WWE SummerSlam 2012: Why Chris Jericho Will Destroy Dolph Ziggler

Chris Jericho is due.

WWE has been using Y2J as a proverbial punching bag for others since returning full-time back in January, and now is the time for a win in a pay-per-view event.

And that opportunity is right in front of him this Sunday at SummerSlam against “The Showoff” Dolph Ziggler.

After a failed feud with CM Punk and a suspension for denigrating the Brazilian flag, the buzz surrounding Jericho has been cold this summer.

Now is his chance to regain the spotlight with a big-time performance against a middle-of-the-road superstar.

Because that’s just what Ziggler is—a very average character in the WWE Universe. His highs and lows are never too big, and he never seems to move the needle.

This feud has been littered with lots of trash talking and interference in the others matches, but finally they meet one-on-one.

Jericho’s time as a WWE superstar is coming to a close as he prepares to tour with his band Fozzy, and there is no way they'll let him just fade to black without a strong send off.

The groundwork was set recently as Jericho unleashed his “Y2J” persona which has been a big hit with the crowds. There is no better sendoff for Jericho then to have him win in a PPV event as one of the best characters in his incredibly long arsenal of them.  

With the way Raw 1000 celebrated its history, it’s clear the company cares immensely about their stars, regardless of how old they are. Jericho has been with the company on and off since way back in 1996 with the WCW; he deserves the proper send off.

Forcing him to lose to such a generic and uninspiring star like Ziggler just doesn’t make sense.

I’m going to miss Jericho’s goofy bright jacket, outstanding in-ring wrestling and unbelievable mic work. Sure his latest tenure didn’t go completely rosy, but this is WWE’s chance to send him off with a bang.

Y2J will back, if for only one night. 

Follow Eric Ball on Twitter.