![Understanding Nic Nemeth’s Perspective on Pro-Wrestling and Selling Techniques 2 nic nemeth 1](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/nic-nemeth-1.jpg?w=1170)
Nic Nemeth, recognized by many as Dolph Ziggler from his time with WWE, recently opened up about his career trajectory in the company and why he was never perceived as a main event star.
On an episode of the Wrestling Perspective podcast, Nemeth dissected his approach to wrestling and how it potentially impacted his standing within WWE.
“I opted for something different,” Nemeth explained. “I noticed not many focused on selling moves convincingly. Randy Orton was someone I paid attention to—everyone wanted to emulate his tough, no-sell attitude. I decided I’m not doing that—I’ll be the guy who sells a punch by flipping over the ropes. I stood out, and while learning the craft, I received recognition for my psychology and ability to run a match, especially if someone got hurt,” he said.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Being the Best at Selling Finishers
Nemeth’s decision to focus on selling made him notable in the industry. “I believe in making my opponent look incredibly strong, contributing that extra five percent effort to selling their moves,” he stated. “However, if you’re the best at taking a finisher, you’re going to be doing it a lot, which is both good and bad—by nineteen and a half years in the business, people respect your skills, but it can pigeonhole you,” he admitted.
Early Struggles and Adaptation in WWE
Nemeth recounted his initial stage with WWE: “I was hired on my second tryout. Soon after, agents announced that new hires were expected to be at least six-foot-two and 225 pounds. I just made the cut which forced me to adapt quickly,” Nemeth revealed. “I was trained by Rick Rogers and Jim Cornette, who taught me to be ready for any circumstance in the wrestling world,” he added.
Shifting to the WWE’s Modern Style
While mastering WWE’s preferred style of selling during his early years, the company shifted gears. “Just as I absorbed the classic WWE style, they switched to a reality-based approach, discouraging over-selling,” Nemeth stated, highlighting the challenge of adapting to rapidly changing industry standards.
Was Nic Nemeth’s unique approach deserving of a main event spot in WWE?
FAQs About Nic Nemeth and His Wrestling Career
- Who is Nic Nemeth?
Nic Nemeth is a professional wrestler, actor, and stand-up comedian, widely recognized under his ring name ‘Dolph Ziggler’ during his tenure with WWE. - Why does Nic Nemeth believe he wasn’t a WWE main event star?
Nemeth attributes it to his focus on selling moves convincingly, which made him popular for that skill but may have led to him being typecast and not considered for main event status. - What did Nic Nemeth do differently in the ring?
Instead of emulating the stoic, no-sell approach of wrestlers like Randy Orton, Nemeth chose to sell moves in a highly dramatic fashion, flipping over ropes and showcasing a more expressive style. - How has Nemeth’s emphasis on selling moves affected his career?
While it earned him respect for his talents, it also led to him repeatedly being used to showcase other wrestlers’ finishers, arguably limiting his progression to higher-profile matches.
Conclusion
Nic Nemeth’s career offers an instructional tale about the delicate balance between individuality and conformity in professional wrestling. His decision to prioritize the art of selling above the dominant, stone-faced archetype differentiated him, but possibly curtailed his ascension to the summit of WWE. One might ponder whether the cons outweighed the pros or if his uniqueness has paved the way for a lasting legacy. Despite the ups and downs, Nemeth’s approach undeniably enriched the realm of sports entertainment, making every match he participated in a memorable spectacle.