WWE: Why Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger Are Great Heels

As part of Vickie Guerrero's stable on Raw, Dolph Ziggler and Jack Swagger have blossomed into must-see highlights of WWE's flagship show.

While their fluctuating spots on the roster may not always show it, when it comes to being despicable, heat-garnering heels  few in the promotion do it better.

First of all, both have well established amateur wrestling backgrounds. Swagger was a two-time Heavyweight State Champion in high school and an accomplished All-American wrestler at the University of Oklahoma.

Ziggler also had an esteemed amateur background, wrestling for Saint Edwards High in Ohio and helping their team win two national championships. While at Saint Edwards High, Ziggler wrestled alongside current UFC star Gray Maynard.

Ziggler later he went to Kent State University to wrestle, and and won three amateur championships and set a record for career wins in the university's history.

These well-established fighting backgrounds help give both Swagger and Ziggler legitimacy and tough guy aura that many stars in the WWE, most notably The Miz, are accused of lacking. Fans have no problem believing these two can back up everything they say and are believable threats to the babyfaces.

Both also stand out because they differ from the usual WWE mold. Well, apart from that hideous short brown haircut WWE forced Dolph to get last year.  Thankfully, they allowed him to change back to the more unique bleach blonde hairdo shortly afterwards.  

Indeed, with his intentionally ridiculous dye job, hot pink t-shirts and 80's style suits, Ziggler stands out from everyone else in the company. This is a good thing, even if WWE management doesn't always see it that way.

With his wacky and over-the-top facial expressions, Swagger also has his own distinctive look. He looks like a heel from one of the Revenge of the Nerds films. In fact, people have invariably commented on his resemblance to Back to the Future villan, Biff Tannen, as well.

Ziggler and Swagger have also managed to give unique spins to the tired “arrogant and cocky” heel character that has been a cornerstone of WWE television for years now. Ziggler will always inject some of his own smarmy wit into his promos, and can be genuinely funny on the mic.

For his part, Swagger can play the rude, obnoxious ultra-patriotic, All-American heel incredibly well. His work in 2010 reminded some of Kurt Angle's fun run as an emerging heel in 2000. He isn't afraid to be funny either. The Swagger Soaring Eagle anyone?

Ziggler and Swagger also benefit from working alongside the hugely talented Vickie Guerrero. The most successful heel manager WWE has had in years.The obnoxious, screechy Guerrero is a heat-magnet and a great aid to both of her “clients” as they attempt to get noticed in the organization.

Additionally both men can go in the ring. Ziggler has been noticed over the past year for his hard work, crazy bumping ability and outstanding athletic ability. He has also shown an impressive versatility in the ring, carrying the flawed Zack Ryder to the best match of his career at TLC as he defended and lost his United States Championship to the cult sensation.

Swagger is also talented, although somewhat more under-rated. For someone at 6' 4" he works tremendously well, and his smooth and polished in ring work is not marred by any of the clumsiness or lethargy usually associated with the company's big men. It is blindingly clear that the woefully under-utilized Swagger could show a lot more to fans. If only the reluctant WWE brass would give him the chance.

Swagger and Ziggler have shown time and time again that they are easily two of the best and most unique heels America's No.1 organization has. Now here's hoping WWE can wise up too and give both men the treatment and booking they deserve.