Dolph Ziggler made a shock return to WWE on the November 17 edition of Raw, entering Madison Square Garden as the mystery sixteenth participant in John Cena’s Last Time Is Now Tournament. It was his first WWE appearance since his 2023 release, and the crowd erupted the moment his music hit. The surprise return delivered the kind of nostalgia and excitement the tournament has been anchored around.
Ziggler stepped into the ring against Solo Sikoa in a first round matchup filled with intensity and anticipation. He looked sharp, composed and hungry, showing flashes of the speed and athletic precision that once made him a world champion. Despite his strong start and his ability to push the pace, Sikoa’s power ended up overwhelming him. After a late surge from Ziggler featuring quick counters and near falls, Solo ended the match with a decisive Samoan Spike, knocking Ziggler out of the tournament on night one.
Even in defeat, Ziggler’s return injected genuine star power into the tournament. His long history with John Cena, from major title programs to memorable rivalry moments, added emotional weight to his surprise appearance. Fans immediately began to wonder whether this comeback was a one night special tied to Cena’s final run or the beginning of a longer journey back into WWE programming.
What remains certain is the impact of the moment. Ziggler’s unexpected entrance was easily the highlight of the night and brought a burst of energy into the opening round of the tournament. While he did not advance, his presence reminded everyone why he has long been one of WWE’s most respected and dynamic performers. His return made the tournament feel bigger and more unpredictable, fitting perfectly into the atmosphere of John Cena’s farewell chapter.
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