The Miz has opened up about how former WWE star Dolph Ziggler’s release was difficult to process.
On Insight with Chris Van Vliet, The Miz was asked if WWE releases ever make him fear for his own job. He answered honestly, “Yeah, honestly, every time there’s a release, I’m like, ‘Oh no, is it me?'” Miz said.
He talked about Dolph Ziggler’s departure, explaining why it hit so close to home. “That was a tough one for me to see him go,” he said. “It was kind of like the last of my really core group of friends.”
While Miz still has strong friendships in the locker room, he explained that Ziggler was part of his closest inner circle during their rise in WWE. He also reflected on their memorable work together in the ring and their iconic 2016 feud for the Intercontinental title.
“I have friends, obviously, in the locker room and that, but that was my core group of friends. I was like man, I’ve had such great matches with Dolph too. Him putting his career up and me the IC Title.”
Despite how hard it was to see Ziggler leave, Miz acknowledged that releases are part of the wrestling business. “That whole IC title reign he was a big part of elevating that title as well during that time for me, and so to see him go is tough, but that’s the name of this business, it happens, those type of things happen for me, this is going to sound very cocky and arrogant. I know how valuable I am.”
He added that the doubt never fully disappears.
“I know how good I am, and whether the audience sees it or not, I know people know. If you’ve wrestled me, you know. So yes, there’s always in the back of your mind, oh, is it me? Is it me? Is it me? But then there’s also that other part that goes, I’ve done a lot in this business, and I still got more.” [H/T: Wrestletalk]
WWE released Dolph Ziggler in September 2023. He now wrestles under the name Nic Nemeth. After leaving WWE, he quickly rose to the top in TNA Wrestling, where he won championships and enjoyed strong success. In November 2025, he shocked fans with a short WWE return during John Cena’s tournament.
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