When the referee’s hand hit the mat for the third count at the Title vs. Career match following a picture perfect superkick, the arena went wild, with people screaming their lungs out and their hands up in the air. You don’t see reactions like those every day, it’s reserved for something special. This was definitely special.
Dolph’s career, much like his finisher has been Zig-Zag. The above-mentioned scenario had also occurred during the post-Wrestlemania 29 RAW where Ziggler cashed in his Money In The Bank on Alberto Del Rio.
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This was supposed to be a launching moment for Dolph but sadly it didn’t happen. The push was planned ever since Ziggler beat Cena at TLC 2012. Beating Cena is WWE’s way of signalling a push in most cases. The list boasts of names like Sheamus, Kevin Owens, AJ Styles and Nexus (Oh wait..they screwed it up). But what really happened?
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Injuries never come at a good time
Ziggler’s push came to a halt after suffering a concussion during a taping of Friday Night Smackdown, which meant he was excluded for the upcoming shows.
Eventually, he ended up losing the title at Payback halting his push altogether. He got buried down the card as the time progressed.
Rocky beginnings
Ziggler’s initial run in the WWE was not satisfactory, with him making his first ever appearance as a “Caddy” alongside Shelton Benjamin, and furthermore, being a part of the “Spirit Squad”, one of the worst factions in the history of WWE.
He finally got his first mark at Summerslam 2009 when he was up against Rey Mysterio and the world took notice of the talent of Dolph Ziggler.
No Relevant Scenarios
Ziggler soaked in the emotion of the title win, but he couldn’t soak it in for long.
Fast-forward to 2 years later, he was battling Sheamus in a “ Kiss me Arse” match in the second match of the 2015 edition of Extreme Rules. Even at the biggest shows, Ziggler was snubbed for 2 years in a row as he was relegated to the Intercontinental Title opener. Showing that he had not progressed as a character and was just there to “fill the space”.
But a wrestler with the calibre of Ziggler shouldn’t be there just to “fill the space” right?.
Talent to Greatness: A tough step
Frustrated about his booking through the years, it was finally thought that Ziggler had his moment, when he won his shot at the WWE Championship match against Dean Ambrose at Summerslam against the likes of John Cena, AJ Styles and Bray Wyatt.
But the crowd reaction during the match said the whole story, WWE had pulled the trigger too late and too fast. Ziggler had become one of the many wrestlers who couldn’t convert talent into greatness.
Past references
Mick Foley was another superstar who had to claw his way to greatness and he earned it through spectacular moments. From being thrown off the top of a cell to being a part of the most historic moment in the history of RAW, Mick Foley earned his much-deserved fame.
But, not all superstars have been able to earn greatness through talent, names like Shelton Benjamin pop into the mind after this statement.
Ziggler’s crowning achievement at No Mercy, however, could turn things around.
It won’t happen again
After being tossed around irrelevant storylines and failed main event pushes, Ziggler was finally set to feud alongside Miz for the Intercontinental Title. While we all felt it would be the same old story again, the two managed to exceed all expectations and raise the prestige of the title which no other superstar has been able to do in recent times.
Here’s why Ziggler won’t be snubbed again, Firstly, with the “new era” blooming, Ziggler is one of the few full-time superstars who has the experience of staying at WWE for long and is, therefore, accustomed to its style.
Secondly, with the brand-split every superstar will get time to express themselves and this is what Ziggler was lacking earlier.
Thirdly, he is an all-round performer as he fits into any role and gets the crowd running either as a face or a heel.
Dolph Ziggler has been one of the most consistent performers for WWE over the years even though getting only a few opportunities. This shows the talent he has and his confidence. Even though the chances did not come, Ziggler performed the same way he has been performing and let his performance speak for itself.
Although WWE was late to elevate Ziggler, it is never too late to make things right and this is the time. Hopefully, we can see Ziggler in a lengthy reign and get further elevated up the card because that is what he deserves.
