Dolph Ziggler says WWE's original plan for his return was a "bad idea"

Dolph Ziggler has said that WWE's original plan for his return was a bad idea. The Showoff was revealed as the mystery opponent for Solo Sikoa on RAW in the Last Time is Now Tournament.

His return took everyone by surprise as he competed in a WWE ring for the first time since 2023. However, this blockbuster return was almost not a surprise.

Talking to Jonathan Coachman on Off The Ropes, Dolph Ziggler said when the Stamford-based promotion first approached him, the officials informed him that his one-off appearance would be announced ahead of time. However, the former World Heavyweight Champion was against this and thought it was a bad idea.

“A few weeks ago when I was told, it’s like, ‘Hey, we’re gonna have you in this thing, and we’re gonna announce it ahead of time. They’re going to show brackets or something, and I go, ‘Oh my God, that’s such a bad idea.’ I go, ‘Is there any way we’re not doing this?’ They go, ‘There might be something they’re gonna put out today. It’ll be on social media. Maybe retweet or something.’ I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I hope this doesn’t happen,' and nothing happened,” he said. [H/T: Fightful]

Though Ziggler lost the contest, his return did lead to a surprise pop from the fans, proving that keeping his comeback a secret was the right decision.

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Dolph Ziggler ended a 20-year wait with RAW return

Dolph Ziggler has held many accolades during his time in WWE. However, there was one thing he was eager to do.

During his appearance on the Busted Open Podcast, the current TNA star revealed he was in a hideout before his return to RAW. He mentioned that for 20 years, he had watched others hiding in a ring or on a bus before a big return, and it was something he never got to do.

While Ziggler's return was a one-off for now, it does mean that there is a chance of him showing up again in WWE in the future.