in the Bank ladder match
- Triple Crown Champion status
These accomplishments underscore his steady presence as a reliable and talented performer who could be plugged into any program to deliver[1].
What Was Missing? The Right Backing
Arn Anderson also touched on what he believed held Ziggler back from reaching the absolute top of WWE’s hierarchy. The wrestling legend suggested that Nemeth’s limiting factor was largely the absence of a strong advocate in WWE’s backstage politics.
“The only thing he was missing was the right guy pulling for him. When you have all the talents that he has and there’s something missing, you may look to see who went to bat for him and who didn’t,” Anderson explained, hinting that a lack of proper backstage support can differentiate a mid-card star from a main-event player[2].
Sources close to WWE management confirm that although Ziggler was respected for his work ethic and professionalism, he never quite found the sustained push or creative momentum that some of his peers enjoyed.
Post-WWE Success and International Acclaim
Since Nemeth’s WWE release in September 2023, the former Dolph Ziggler has successfully reinvented himself on the global wrestling stage. January 2024 saw him debuting both in Impact Wrestling (TNA) and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). There, he quickly amassed multiple major titles:
- TNA World Championship
- IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship
- AAA Mega Championship
Achieving championships across these different promotions highlights Nemeth’s versatility and enduring appeal as a top-level performer outside WWE’s sphere[1].
Behind the Scenes: WWE Insider Perspectives
According to a WWE insider familiar with backstage dynamics, “Nic has always been the guy who showed up, did his job, and quietly made everyone look good in the process. It’s a shame he didn’t get the spotlight his in-ring talent deserved, but that’s wrestling politics for you.”
Another source close to Cody Rhodes confirmed that Nemeth’s commentary on having the “right guy pulling for him” rings true, adding that, “There’s a lot of talent in WWE that never reaches the top tier because of who’s in their corner backstage.”
The Art of Selling a Move: The Spinebuster Example
Anderson’s praise came during a podcast discussion about selling the spinebuster, a move that requires precise timing and athleticism to look impactful. Anderson used Dolph Ziggler as an example of a performer with a nuanced ability to ‘sell’ the move, enhancing realism and drama for the audience.
This kind of subtlety in match psychology is often overlooked by casual fans but is paramount to crafting memorable bouts, and Ziggler excelled at it.
Final Thoughts
Nic Nemeth’s career reflects the complex interplay of talent, opportunity, and backstage influence in professional wrestling. Arn Anderson’s recent comments serve as a reminder that Nemeth, under the Ziggler persona, was one of WWE’s most consistent and intelligent performers, deserving greater acclaim than he received.
As Nemeth continues to capture championships worldwide, his legacy as a skilled craftsman and savvy professional wrestler grows ever more secure—proof that sometimes, true credit comes incrementally, beyond WWE’s bright yet selective spotlight.