9 Match Star Ratings For WWE Stomping Grounds

2. Kofi Kingston Vs. Dolph Ziggler - WWE Championship Steel Cage Match

Kofi Ziggler Stars
WWE.com

A mind-numbing affront to psychology and entertainment, if there was anything to feel inspired by in its aftermath, it was difficult not to come away from it with a renewed respect for the performers who can pull off a 20 minute plus main event-level match. You can't just stick two guys, albeit very talented, in a main event-level match and expect a main event.

WWE tried that last night, and it didn't work.

WWE has told us for years, very smugly, that they tells stories, that they transcend pro wrestling because it tells stories. It's an arrogant joke of a mentality, and this punchline did not land - quite fittingly, given the challenger involved. Dolph Ziggler aimed for ring generalship here, by setting a deliberate place and employing a logical and dry strategy, but he isn't a main event general. He hasn't earned that currency. Whomever laid this out imposed on Ziggler a Triple H/Randy Orton methodical pivot. It asked too much of him, it sucked, and it materialised as 20 punishingly dull minutes of zero heft and drama.

Dolph worked the leg ceaselessly, to no heat, and no reaction was forthcoming when he attempted his escape. Nobody bought him as a challenger, and he didn't do enough to project himself as one.

A dire version of a gimmick match WWE simply cannot make work - and the second in three pay-per-views, somehow.

Star Rating: *1/2

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!