Steve Carrier on January 5, 2024
Nic Nemeth, formerly known as Dolph Ziggler, made a surprise appearance at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18, marking his entrance into New Japan Pro Wrestling. His presence was a well-kept secret, and he watched the event as a fan. However, his night took an unexpected turn when he had a heated exchange and brawl with IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion David Finlay following the match between Jon Moxley and Will Ospreay to crown the first IWGP Global Champion.
In an interview with NJPW interviewer Emily Mae, Nemeth explained the reasons behind his brawl with David Finlay. He expressed his initial intention of simply enjoying the show and the experience of being at such a significant event in Japan, given his long absence from the country. However, he felt that Finlay disrespected the fans and the hard work put into the matches by spitting in his face and shoving him. Nemeth apologized for his actions, acknowledging that he should have handled the situation differently but felt compelled to stand up for the fans who had witnessed an incredible display of athleticism and dedication in the ring.
“I don’t even work here. I was enjoying the show. I haven’t been to Japan in a really long time and I just wanted to see this big show, this beautiful show and see what it was like. I lost my cool and I completely apologize to the fans, New Japan Pro Wrestling. Finlay spit my face and shoved me and again I’m a grown up and I should have turned my cheek and walked away. Those three athletes beat the hell out of each other and put on a display and I was very proud to be a fan and just enjoy that moment and Finlay took that away from me and all the fans and I felt like someone had to do something.”
Nemeth emphasized that he was defending the fans and wouldn’t tolerate disrespect towards them, especially after witnessing the effort put forth by Ospreay and Moxley in their match for the IWGP Global Championship. He felt that the title deserved better treatment, and his emotional response stemmed from his admiration for the wrestlers and the significance of the moment. He offered a sincere apology to the fans and New Japan Pro Wrestling, acknowledging that he had lost his composure but had the utmost respect for the show.
“Ospreay and Moxley laid it all out there for that title just to show what that global championship means and I thought it was a spit in the face to the fans. Technically, I don’t work here, I’m an observer on the outside, he’s attacking a fan, I feel like I’m standing up for the fans and say, ‘hey, if you’re going to take the cheap shots someone’s going to knock you on your ass’ and again I am so, I’m sorry, I was out of line and if there’s anything I can do, I completely understand.”
“I lost my cool because I felt that everything that was laid out there in that match was something special, it took me back to a time when I was a kid and you just know what these wrestlers go through on a day to day basis and to have a chance on a giant stage to prove that you are this brand new title holder, that title deserves better and that’s all I should say, I think I apologize to the fans and New Japan Pro Wrestling, it’s a beautiful show, I’m so sorry, I lost my cool, I apologize.”
This incident at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 appears to set the stage for a potential match between Nic Nemeth and David Finlay for the IWGP Global Championship, possibly at NJPW Battle in the Valley on January 13.
How do you feel about Nic Nemeth’s explanation for his actions? Do you think this incident will lead to a championship match between him and David Finlay? Let us know in the comments.
January 5, 2024 7:32 am
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