10 Reasons Why Dolph Deserved His Demotion

When was the last time Ziggler actually stole the show?

Dolph Ziggler
WWE.com

There's no questioning Dolph Ziggler's ability. Supremely athletic, and a stupendous bumper, Ziggler has demonstrated on countless occasions that he is very much capable of assembling a high-quality fifteen minute midcard match.

However - along with several fervent supporters within the Internet Wrestling Community - he believes he's a damn sight better than that. Reportedly miffed about his recent treatment and concerned for his long-term prospects, Dolph fully believes he's a main event talent stuck before his time in a kingmaker role.

But is that perception accurate? Has Ziggler done enough in recent years to grab that 'imaginary brass ring'?

Doubtlessly, he deserves better than to put over a still-green Baron Corbin ad nauseam. He isn't even a vaunted veteran fans would be shocked to see lose to an up and comer - he's lost countless times to countless opponents of varying stature. Equally, it can very easily be argued that Ziggler isn't and may not ever be ready for a main event spot.

And, as we'll learn here, he's as much to blame for his predicament as the shoddiness with which he's been booked...

10. He Isn't That Likeable A Face

Dolph Ziggler
WWE.com

Since turning face a couple of years back, with WWE's hand forced by the legion of hardcore fans who refused to see him adorned in the black hat, Ziggler has done little to appease those who were hesitant to cheer him.

As a heel, he was a good-looking guy who could flat-out go - and he wasn't shy about telling that to anybody who would listen. In the face role, very little has changed. The only facet he's added to his act is the unjustified - and annoying - chip-on-his-shoulder routine.

There are many ways to play the face role, especially since Stone Cold Steve Austin changed the game forever back in 1997.

That said, a whiny sense of entitlement isn't the best way of capturing the imagination of the wider audience. It worked for CM Punk. He rallied against his treatment endlessly, but the difference is that he demonstrated, time and time again, through constant reinvention, that he was capable of sustaining audience interest over several years. He defied typecasting to play against his natural heel sensibility to very successful effect in 2011 and 2012.

Unlike Punk, Ziggler is seemingly immune to character development. He still gyrates like a stripper on the entrance ramp at a time when he's trying to fully engage with the older male demographic.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!