10 Greatest Ultimate Opportunists In WWE History

9. Dolph Ziggler

Dean Ambrose Mike Chioda
WWE.com

There are few Money in the Bank cash-ins more memorable or emotional than Dolph Ziggler's.

Just 24 hours after WrestleMania XXIX where fans in MetLife Stadium answered a lethargic Alberto Del Rio vs Jack Swagger World Heavyweight Championship match with chants of "we want Ziggler", The Showoff responded, capitalizing on an injured Del Rio and cashing in the briefcase he had carried for months.

Whereas the heel typically dominates, hitting a move or two en route to their win, Ziggler used his knack for creating drama to tell a story and provoke doubt that he would win. Just as it looked like The Showoff would capture the title, he found himself trapped in the cross armbreaker, courtesy of an alert Del Rio. In the end, though, no last ditch efforts would be enough for the champion to retain.

Ziggler planted the Mexican-born superstar with The Zig-Zag and became world champion for the second time in his career. The crowd erupted, greeting the championship change with a thunderous ovation, approving the ascension of one of the industry's hardest working stars.

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Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.