WWE Over the Limit 2012 Results: Superstars Who Keep Trending in Wrong Direction

Even though several superstars like CM Punk and Sheamus were able to secure major victories at WWE Over the Limit 2012, others weren't nearly as lucky. Pay-per-view losses are a clear sign that a WWE star is moving in the wrong direction.

Here's a look at three superstars who suffered key losses on Sunday night. None of the defeats were overly surprising based on their recent builds, but it shows exactly how far down the ladder several stars have fallen in recent months.

Zack Ryder

Ryder worked hard to receive the push that eventually led to his WWE United States Championship reign, but it's been a rough couple of months since he dropped the belt. Kane, who was the main reason he lost the title after causing storyline injuries, beat him on the preshow last night.

While Ryder still has a lot of support from the WWE Universe thanks to his popular YouTube show, it's clearly not enough to earn him a spot on weekly television. He's been a glorified jobber more than anything else lately, which basically takes him back to square one.

Late last year it looked like he was one of the company's fastest-rising stars. Now he's just another face in the crowd waiting for another chance. Based on last night's result, it doesn't seem like that will happen any time soon.

The Miz

In the span of one year, The Miz has gone from being WWE champion to picking up a loss to Brodus Clay. That's about as big of a drop as a superstar can take in such a short time period and it appears to be taking a toll on him.

Usually The Miz is terrific during his promos, but his one last night lacked the trademark enthusiasm fans have come to expect from him. And without that drive to succeed, it's tough to imagine him getting back to the top.

Between his loss to the Funkasaurus and his failure to win the battle royal earlier in the night, Miz suffered two negative hits in the same night. Ultimately, he has too much talent to keep struggling, but the light in the tunnel still seems a long way ahead.

Dolph Ziggler

Ziggler is the most under-appreciated person in the WWE right now. He has all the skills you look for in a main-event superstar, but he still spends way too much of his time picking up losses in meaningless matches like he did last night.

He teamed up with fellow Vickie Guerrero client Jack Swagger—both of whom are holding him back from reaching the next level—in a loss to Kofi Kingston and R-Truth in a battle for the tag team title. Making matters worse, Ziggler got pinned instead of Swagger.

Give credit to Ziggler for putting on a great show every time he goes to the ring. That hard work should be rewarded. Instead, it seems like the creative team has no plans for him, so he gets stuck in minor mid-card feuds. It's a boatload of talent going to waste.