WWE TLC 2012: Why Dolph Ziggler Should Cash in at Pay-Per-View

Dolph Ziggler must cash in his briefcase at TLC because time is running out for this moment to stand out from the rest of the night.

Ziggler won the Money in the Bank briefcase at the July pay-per-view. The briefcase guarantees him a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship whenever he chooses.

Since the win, many fans have been continually let down by Ziggler. Most recently, fans were chanting Ziggler’s name at Survivor Series when Sheamus hit Big Show with a chair multiple times.

The attack after the match most likely sets up another match between Sheamus and Big Show at TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs. It also sets up the perfect opportunity for Ziggler to cash in his briefcase.

However, Ziggler is currently feuding with John Cena. It will probably lead to a match at TLC, but that shouldn’t prevent Ziggler from cashing in his title shot.

Despite the names involved in the match, the Cena vs. Ziggler match could take place before the two title matches, allowing Ziggler enough time to rest and cash in the briefcase.

On the other hand, if Ziggler cashed in his briefcase before his match against Cena, he could defend his newly won World Heavyweight Championship a few minutes later.

It’s obvious that fans are ready to see Ziggler as the World Heavyweight champion. Despite being a heel, members of the WWE Universe are cheering for him whenever he appears.

WWE got the ball rolling with Ziggler as he was the sole survivor for his Survivor Series team. Now, it’s time for WWE to capitalize and push him all the way and here’s why.

A Fresh Face in the Title Picture

The main event scene has been mostly comprised of the same Superstars headlining pay-per-views year in and year out—Randy Orton, Alberto Del Rio, Sheamus and Big Show.

WWE had a change of pace when they threw Ryback into the WWE title match at Hell in a Cell. It gave the WWE Universe a fresh face in the main event and a new challenger for CM Punk.

Now is the right time for the same thing to be done with Ziggler and the World Heavyweight title.

There are only so many times WWE can book Del Rio vs. Sheamus or Orton for the World Heavyweight Championship.

Catapulting Ziggler into the World title picture will give the fans fresh matchups for 2013. If he wins the title, he would have many challengers gunning for him in the new year.

Granted, he’s already faced Orton and Sheamus, but this time it will be the co-main event on pay-per-views. The returning Christian or newly-turned Miz could be in line for a title shot as well.

History Repeats Itself

Just one year ago, the WWE fans were questioning when a future main eventer was going to cash in his briefcase.

That new star was Daniel Bryan.

He won the Money in the Bank briefcase at the 2011 pay-per-view. He first claimed that he would cash it in at WrestleMania XXVIII. Bryan then entered a feud with then-World Heavyweight champion Mark Henry in November.

After a couple of failed attempts at winning the World title, he cashed in his briefcase at TLC 2011. Bryan ran down moments after Big Show defeated Henry and pinned Big Show to win the title.

Fast forward to November 2012 and we are in roughly the same situation.

Ziggler, a future main eventer, is currently the Money in the Bank holder, the World Heavyweight Championship will (most likely) be on the line at TLC 2012 and Big Show will be in the match.

The situation will play out like this: Sheamus defeats Big Show, but the Giant is furious and lashes out on the new champ, similar to Survivor Series. After Big Show is done, Ziggler’s music hits and he comes out with the briefcase and a referee. Ziggler covers Sheamus and wins the World Heavyweight title.

Sheamus will win back the title, even if it’s for a matter of minutes, because he could then feud with a heel Ziggler leading up to a Royal Rumble match.

Ziggler would then be champion heading into the Royal Rumble, providing another opportunity for him to score a win at another major WWE pay-per-view.

If Not at TLC, Then When?

The Road to WrestleMania will soon be upon us and the first three pay-per-views will be filled with high-profile matches—the Royal Rumble match, elimination chambers and half of the card at WrestleMania XXIX.

Having Ziggler cash in his briefcase at any one of these events will excite the fans, but will soon be overshadowed by other matches on the card.

The last time the Royal Rumble match wasn’t the last match on the card was in 2006. The odds of that happening again are very slim. The Royal Rumble match is the most exciting match on the card and is usually the most memorable.

Of the three pay-per-views, Elimination Chamber may be the most favorable to Ziggler.

However, the fact that Ziggler has a shot at the World Heavyweight title hurts him. It’s no surprise WWE favors the WWE Championship, which would be the last match on the card.

Every WWE Superstar wants their WrestleMania moment, whether it’s their first match or winning a title.

Although, WrestleMania is getting bigger and bigger each year and it’s tougher for Superstars to stand out. Daniel Bryan’s first WrestleMania match resulted in an 18-second loss to Sheamus.

If WWE wants Ziggler to be the future of the company, then his first title run (not counting when he was awarded the title in 2011) must be a memorable one.

TLC is the perfect event for him to cash it in, as he will not be overshadowed by a probable CM Punk vs. Ryback rematch, which may end in controversy again.