9 Match Star Ratings For WWE Stomping Grounds
2. Kofi Kingston Vs. Dolph Ziggler - WWE Championship Steel Cage Match
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