Released WWE Star Explains Why They Didn’t Sign With AEW

WWE/AEW

Released WWE star and current IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion Nic Nemeth has explained why he didn’t sign with AEW.

On September 21, 2023, WWE announced its latest round of budget cuts with multiple stars being released from the company. Some fans were most surprised to learn that former two-time World Heavyweight Champion Dolph Ziggler was among those releases.

Since becoming a free agent, Ziggler, now known as “The Wanted Man” Nic Nemeth, has created a buzz for himself by making a name for himself in multiple promotions.

While many expected the former WWE star to join his brother Ryan Nemeth in AEW, “The Wanted Man” has ultimately decided to join TNA Wrestling and has become a champion in NJPW.

Appearing on Keepin It 100, Nic Nemeth discussed being a free agent and revealed why he decided to not sign with AEW despite talks being held. He said:

“In the past, some [talks] but I had a plan that I’ve been working on for probably the last year and a half. I didn’t want to go anywhere. I appreciate that several companies reached out immediately.”

“I [said] I have this one plan, I want to do this on my own and even so, Scott D’Amore was so insistent because the locker room was so strong and somebody in the locker room of TNA reached out and I go man you guys are really making this hard.”

“[I said] let’s do some dates. I’m not gonna sign for 3 years but I said I just wanna bounce around and be a hired gun.”

On spending so many years representing WWE and wanting to now represent multiple companies, Nemeth said:

“I’ll go with anybody and do anything. [I said] I just got out of a long-term relationship, 19 years. I don’t want to sign a paper that says you can’t do this.”

“I can still represent companies, I am a great brand ambassador. I just don’t want to be locked in. I did it for too long.”

“I stayed a couple extra years to get the good money. Now I’m rested up, I’m in the best shape of my life mentally and physically.

“I think I timed it out perfectly, no matter what any fans tell me on Twitter. I did my plan exactly how I want to do it and I want to bounce around.”

“I thought I was gonna bounce around for 6 months and then look around. I think I’m gonna do a year, maybe longer, and then settle down somewhere.”

“So far, Japan has treated me so well. That locker room is awesome.”

Nic Nemeth is the current IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion in New Japan Pro Wrestling. He is also set to challenge Moose for the TNA Heavyweight Championship at TNA Rebellion on April 20.

Transcription via Wrestlingnews.co

Want to stay up to date with all the most important Wrestling and WrestleTalk News? Join our newsletter mailing list by clicking here, and selecting your preferences!

• Nic Nemeth
• NJPW
• AEW
• wwe

Share this article with friends