In a recent interview with ComicBook Nation, Nic Nemeth, better known to fans as Dolph Ziggler, looked back on one of the most electrifying moments in WWE history: Sting’s long-awaited debut at the 2014 Survivor Series pay-per-view. Nemeth, who was a key participant in the main event that night, shared his behind-the-scenes perspective on the dramatic entrance of the WWE Hall of Famer.
The Anticipation and Impact of Sting’s Debut
The 2014 Survivor Series match featured a high-stakes battle between Team Cena—comprised of John Cena, Big Show, Ryback, Erick Rowan, and Dolph Ziggler—and The Authority, led by Seth Rollins and including Kane, Luke Harper, Mark Henry, and Rusev. Sting’s surprise appearance was the culmination of months of speculation and anticipation, marking his first appearance in a WWE ring after years of speculation.
Reflecting on the moment, Nemeth described the sense of excitement and the anticipation he shared with his opponent, Seth Rollins. “We had to lay down next to each other for like 10 minutes and not move, you know. So I’m just like, hey, man, I think this thing’s coming. It was like we’re fans first,” Nemeth said. “Having that happen, well, we’re just going to chill out there and be like, ‘oh, sick.’”
Nemeth praised the storytelling and dramatic build-up leading to Sting’s pivotal interference, which turned the tide of the match. He highlighted the emotional and narrative depth of the bout, noting how the intricately woven storylines made the match memorable. “Even like Big Show, we cover it. Like Big Show can punch us all in the face and win the whole damn thing himself. But the story is he’s bought out and he leaves and he turns his back [on us]. There were so many good pieces of that,” Nemeth elaborated.
The Lasting Legacy of the Match
According to Nemeth, the impact of Sting’s debut was enhanced by the match’s intricate storytelling and emotional highs. “I don’t think everyone would be talking about it to this day if it was just like, oh, it was, Five on five and it was down to four to one, three and one and Dolph won,” he said. “It’s so special because of the emotion.”
Why Nic Nemeth Didn’t Jump to AEW
In the same interview, Nemeth also addressed why he chose not to sign with AEW following his WWE release. He explained that he was hesitant to commit to a long-term contract so soon after leaving WWE. “I didn’t want to be tied down to a long contract immediately after leaving WWE,” he said. “It was important for me to explore my options and see where I wanted to go next without rushing into a new long-term commitment.”
Nemeth’s reflections on Sting’s WWE debut and his decision to avoid a long-term deal with AEW provide insight into the complex decisions and emotions that come with being a professional wrestler. His experiences underscore the significance of memorable moments in wrestling and the thoughtful decisions wrestlers must make about their careers.
