Dolph Ziggler made a shocking return to WWE as Solo Sikoa’s mystery opponent in the first round of John Cena’s The Last Time is Now Tournament. The former World Heavyweight Champion put up a strong fight, but was ultimately defeated by the leader of the MFTs.

Ziggler represented his current company, TNA, during his appearance on RAW. He currently wrestles under his real name, Nic Nemeth, but reverted to his WWE moniker for a one-off appearance. After his match with Sikoa, Ziggler met up with some old friends backstage and later reposted a wholesome picture on his Instagram story, showing him being carried by Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss.

The former TNA World Champion also took a picture with WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Triple H, and his former tag team partner, Bobby Roode, backstage. He was one of the two non-WWE stars to participate in the Last Time is Now Tournament following Zack Ryder’s surprise appearance last week on SmackDown.

John Cena reacts to Dolph Ziggler’s surprise return on WWE RAW in MSG

Fans were expecting a star from NXT to be Solo Sikoa’s opponent on WWE RAW, but were completely shocked by Ziggler’s sudden return. While it was for a one-off appearance, the crowd in Madison Square Garden loved watching him put on an incredible match.

His former rival, John Cena, also acknowledged his return by posting an image of Ziggler making his entrance on Instagram.

The Franchise Player was also in action in his final appearance on WWE RAW. He teamed up with Rey Mysterio and Sheamus to face The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, and Dominik Mysterio. With only two appearances left, it remains to be seen how the legend draws the curtains on his incredible pro wrestling career.