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Nic Nemeth On Navigating The Indie Wrestling Scene: It’s Up To Me To Adapt

Nic Nemeth opens up his transition to wrestling outside of WWE.

Following his departure from WWE, Nic Nemeth now has the opportunity to explore several new territories in the professional wrestling landscape. In addition to his newfound work with TNA Wrestling and NJPW, Nemeth has also begun to take on bookings in the independent circuit.

During a recent appearance on The Wrestling Perspective Podcast, Nemeth spoke about the ongoing process of navigating the independent scene, given that he previously spent the last 19 years in the WWE system. Nemeth also addressed the challenge of adapting to the in-ring style of the indies.

“I’m close with Zack Ryder, and he’s been doing the independents for a few years and doing really well. This is years ago I go, ‘[When I get out of here], can I do all these moves? Can I remember all these moves? Am I going to take three powerbombs and nip up and go, yeah! And then go into [something else]?’ I go, ‘I don’t think that’s for me.’ But also, when you go to a different show, if you go to a TNA or you go to an independent, and that’s what their product is, it’s up to me to be able to put myself into there and find a way to adapt, because that’s what I did for 20 years [in WWE],” Nemeth said.

“So, psychology-wise, I do see things like that and you go, ‘Oh man, how do I put myself in this situation?’ But also you can do a point where you do have that equity built into you to where I can have my style of match, still adapt to whatever company I’m in at the at that time and go, ‘This is the product that this independent is giving. Am I going to adapt to it somewhat and then still show you all the things I can do?’ Absolutely.”

Goals

As of this writing, Nemeth has wrestled four matches outside of WWE, two of which were for TNA Wrestling. The other two took place at two notable promotions within the indies — World Wrestling Council and Game Changer Wrestling. While Nemeth may now be wrestling in new environments, his objective remains relatively similar to the one he upheld during his time in WWE.

“I’m only 2 or 3 matches in at this point [of recording]. Non-WWE, one independent and one TV taping. And even then I go, ‘Okay there’s eight minutes. Does this audience want nonstop action? Do they want to see what I can do? Do you want to see how I can react? Can I still lead and help somebody out when I’m the one getting the win and I’m the one on the trajectory towards the top? Can I also give back just enough to have them stand out? So whether it’s a one-week, two week, or four-week program, did I make this young guy 5% better just for being out there with me? And that was my goal, and so far it is. I believe it’s working,” Nemeth said.

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