WWE SummerSlam 2016: 7 Reasons Dolph Ziggler Should Win WWE Title

2. "Mia Culpa"

Del Rio Ziggler
WWE

2013 should have been the greatest year of Ziggler's career.

Just 24 hours after WrestleMania 29, The Showoff successfully cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase and defeated Alberto Del Rio for the World Heavyweight Championship in what amounted to the greatest moment of his career. The fans in East Rutherford, New Jersey erupted as he celebrated his title win, eager to embark on his main event journey with him.

Except, that run never came. After suffering a concussion at the hands of Jack Swagger, Ziggler was deemed "injury prone" by management. Just days after being cleared to return to action, he arrived to the Payback pay-per-view and was beaten by Del Rio.

It was a disappointing and heartbreaking conclusion to The Showoff's run. It also signaled the last time the Kent State graduate would ever achieve that level of success.

In the three years since, he has continued to work hard whilst continuing to establish himself as one of the best in the industry. At any point, he could have become frustrated with his position in the company, took his ball and went home. He did not and after years as one of wrestling's most selfless performers, has earned a "my bad" from management.

Contributor
Contributor

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.