Sting, Dolph Ziggler and Latest WWE News and Rumors from Ring Rust Radio

Ring Rust Radio is the best wrestling show on the airwaves, and this week was no different. With strong opinions on Sting, Dolph Ziggler and more, this is where you need to go to get all of your weekly WWE nuggets.

Bleacher Report featured columnists Mike Chiari, Donald Wood and Brandon Galvin give the lowdown on everything going on in the wrestling world.

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Sting Makes WWE Debut at Survivor Series

Wrestling fans have long wondered if Sting would ever cross over and make an appearance on WWE programming. Hopes were bolstered when the Icon got involved with WWE 2K15, and the moment everyone was waiting for finally came to fruition when the Stinger debuted at Survivor Series by helping Team Cena defeat Team Authority.

Question on Everybody's Mind: Was This the Proper Utilization of Sting?

There is no question that Sting's debut was a surreal moment that every diehard wrestling fan will remember forever, but one can't help but wonder if this was the best possible way to introduce the former WCW stalwart to the WWE audience.

The WWE Universe has long thought and dreamed about how Sting's debut might play out, and it's worth questioning if his appearance at Survivor Series was everything it could and should have been.

In terms of impact, Sting most definitely made his presence felt. He interrupted what WWE was billing as one of the biggest matches in the company's history and was directly responsible for Dolph Ziggler pinning Seth Rollins to win.

He also had a stare down with Triple H before ultimately hitting him with a Scorpion Death Drop. Sting is a big reason why the Authority is no longer in power, but the reasoning behind his actions is as yet unknown.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

Among the aspects of Sting's debut that some fans could understandably take issue with were his theme song and entrance in general. WWE made strange decisions to not use his iconic WCW theme and have him walk deliberately to the ring, rather than simply appear in the squared circle. Beyond that, though, the fact his debut didn't involve the Undertaker could certainly be viewed as a disappointment.

If Sting vs. Taker is never going to happen, however, it makes sense for Sting to go after the Game, since he would presumably be next in the pecking order as far as opponents go. WWE didn't have Sting explain his actions on Raw, and there is no telling if he ever will. If he doesn't, then fans will be left wondering why he wanted to take Triple H and the Authority out of power.

Perhaps there are more questions than answers in the wake of Sting's debut, but it was undoubtedly an unforgettable moment that will be part of WWE highlight reels for years to come.

Rumor Mill

Backstage news on Sting's WWE status (PWInsider Elite via WrestlingInc.com)

Dolph Ziggler Shines in Team Cena's Victory

While many predicted that Team Cena would prevail against Team Authority at Survivor Series, most assumed John Cena would be the sole survivor—with good reason. WWE pulled off a major swerve, however, by putting the ball in Ziggler's hands instead. He took it and ran with it, as he was responsible for the final three eliminations of the match, and he was ultimately recognized as the sole survivor in the main event.

Question on Everybody's Mind: Is a Big Push on the Horizon?

Few Superstars have received the start-and-stop treatment like the Showoff in relation to pushes. Ziggler has won the World Heavyweight Championship twice and is a former Mr. Money in the Bank, but his stay near the top has always been brief. He has toiled in the midcard or worse for much of the past year, but putting Ziggler in such a big spot at Survivor Series is seemingly proof that WWE has big plans for him moving forward.

Ziggler is one of the best in-ring performers in the business today. He also has a great look and an engaging personality. Because of those factors, it is easy to see why he is often compared to the likes of Shawn Michaels and Mr. Perfect. All Ziggler has needed for the past few years is a true opportunity, and there is reason to believe that one may finally be on the horizon.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

Survivor Series was almost certainly the biggest showing of Ziggler's career to this point, but there is always reason to be concerned about Ziggler having the rug pulled out from under him. To have Ziggler overcome a three-on-one deficit by eliminating Kane, Luke Harper and Rollins in succession after being responsible for Rusev's elimination suggests that things could be different this time around.

Unfortunately, there is no clear path to the main event, given Cena is next in line for a shot at Brock Lesnar's WWE World Heavyweight title when the champion returns. Perhaps Ziggler could enter into a feud just below the main event against someone like Seth Rollins. However, Randy Orton and Roman Reigns both figure to return soon, and Rollins will be firmly in their respective crosshairs.

Ziggler must find a way to maintain his momentum while not necessarily being in the last match on the card, but it is also up to the creative team to strike while the iron is hot.

Rumor Mill

Backstage news on Randy Orton at Survivor Series (PWInsider Elite via WrestlingInc.com)

The Authority Is No Longer In Power

Following their squad's loss to Team Cena at Survivor Series, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon were stripped of their authoritative power. Vince McMahon, who initially made the stipulation, expressed a great deal of disappointment in his daughter and son-in-law the next night on Raw, and it remains to be seen when they will return to WWE programming in some capacity.

Question on Everybody's Mind: What's Next for WWE's Power Structure?

As a replacement for the Authority, Daniel Bryan was named general manager of both Raw and SmackDown this past week. It was only temporary, however, as it was later revealed that the anonymous Raw general manager would return next week. Based on the manner in which things have been handled thus far, it certainly seems as though WWE will utilize a new authority figure with each passing week.

If that is the case, then WWE has a big challenge on its hands in terms of keeping things interesting. Bryan worked on many levels due to the fact that he is hugely popular and hasn't been seen for quite some time. Conversely, the anonymous Raw general manager gimmick has been roundly criticized since it ended, and it is difficult to imagine it being embraced during the upcoming week.

Ring Rust Radio's Take

While an entrenched authority figure isn't always necessary in wrestling, this would seem to be a great opportunity to give Vince more air time. Perhaps he doesn't want to take on that responsibility, but he is present at every show anyway, and the fans would obviously love to see him in a greater capacity.

Since he was partially responsible for Triple H and Stephanie losing their power, Vince elevating himself would certainly be a logical move.

If that is the case, then it could be the perfect way to get Triple H and Steph back in power at some point in the near future. Since Cena is the only one who can make that happen, perhaps Vince can return to the tyrannical, heel character that made him so successful in the past. If he does that, then Cena may have no choice but to reluctantly bring Triple H and Stephanie back into the fold.

Whatever the case, the rotating GM gimmick isn't particularly appealing, so hopefully there is something bigger on the cards for Vince.

Rumor Mill

Backstage news on Sting vs. Triple H (PWInsider Elite via WrestlingInc.com)

Ring Rust Radio's Season 6 Fantasy WWE Final Standings

1. Mike Chiari: 300

2. Donald Wood: 297.5

3. Brandon Galvin: 50

4. Joe Arcidiacono: -35

For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio. Catch the latest episode in the player below (some language NSFW).

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