10 Reasons Why Dolph Deserved His Demotion

9. He Wasn't That Detestable A Heel, Either

Dolph Ziggler
WWE.com

Ziggler never could do what Punk, Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins have done to great success over the years - generate intense and profound heel heat despite their status as internet favourites.

His heel act was sound enough, in theory. Wrestling fans have always been quick to despise pretty boys and handsome men - look no further than the age it took the likes of Shawn Michaels and The Rock to gain or recover fan acceptance. Everybody knows somebody who he's been blessed with good lucks, physical gifts, and natural charisma - and everybody hates them.

Ziggler's modern day Rick Rude update, with a few crucial adjustments, could have been an act with real staying power; it had solid foundations, but he was never able to build upon them to create a powerhouse of a heel. Even when paired with Vickie Guerrero, one of the most innately irritating managers of the modern era, Ziggler struggled to match the detestability levels of her former charge in Edge.

Part of the problem was his one-dimensional method of in-ring storytelling. He never mastered the art of trash talking or outright cheating. He also spent too long perfecting just one element of the heel package...

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!