From the WWE Rumor Mill: Update on Dolph Ziggler’s status with WWE

What’s the Story?

The Showoff made his return to the WWE by entering the Royal Rumble last night, but that may not have been the original plan.

The latest rumors suggest that Dolph Ziggler was expected to compete on the Rumble pre-show to face Bobby Roode.

In Case You Didn’t Know

Ziggler won the United States Championship at the Clash of Champions pay-per-view in a triple threat match between Roode and Baron Corbin. After Ziggler vacated the title, SmackDown held a United States Championship Tournament which was won by Roode.

The Heart of the Matter

The report was originally published by PWInsider and said that Ziggler was expected to show up on the pre-show and answer Roode’s United States Championship Open Challenge, but that contest would be answered by Mojo Rawley instead.

Ziggler abdicating the United States Championship back in December convinced many that he would either be taking an extended absence from the WWE or would be leaving the company, but the former World Heavyweight Champion made his return in the Men’s Royal Rumble match and entered at No.30 for the second time in his career.

Some fans thought Ziggler might be a potential winner, but he would eliminate Goldust and lasted about 1 minute 30 seconds before being eliminated by Finn Bálor.

The last time Ziggler entered a Royal Rumble match at the No.30 spot was the 2015 Royal Rumble where he eliminated Wade Barrett and Cesaro before being eliminated by Big Show in Kane in about three minutes.

What’s Next?

The report also says that Ziggler is expected to return to SmackDown Live this week, but whether the Showoff will pursue the United States Championship again remains to be seen.

Author’s Take

Ziggler’s return was definitely interesting considering the No.30 spot has gained a reputation as a spot for bigger stars.

Hopefully, WWE can give Ziggler something to go forward that keeps him as interesting as he was perceived at the Royal Rumble.