Examining Dolph Ziggler's Rise to Prominence on WWE Programming
By Tom Clark , Featured Columnist May 28, 2015
credit: wwe.com
Dolph Ziggler is considered by many WWE fans to be the best hand in the company. Every time he's in the ring, he works hard, bumps hard and sells moves arguably better than anyone else on the card. His part of the program always stands out due to his ability to draw the crowd in and keep their attention on him from bell to bell.
But his rise to prominence did not come overnight. For Ziggler, slow and steady wins the race.
His reputation has been earned over a seven-year run on the main roster, in which he went from being a typical obnoxious heel to being one of the most respected performers in the locker room. Ziggler's current place in WWE was not handed to him; it's his because no one else can do what he does, and no one can have the impact he has.
In a company that has seen its fair share of stars come and go, Ziggler has been the one constant over the past several years. CM Punk left, Batista returned, then left as well, Chris Jericho left, then came back, and Edge retired; Ziggler was there through it all.
Much like John Cena, Ziggler has stayed the course and done everything asked of him. Indeed, there may be no better example of a true workhorse as dedicated to his craft and entertaining the fans as Ziggler. He is the one reliable, proven commodity in a business that is ever-changing.
Ziggler has become a cornerstone of WWE programming, and it's hard to imagine not seeing him there.
But some fans may be questioning why he's chosen to stay there in the first place. Despite how respected he is among the audience and among his peers, the fact is Ziggler keeps getting a taste of main event glory, only to have it taken away from him every time.
His first World title reign lasted a matter of minutes back in 2009, when he was part of an angle that saw him being crowned the champ, only to lose it back almost immediately. His second title win came in 2013, much to the delight of the fans that had been supporting him throughout his championship quest.
However, an injury put him on the shelf for a month and when he returned, he lost his first title defense against Alberto Del Rio. The Showoff had once again done his part to get over, entertain the fans and once again, it seemed WWE wanted to go in another direction.
He's had opportunities along the way, been close to the top and every time he gets there, nothing happens. Secondary championship reigns have helped elevate him, but nothing compares to being the top titleholder. Unfortunately, that has not really happened for Ziggler.
But he has not been deterred. While his fans cry out for him to be featured higher on the card, Ziggler continues on his path. He is perhaps the most consistent talent on the roster; no matter what happens, he always turns in one great performance after another.
It's just who he is, and arguably no one in WWE is better at it.
He's so good that he can be inserted any time against any opponent in any match. Fans have seen him be the main event guy working against John Cena, to being the guy working a ladder match against six other Superstars. In both instances, Ziggler shines because his talent and drive cannot be denied.
He is capable of being that versatile because of the work he puts in. Ziggler can work with anyone and have a good showing because he's very selfless in the ring and understands how to pace a bout. His ring psychology is second to none, and there's very little wasted movement in his matches.
While many fans debate whether or not Roman Reigns deserves a main event run, Ziggler is waiting in the wings. As WWE promotes Seth Rollins as the future of the company, Ziggler is still maintaining his high standards. Brock Lesnar's imminent return will surely elicit fan discussion regarding his true value to the company while Ziggler continues to outshine everyone on the card.
Ziggler is a main event star, he has "it," and there is no denying that. He is one of the wheels that keeps WWE programming turning because he is that good in the ring, and he is that passionate about making his matches the best of the night.
It's for that very reason that his future in WWE must include a real run as a top guy. Rollins, Reigns and Dean Ambrose continue to battle over the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, but Ziggler must eventually get his shot at main event immortality. He's already established himself as a talent that's capable of handling the pressure and delivering when it matters most; he only needs the company's backing to make it official.
A Superstar with a proven track record that genuinely wants to be the best and give his best must be rewarded. Ziggler has come too far and done too much to just stay the course without realizing his potential in the top spotlight.
WWE surely knows what it has in Ziggler and if he continues to do what he does, then hopefully he will finally be given the opportunity he's worked so hard to get. No one deserves it more than he does
I recall Truth having a similar gimmick
if that happened
