November 23rd was the night that Dolph Ziggler emerged from the pack and became a truly elite performer in World Wrestling Entertainment. For six years, he had staked his claim as one of the best workers in the entire industry. Despite outstanding performances on a seemingly weekly basis, and two World Heavyweight Championships, he still never delivered that defining, breakout performance that proved to fans, management and critics just how great he was in a big match situation. That all changed at the 2014 Survivor Series, as he was left to battle Seth Rollins, Luke Harper and Kane of Team Authority, his career hinging on his ability to overcome a severe numbers disadvantage. He did and earned more exposure and greater recognition than at any other time in his career. It was very much a coming-of-age performance, a breakout showing if you will, that will only earn Ziggler bigger and greater opportunities in the near future. Ziggler is hardly the first Superstar to enjoy a breakout performance that led to tremendous success in Vince McMahon's company. Industry icons such as Bret Hart, The Rock, Mick Foley and Steve Austin all rose to prominence on the back of a performance that demanded attention and follow through on the part of WWE Creative. On the heels of the Showoff's monumental showing at the annual November event, and in honor of the matches and moments that made stars of some of wrestling's biggest and brightest, enjoy this look back at the greatest breakout performances in WWE history.
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.
