A former WWE World Champion recently dropped a bombshell that he was being blocked from signing with AEW at the end of his contract in 2019. Recently, this star gave much detail on his run with the Stamford-based promotion, where at one point the company felt like he was moving to Tony Khan’s promotion.

The star in the spotlight is Nic Nemeth, fka Dolph Ziggler. The latter has been competing in TNA for the past few years following his release from WWE back in September 2023. He had an incredible run in the juggernaut of sports entertainment, where he became a fan favorite and a World Heavyweight Champion. However, Ziggler recently revealed backstage politics by WWE to stop him from joining AEW in 2019.

Speaking with Jonathan Coachman on Off The Ropes, Nemeth revealed that in 2019, when his contract was about to expire, he asked for a hefty amount from WWE, something that he believed the company would never agree on. However, without any major negotiations, the Stamford-based promotion agreed. The former WWE star said that it was clear that the company was trying to stop him from signing with All Elite Wrestling.

“My last contract was to keep me from going to AEW. That was it. It was winked at and not said, but it was completely understood. I’m like, I’m asking for this elaborate amount because I know you won’t pay me what I’m worth. I’m going to make a move and go elsewhere. They’re like, ‘Nope, we’ll do it.’ I’m like, ‘What? Okay,” said Nemeth. [H/T: Ringside News]

Check out Nemeth’s comments below:

The Jacksonville-based promotion was gaining momentum at that time, and Nemeth’s addition to its roster could have done wonders for the company. The Stamford-based promotion knew that, and that is why they couldn’t let go of the former World Champion during that time.

Former WWE star Nic Nemeth called out Conor McGregor on social media

Nic Nemeth has faced several big legends in pro-wrestling in his epic career. He has squared off with names like John Cena, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, and other massive stars. But recently, a fan on X asked the former World Champion who his dream opponent is that he wants to square off with down the line.

Shockingly, Nemeth called out Conor McGregor with a challenge of his own. It was an interesting response to the dream opponent’s question for the former WWE star that managed to make a lot of buzz on social media.

Well, only time will tell if Nic Nemeth will be able to square off with the UFC superstar somewhere down the line. For now, the 45-year-old looks to focus on his work with TNA Wrestling.