Nic Nemeth recently revealed the real reason behind his surprise WWE return at Madison Square Garden last November, and it all came down to John Cena.
Nemeth made a one-night return during the November 17 last year during the episode of Raw at Madison Square Garden as part of Cena’s “Last Time Is Now” tournament. The appearance shocked fans, especially since Nemeth had spent nearly two years outside WWE following his release.
Speaking on the Pro Wrestling Podcast, Nemeth revealed he had already turned down multiple WWE return discussions before agreeing to come back specifically for Cena.
“They had asked me to come back a couple different times for some other things, and I was like, ‘Uh, I don’t know. It’s been two years. I don’t really want to,’” Nemeth said.
John Cena Changed Everything
Nemeth noted that everything changed when WWE explained the return would directly involve Cena and their long history together.
“And then they said, ‘This is for Cena.’ They said, ‘We’ve had a million matches together. Incredible guy. We’ve done so much. We have a story. We have a history,’” Nemeth explained.
Nemeth then showered praise on John Cena for everything he has done behind the scenes throughout his career.
“And I know all the good that he’s done. You could roll down a Santa Claus list of everything he’s done—what he’s done for us in the back, what he’s done to help the guys and girls, what he’s done granting wishes—everything. Come on—he’s the greatest of all time,” Nemeth said.
Once WWE framed the appearance around helping Cena’s farewell run, Nemeth said agreeing to the comeback became an easy decision. Even then, Nemeth admitted part of him also wanted to prove something by walking back into WWE after succeeding outside the company.
“So now, come back for this tournament? Yeah—hell yeah, I’ll come back. I really wanted to go, ‘I want you to see how good I am still,’” Nemeth stated.
No Plans for Full-Time Return
The former TNA World Champion then compared returning backstage to showing up at a party where your ex is present.
“It’s like going to a party and you know your ex is there. You’re like, ‘Oh, I’m getting my hair done, I’m getting a nice new shirt, make sure I’ve got a tan, get a workout in.’ And then you walk in like, ‘Oh hey, what’s going on?’ Just for that one moment of walking by—to let them know you’re doing great,” Nemeth said.
However, Nemeth made it clear he has no interest in returning to WWE full-time despite enjoying the experience.
“I don’t want to come back full-time, but if you want me to come back down the line and work something out once in a while for special moments—to help my friends—in a heartbeat.”
Nemeth further said that he has been focusing on the past several months to help TNA Wrestling secure a stronger television future. He admitted the comeeback felt easier because most of the WWE locker room remained familiar to him.
