Vince McMahon allegedly never saw recently released World Champion as a “top guy” in WWE

Dolph Ziggler sacrificed decades of his career to WWE. However, he was still reportedly never seen in a bright spot by Vince McMahon.

Vince McMahon allegedly never saw recently released World Champion as a “top guy” in WWE

Vince McMahon in his office (via- Wrestle Ops on X)

The release of Dolph Ziggler sent shockwaves through the wrestling fraternity this week. Dubbed a WWE lifer, everyone thought that The Showoff would end his decorated career with WWE. However, despite serving them for almost a couple of decades, WWE did not show any sympathy towards the former World Champion. The 43-year-old will forever remain one of the greatest talents to have worked under Vince McMahon.

Dolph Ziggler produced one of the loudest crowd reactions this industry has ever seen when he successfully cashed in his MITB contract back in 2013. However, despite being at the top of the WWE food chain, a staggering claim is now making the rounds. According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, Vince McMahon never thought of Dolph Ziggler as his company’s top guy.

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During the latest episode of his podcast, Meltzer delved into what McMahon had informed his writers about Ziggler. The wrestling historian noted that the 78-year-old never had long-term plans for The Showoff. Instead, his World Heavyweight Title win over Alberto del Rio wasn’t intended to catapult Dolph into superstardom. However, that moment from RAW got etched as one of the most iconic scenes in pro wrestling.

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Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful also provided some more insight on Dolph Ziggler’s WWE release. According to him, Ziggler’s WWE contract will expire next summer. Moreover, The Showoff had made up his mind to leave the promotion several years ago. It seems like his release might have proved to be a blessing in disguise for him. He hasn’t done anything on WWE television in recent months, which could change if he decides to join any other company.

Related: “Pry it from my cold, dead hands,” Kurt Angle claims Vince McMahon isn’t letting go of WWE until he is 120 years old

Is Vince McMahon leaving WWE following the merger under TKO?

Despite McMahon’s booming aspirations of WWE being a global entertainment juggernaut under TKO, it appears as if he were planning to leave the family business, reports Axios. After ruling this industry for numerous decades, the time might finally be up for WWE’s former CEO.

Vince McMahon and Ari Emanuel
Vince McMahon’s future with TKO might be in jeopardy [via- WWE on Fox on X]

Per a regulatory SEC filing under TKO Group Holdings, they’ve listed all of Vince McMahon’s shares up for sale. That automatically enables Mr. McMahon to duck the lockup period. As of the latest market close, McMahon owns around 28 million shares in TKO valued at $3 billion.

Moreover, a TKO filing under Page 184 views Vince as a major liability for their financial operations. At this point, the entire situation is hypothetical and nowhere near McMahon giving up his position. It’s just that TKO is well aware of McMahon’s notorious past, which could drive him out of the throne one fine day.

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