John Cena leads tributes to Dolph Ziggler amid shock WWE cuts

John Cena has responded to WWE’s decision to release Dolph Ziggler (Picture: Getty/WWE)

John Cena has paid tribute to Dolph Ziggler after the WWE veteran was let go as part of this week’s shock releases.

The wrestling giant has made a some high profile roster cuts on Thursday, with the former Intercontinental Champion – who first appeared as Nicky in the Spirit Squad in 2004 – among those no longer with the company.

Other names released include Shelton Benjamin, Mustafa Ali, Elias, Rick Boogs, Emma, Aliyah, Hit Row’s Top Dolla, Riddick Moss, with more expected to follow including NXT cuts.

After 19 years under the WWE banner, fans and fellow wrestlers were shocked to see Ziggler among the releases, and Cena took the time to pay his respect to the 43-year-old star.

Referencing his former rival’s longevity, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter): ‘One thousand five hundred and fifty four matches. @HEELZiggler #Respect’

While Ziggler is yet to comment on his releases, plenty of his contemporaries have been quick to recognise one of the all time greats.

Big E learned a lot from Dolph Ziggler during their time with AJ Lee (Picture: WWE)

Ex WWE star Lana – who has most recently appeared in AEW as CJ Perry alongside her real life husband Miro – thanked him for all he’s done to help her.

‘@HEELZiggler thank you for everything you taught me in pro wrestling and helping me get through weird kissing storylines. You’re a legend,’ she wrote.

Former WWE Champion Big E first appeared on the main roster as Ziggler’s bodyguard as part of a trio with AJ Lee, and he hailed him as ‘one of the smoothest workers’ he’s shared the ring with.

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‘I was so immensely fortunate to start my time on the main roster next to @HEELZiggler. I learned so many lessons about this craft by watching and listening,’ he wrote.

‘One of the smoothest workers I’ve ever been in the ring with. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, Zig Man.’

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