7. Dolph Ziggler Survives, Vanquishes The Authority - Survivor Series, November 23
Since SummerSlam 2013, The Authority reigned over WWE with an iron fist, making life a living hell for anyone who dared stand up to them. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, the most powerful couple in the sport, were the lead villains in the company for well over the year. Seth Rollins benefited from aligning with them while the Rhodes family, Big Show, Daniel Bryan and John Cena were just a few of the Superstars to suffer at their collective hand. At the Survivor Series this past November, The Authority's reign was in jeopardy. Together, the devious duo constructed a team to fight on their behalf against the team captained by John Cena. After Big Show betrayed Cena, it appeared as though Triple H and Stephanie's rule would endure. But that was not the case, thanks to a resilient Dolph Ziggler, who pinned Kane, Luke Harper and Seth Rollins to preserve the win for Team Cena. It was ironic that the guy who scored the win that vanquished The Authority was a guy fans immediately recognize as one of the Superstars held down by management in real life. The victory served as the emphasis for a renewed push for Ziggler, who looks likely to end the year as WWE Intercontinental champion.
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.
