10 Feuds That Must Happen Before WWE WrestleMania 33

7. Dolph Ziggler Vs. Samoa Joe

chris jericho kevin owens
WWE.com

Dolph Ziggler’s WWE career looked dead in the water a few months ago. His SummerSlam match with Dean Ambrose was met with a tepid reception, and when he faced-off with The Miz at No Mercy, it looked like he was on his way out of the company.

Instead, Ziggler overcame Miz’s shenanigans to save his career and become WWE Intercontinental Champion. He came into the Brand Split as a hopeless act, but he’s been completely reinvented as a fiery SmackDown babyface, and him and Miz have put forth some sterling work together.

Their story is coming to its natural end, however, and when it’s done, Ziggler has a problem on his hands. SmackDown’s mid-card scene isn’t exactly flush with quality IC Title challengers, and the likes of Apollo Crews and Baron Corbin are likely next in line. Precisely nobody wants to see those feuds at this point in time, so the logical thing for WWE to do is look to their celebrated developmental territory, and bring up a man who has been ready for the main roster since the day he debuted.

Samoa Joe will face Shinsuke Nakamura for the NXT Championship on November 19th, but there’s no reason to keep him at Full Sail any longer. He’s a seasoned pro, a great wrestler, and one of the most vicious heels currently under WWE employ. Alongside the reborn Ziggler, he’d make for a great Intercontinental Title feud.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.