Dolph Ziggler Is SO Underrated, The Best MITB Cash-In, Spirit Squad, Becoming NXT Champion, Comedy

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Nick Nemeth (@HeelZiggler) is a professional wrestler better known as Dolph Ziggler in WWE. He joins Chris Van Vliet to talk about being called "underrated" his whole WWE career, his debut match against Batista, the emotions he felt when he cashed in the Money In The Bank briefcase on Alberto Del Rio, his love for standup comedy, his brother Ryan Nemeth crushing it in AEW as the Hollywood Hunk, becoming NXT Champion, why he ended up becoming the most successful Spirit Squad member and more!
00:00 Intro
02:31 Past Interviews
04:18 Stand-Up Comedy
07:42 Feeling Like A Comic
09:35 WWE Debut vs Batista
13:07 Spirit Squad
15:50 WWE Longevity
18:53 Underrated
22:08 MITB Cash In
27:23 Selling
31:56 Moves That Hurt
34:17 NXT Champion
37:47 Losing Matches
39:31 Most Proud
41:11 Favorite Move
43:15 Gratitude
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#wwe #dolphziggler #wrestling

[@ChrisVanVliet]

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[@SpammytheHedgehog]

Dolph Ziggler is an underrated gem next to The Miz.

[@thinice2155]

Chris please tell Dolph when he relinquish the title & came back Royal Rumble & at number 30….the crowd pop was to hyoe

[@firstinstinct420]

You should interview Johnny too from the squad

[@packpock4369]

Don't get me started on Ziggler, the WWE has never used him to his full potential. The first time I saw him come out and Walk to the ring. My response: Omg the next Mr. Perfect chews gum like him, has that arrogant look, walks like him. I would do a lot more with him, he is a great worker the most important thing.

[@packpock4369]

You could use him in a lot more angles

[@chicken-wuss]

Guys like Dolph and Miz deserve so much more than what they usually get stuck with. They’re the true workhorse’s of the company.

[@eric44wwwyki]

Miz has been treated far better throughout his time here. He main evented mania, DZ has had one singles match a WM vs ottis in front of 0 fans.

[@pablovela9332]

Triple H is booking them BADLY

[@Plag-Dmon98]

Came here to say the same thing pretty much, 2 of the hardest workers in the business

[@blackmantis3130]

Their spot is great

[@shyboss15x35]

@@eric44wwwyki ummm u do realize they booked miz in the Main Event just to set up the next Year’s Main even in Cena Vs The Rock 💀 and got relegated to a fodder match the next year …..

[@Dale_Doback]

I hope we can see the best of Dolph before it’s too late. He deserves a deep title run

[@SharpFitnessLook]

He’s been at it 20yrs.. it’s like saying to Ric Flair in 2021 I hope he gets a good title run.

[@connieworroll368]

@@SharpFitnessLook Ric Flair was winning titles in his 40’s

[@emiliomarbanjr]

He's letting it go. He's not trying anymore. Look at his physique and some interviews he did, he is cool jobbing and making money.

[@MJ-ps3tk]

It’s a slim chance but still possible. He should pull a Cody/Drew. Leave for a few years, hit the Indy scence and become a big name, then come back to WWE

[@bernardonicolato4158]

​@@connieworroll368 Are you actually comparing Ric Flair to Nick from the Spirit Squad?

[@juegofuego6715]

This timing is insane! I've been wondering about Ziggler a lot lately and thinking exactly what the title says which is that he's super underrated. Also I'll never forget the first time I discovered Chris's interviews was in 2013 when he was interviewing Dolph Ziggler and now it's been 10 years! I'm very happy for Chris's success

[@AllYellowJoshua]

Chris Thank youuu 🙏💛 for giving Dolph the chance to tell his story! He truly is an awesome superstar!

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Gotta love Dolph!

[@AllYellowJoshua]

@@ChrisVanVliet AMEN 💛

[@DoubleSuperkick]

Man I really really REALLY miss seeing Dolph on TV consistently so seeing a good length interview puts a smile on my face. Ziggler is my favorite wrestler no question and I truly hope that his losing streak gets turned around. Truly a HOF candidate.

[@kevinthe434th]

Ziggler is one of the guys who made pro wrestling one of the best parts of my childhood. Heck, he's one of the reasons I'm training to be a pro wrestler.

[@evanaronowitz]

For anyone wondering, at 20:11 he’s talking about No Way Out 2012. I was there that night. Everyone was chanting “Let’s go Ziggler.” If you go watch the match, you’ll hear it. I remember being really confused hearing Lawler say everyone was cheering for Sheamus when I watched it back 😂

[@krisonsalley]

Extremely underrated One of if not the best seller His heel turns and face turns are phenomenal

[@saidraalien6837]

Oversell

[@bryankendall5191]

​@@saidraalien6837Sometimes, sure. But, I'd argue that only Rock, Shawn, and Brock (for his size) are essentially the only guys that sell better than Dolph on a consistent basis. 💁

[@tyquanrainey6039]

One of the best wrestlers in WWE, it's just a shame that WWE doesn't see what the fans see. Dolph Ziggler without question should've been in multiple main events and multiple time world champion. To me Ziggler is a combination of Shawn Michaels and Mr. Perfect when it comes to selling in his matches, truly underrated and misuse.

[@thecasual7036]

This 💯as a long time ziggler fan I agree he should’ve held the world title multiple times don’t get me wrong his intercontinental championship matches are classics to watch back multiple 4-5 star matches for that title and I just hope he gets the title one more time longer than a damn month🥲😭

[@tyquanrainey6039]

@@thecasual7036 Definitely agree with you on that.

[@justinterry7853]

​@Common sense dolph is if the Intercontinental championship was a person

[@tahmidchowdhury3706]

That's why cm punk left wwe. He was right when he said no matter how hard he tried the top guy will always be John Cena although he is ten times better than Cena. Same with now Roman Reigns. WWE pushed roman to our fans throught so many years it's irritating.

[@HaHaHaYouFool9439]

Dead on. He’s easily in my top 10 list of my favorites. Possibly even like top 5.

[@rebeccalangendorf3121]

He's my favorite wrestler. That'll never change. Ageless wonder. So underrated. A true gem.

[@michaelhooks8591]

I’ve always loved Dolph Ziggler, his selling is next to none, the way he got the crowd at No Mercy 2016 behind him in his career match is a moment i’ll never forget, instant classic if there ever was one

[@TinasLastFriday]

What’s not to love about Dolph , he’s the guy! Contagious smile , best seller in the business , one of the most entertaining wrestlers ever , heavily underrated and deserves to be on tv more than he has been in awhile!

[@johnniifiveisalive]

That MITB moment will always stick with me! I was tearing up then, and I’m tearing up now! 🗣️Thank you Dolph Ziggler!

[@thealjohnsonshow2188]

Dolph Ziggler is SO underrated, it makes no sense.

[@kieran773ful]

I rate dolph I like him

[@LTRUTH334]

I don't think he's underrated NOT EVEN overrated but I want to see him get another title

[@sluglow6357]

Everybody underrated for you guys nowadays lol who’s doing the ratings?🤣🤣

[@jake-wq2vb]

always has been

[@wheeliesmalls9464]

​@@jake-wq2vb always will

[@terrasin171]

He's my all time favorite wrestler I can't tell you how much of a hero this man is to me. He's made me cry on multiple occasions. Nobody comes close

[@Media_Gamer_Nation]

He's so under used for years... Wish he worked somewhere else. Also, I think he is wearing his Brothers tshirt by the looks of it!

[@dadumbfuck420]

Dolph is one of the best workers and one of the most underrated guys the WWE has ever had. Two time World Champ, multi time IC & US Champ, NXT Champ. He's had iconic moments like cashing in the MITB and being the sole survivor at Survivor Series 2012 and 2014 Incredible stuff. Edit: Also, Sheamus vs Dolph Ziggler at No Way Out 2012 was a certified banger.

[@PlatoWrestling]

I had NO IDEA Nick (Dolph) was 43 YEARS OLD 😳 Dude looks amazing

[@pri0r_t0_a_weekago...fukwi48]

Yea he looks great for his age

[@anthonyjacobsen5768]

He still has one of the greatest nicknames ever. The Show Off? Cmon that’s amazing.

[@alfredcernuto]

I met Dolph working at TPA. I’ve been a fan forever. You know how they say, “never meet your heroes?” Does not apply to Nick. He is the nicest guy.

[@OhSoNasty]

Thank you for this Chris ❤ I'm a very huge heel Ziggler fan and am probably the only one who was upset they had BOOKER T instead of Dolph in this years rumble how many consecutive years would it have been!!

[@SHlNRlKlARU]

AAAWWWWWWW SHUCKY DUCKY QUACK QUACK

[@OhSoNasty]

​@@SHlNRlKlARU no offense to the five time five time five time five time five time Worlds heavyweight champion

[@Senku1649]

Thank you Dolph for all these years

[@huntercarrigan1854]

Maybe it’s being a Cleveland native but I’ve always loved Nick/dolph witnessing his college resume into pro sports he’s a perfect mixture of the technical wrestling of say a Chris Benoit and the selling ability of randy Orton

[@mesoweeehee1654]

Here after his NJPW debut, just hope Nic can be treated as a top guy there as he should be.

[@yousafihsan167]

When he debuted he had future multiple time world champion written over him considering his charisma talent and mic skills

[@Plag-Dmon98]

Dolph Ziggler and The Miz are 2 of the best wrestlers and hardest workers of their generation and never given their credit on screen. Ziggler is definitely one of my favourites

[@thedrizzy4168]

Gotta Love This Man 19 Years Active And He Has Earned Every Moment Give Him Another Title Run Any Title

[@alexpietsch7997]

When Cody wins the title he should do a four way defense against Kofi Dolph and Miz as a throwback to the 2012 midcard

[@ovr4tee]

Had to pause the interview to go watch the MitB Cash In, again! There's at least one video from the crowd out there showing just how over Ziggler was, at that point, and its gives a great sense for the storytelling he talks about in this interview.

[@choolakejinendra9652]

Soo down to earth. What a guy. I know it is far fetched, but hope Dolph gets to hold the world title one more time.

[@bizzlea887]

I could honestly see Dolph having a great AEW title run. Wwe will never put him back in the title picture, but I think he still has the juice to really have a great lengthy run with a ton of awesome matches. Hopefully we still get to see him wrestling and getting put over more in the near future.

[@TooSweetMeBro]

Being released after a twenty year career is crazy. Which is why I HOPE he'll be brought back at the Royal Rumble next year.

[@insignificantaftermathPROJECTS]

Ziggler reminds me of me, we both love to entertain others but we enjoy being in our own company.

[@justinjones3793]

Dolph Ziggler and Shelton Benjamin are both so massively underrated and idk why

[@inderpreetsingh4471]

Was never a fan of his character (not wrestling skill) but this interview showed how genuine of guy he is , I am fan

[@maineventchico]

That Hollywood Hunk AEW shirt 👀 Here’s hoping Ryan gets a proper push!

[@ravibabu1441]

Was looking for this comment! Thanks fam for sharing knowledge!!

[@andrewbriggs9796]

I really like this dude. Appreciate that he’s humble, generous (fans and other wrestlers), and kind

[@rngdevi1777]

dolphs survivor series match against the authority is still my favorite match of all time, this man is goaded and deserves much more.

[@TheTylamo]

This was captivating. Dolph is the consummate professional

[@Klaytoncalix]

This man is about to have more interviews with Ziggler than Flair 16 reigns as champion.

[@ChrisVanVliet]

🙌

[@MAYUTHEUNDEAD]

one of my favorite memories is watching the Survivor Series where String came back and helped Dolph beat the Authority, Dolph was super hot around that time, really deserved a big push then. Super underrated WWE wrestler and future Hall of Famer for sure

[@MrEmperorApples]

Vince messed up this man's career so bad. We love your matches, Dolph. Thanks for the memories!

[@blackmantis3130]

Here we go again

[@walkedoverwater]

@@blackmantis3130 you another vince dick sucker?

[@yannickelmanssouri3873]

Well actually he doesn't bother sure there are things but Dolph is really humble in that regards he understands

[@alonelypotato2788]

How is his career messed up when he literally said he's happy and proud of the money he's earned from wrestling..that means he's making good money... If you're making good money from you job then you're having a great career

[@averystreater3546]

WWE needs to stop disrespecting this legend

[@ILoveMyBeard001]

I love how Dolp is wearing the tshirt from his brother Ryan Nemeth.

[@reedd5666]

To this day I still want to see him as WWE Champion, either that or would also love to see him in AEW or Japan.

[@mitchbrassem3819]

I could picture dolph in aew, putting on 30 min classics 😍 this guy is so good in the ring

[@donaldwalker6909]

Met him at a signing he was super nice and cool everyone else wouldn’t personalize autographs and was rushing and he was super relaxed personalized the autograph without even asking. He over heard mvp explain why he couldn’t personalize it and dolph just did his thing. Definitely the nicest wrestler I’ve ever met

[@ghostwithknife416]

I never knew Nick's brother was Ryan! I just thought he was another fan of his paying homage. That's actually heartwarming!

[@whosweptmymines3956]

Dolph v. Goldberg where Dolph keeps getting destroyed and then keeps talking smack to Goldberg until he comes back and destroys him again is just one of the most wonderful examples of entertaining wrestling ever. Dolph's awesome.

[@SpammytheHedgehog]

Dolph Ziggler needs to win a Money in the Bank or the Royal Rumble. Or something.

[@shawn3279]

He already won MITB. I would've loved to see a Ziggler Rumble win. Dude would've put on a match of the year Main Event fight with Roman, no doubt about it.

[@blackmantis3130]

That time has passed

[@TapaExplosivo]

@@blackmantis3130nah

[@AnarooDub]

One of the most underrated talents in the history of the business. I'm hoping to see 1 last title run before he retires.

[@7dreamsbeats310]

My all time favourite Wrestler 💯💯💯 thanks for the interview 🙏

[@ChrisVanVliet]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@ericb8241]

I got a picture with him in my local walmart. He definitely seemed a bit annoyed, but smiled regardless. I did my due diligence and waited until we were in a section away from 90% of the customers so he didnt get a bunch of people coming up.

[@amarqpr]

Thank you Dolph. Didn’t deserve this

[@HaHaHaYouFool9439]

Dolph is one of my favorite wrestlers. Can’t pinpoint when he became that, but he made me want him to win. He made me very invested in anything and everything he did. He is the main reason why I wanted to go to a live show, literally just to chant for him. Never wanted to see a live show as much as when he was on a good run and was having amazing matches every week and on the hunt for the world title.

[@lenordbrazil9580]

I met Dolph at a casino in vegas I couldn't believe it I went up to him and said are you Dolph Ziggler he said I used to be he was such a regular guy super nice and downtown earth hope to see you wrestling again Dolph

[@hazbojangles2681]

Dolph always was and still is my favourite wrestler ever.

[@brandon_blaze]

One of my all time favorites. Dude’s so entertaining and just so great. Really underrated. Really would love if he gets a run with this new World Title at some point.

[@abrahamramirez8536]

There's never a time I see Dolph Ziggler on my screen and I'm upset. Surefire Hall of famer if I say so myself 🙏🏼

[@kevingalindo5168]

We need a big Dolph Ziggler push, WWE!!!!!!!!! Like how are you not-? ….. come on now!!!

[@BennyRahul-rx6xg]

Dolph Ziggler has so much charisma. Dolph has always been my favourite interview you do Chris

[@gravelly96]

I love how he knows he's good without being arrogant.

[@InkedupT-raw]

Ziggler will always be one of my favorites dude can go in the ring and it's been frustrating seeing how he had been booked but he still has the best mitb cash in!

[@Mamashmeeky]

I know a lot of people stopped caring about Dolph in 2016, but I never stopped. Always rooted for him

[@cameronbennett4762]

I could listen to dolph recount the cash in all day. One of my all time favorite moments in wwe history. And it could be argued the biggest pop of the modern era. If only he got a legit lengthy reign. But either way that moment could not have been more perfect

[@colemc3519]

we need a dolphiemania moment in the next few years

[@securityFTW]

I love going to shows and seeing Dolph wrestle. I also had the chance to see his comedy show and I loved it. Also did the meet and greet and he was so nice and made sure he made some time and signed items for us (even though the place didn’t want him too). Hope to get to another show soon

[@haircutexperience]

Great interview! Only thing I wish was added was his "It should've been me gimmick lol. That was truly the best Dolph! I love his passion telling the story about the best MITB cash in too! Had me on the edge of my seat just listening him tell that story and reliving it! One of the most iconic moments and HUGE pops in WWE history! I was so pumped watching it live when that happened an dit bought me great joy! 😍🥰

[@kevinroark5815]

Dolph deserved much much better than what WWE gave him. He is the perfect heel who has baby face potential at any given second.

[@VanillaBear9915]

He is such an amazing wrestler and all-around person. I definitely wish he got a legitimate push.

[@JSmithRecords]

Dolph and the Miz will always have a job. They understand the business, and they understand it's a JOB. They're not begging to be world champ or threatening to leave if they "continue getting screwed" they understand it's not always about that. It's about doing what needs to be done and playing your part. Anything WWE needs, they can always call Dolph or Miz to handle it. They're wonderful employees who don't whine or cause headaches. I'm 30 now and they were in WWE when I was in high school. WWE appreciates them to the fullest extent, and will always look out for them.

[@SunshineStateCoasters]

I still think he should hold the WWE Championship at least 1 more time. Doesn’t haven’t to be a long reign it can be a transitional champion. But that probably won’t happen since Roman is going to hold the belts for another 10 years or so.

[@CrankierOak]

I think people forget how absolutely dominant Dolph was needed to remind people of his career just come back in team Cena versus team authority in my opinion still to this day one of the most entertaining WWE superstars ever Grace the ring

[@jimbo_1312]

Dolphin ziggler is this generations Sean Waltman, and I mean that in the best possible way.

[@claymathewselevator8121]

I remember the Dolph Ziggler cash in because that Raw was same night as Michigan vs Louisville national championship game in basketball and flipping between both and the cash in being the only part I kept on Raw till it was over

[@Entertained45]

IMO Dolph could have been this generations Shawn Michaels if used right.

[@trustnoone3007]

I say Mr. Perfect. Not HBK.

[@blackmantis3130]

C'mon bro you reaching

[@walkedoverwater]

@@trustnoone3007 i think he’s somewhere in between billy gunn and curt, maybe shawn too

[@abidshahriar7346]

As a kid who grew up watching wwe, I always wanted to see Ziggler more often than he was actually brought up... I have always loved his personality and fighting style. He was the type of guy who would make good fights with the ameteur wrestlers to the biggest and most experienced ones...

[@diforent]

Dolph cashing in and winning the title will forever be one of my favourite moments

[@anasshahid224]

Great interview Chris!! Dooley Ziggler is so underrated in the ring. He’s a true star.

[@PeterGrayson]

Dolph has always been one of my favorites, he truly is one of the most underrated superstars of all time

[@mushuansari]

Such an entertaining interview. The time just flew by.

[@mohammednadjib8917]

if I can describe ziggler with a sentence he's a cool guy in his own way, a true living legend

[@MrHaustin1]

Chris, first off, great interview. I think Arn Anderson said it best when he said (and I’m paraphrasing) “Dolph’s got a lot of money, and I could see him telling creative see ya one day if they gave him something he didn’t like.” He’s got longevity in a company and a business that’s not easy to have. He checks all the sport’s entertainment and pro wrestling boxes. He’s had a run or two and the eternal question is why hasn’t he got another run and I really think what it boils down to is a combination of Dolph being content and enjoying what he’s doing and as Arn said in an interview having an opinion on his creative and perhaps rubbing people the wrong way. It is interesting that with all the talent WWE traditionally goes through he’s never been a guy that was on that list so obviously there’s a lot he brings to the table on the roster. I’m not sure if he’ll get another shot in WWE but to me there is always a lot you can do with Ziggler because of his versatility. He was 50/50 booked to death for a period in his career and I think that hurt him for a period of time with the audience but I don’t think you can blame Dolph for that…

[@ChaoticCreed]

Man hearing his thought process on thd cash in and his feud with miz just reassures me that wwe missed out

[@nopointproductions367]

Dolph Ziggler is by far my favorite wrestler. Something about his gimmick in 2008-2009 really clicked with me. He was the guy I backed fully. I got to meet him for the first time every last year when he was doing a comedy show with Mick Foley. It was such an incredible experience and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity! He's the man!! Oh, and I shook his hand, so technically, I locked up with a former world champion 😉

[@akhandtripathipyz9888]

This man woke up and chose to speak facts

[@voidsnip3z674]

I love how a Dolph Ziggler interview always seems fresh and brand new

[@TORULEZ10]

Just saw a short of Big E giving Dolph his title 2 days ago. This was a great interview! Hope y'all link up again soon.

[@claymathewselevator8121]

I remember Ryback was billed from College Station, Texas as Skip Sheffield and he’s like I’ve never been there in my life 😂

[@HeelCruz]

Heel Ziggler with Big E and AJ was probably one of my favorite things he's done

[@Brandon152795]

This interview just made me want to check out the rest that you've done. TY.

[@BirrDetonator1989]

Dolph is in my top 5 for sure. An absolute workhorse.

[@nolanatm]

Dolph Ziggler is a gnarly dude man. During the pandemic, he bought a lot of shirts from indy wrestlers who lost bookings due to covid. Standup dude

[@andrewvaughan5686]

i just don't get out of all the other wrestler's who they've given massive pushes, why not just give dolph a shot and just run with it for a while, he's good in the ring, probably the best seller in the business, he can talk a cat out of a tree if given freedom, he's not the biggest but he has an athletic look, what else do they want?

[@NoSnowFlakes1]

When he won the Heavyweight title he got concussed shortly after and they had to take the title off him which made Vince become sour on him. Same thing for Balor

[@JCTornado]

Love this guy, great man...Great personality an hilarious 😂 af...Great WWE superstar, very underrated 🎉

[@kshinokevin]

Dolph Ziggler deserves to get a Road Warriors POP... one of the best that the WWE/WWF has had; along with Shelton Benjamin. I still like Randy "the Viper/the Career Killer" Orton (too).

[@trustnoone3007]

🙂 Very nice of Dolph to come to the Chris studio for this sit down interview.

[@vailingbow1068]

Damn. Honestly, Dolph is quite humble as well as confident. He's so humble with his start and stop opportunities. His concussion from Swagger really changed the course of his career. He had so much momentum there, and it wasn't even his fault. He could've been like Seth in his pedigree of achievements. The dude's only a 2 time World champ. Should've had more.

[@alexbirdfox]

Dolph Ziggler is amazing. Not only is he super underated but of all the wrestlers he's definitely one of them

[@user-gl8fb4sf4o]

I was sitting at my desk in my office when I heard his music hit. I screamed so loud that my wife thought I hurt myself lol. She walked in and with tears in my eyes I said" Their finally doing it right!!"