WWE Predictions: Is Dolph Ziggler a Future World Champion?

I have to admit, I have never really been all that high on Dolph Ziggler.

It’s hard to explain why. I suppose part of me could not let go of that silly male cheerleader gimmick. After all, The Spirit Squad were not pushed, as much as they were shoved, down our throats.

Maybe it was the name. WWE’s stubborn insistence on using the most ridiculous working names is legendary, and you would think that in this modern era that Vince McMahon would move on from the days of Bastion Booger.

I mean, come on. “Dolph. Ziggler?” Seriously?

But, something funny happened while spending so much time writing about CM Punk, Mark Henry, John Cena and Randy Orton.

Dolph Ziggler sneaked up on me, and he’s demanding I pay attention to him.

Is it just me, or did Dolph seem to really be in his element on this past Monday Night Raw? I knew that he was fairly good on the mic, but this time, the more he spoke, the more I listened. And watched.

He’s totally in character. He has become the cocky heel that is begging to be noticed, and believes that he is an underrated wrestler who deserves the spotlight.

Yeah, that pretty much says it all.

Now, before I receive criticism for crowning a young WWE talent before it’s time, let me assure you that I am not suggesting that Ziggler be given the WWE Championship next week. In fact, I for one have never been in favor of pushing a young talent before he’s ready, despite the buzz that it has been known to generate.

I have always been of the mindset that a guy should come up through the ranks, in a natural progression, evolving and improving as a worker. It’s how most of the greats of the game came up, and though times are different now, I believe that there is always something to be learned from the past.

Shawn Michaels is a great example of this. Michaels and Marty Jannetty, as the Midnight Rockers, enjoyed a nice little run in the AWA. They earned their stripes and learned the business through hard work and true love for the sport.

When they signed with WWE and became The Rockers, they excelled far beyond what they did while working the territories. They became real stars, and just when it seemed they would always be tagging together, Shawn was suddenly given a shot at being a singles star.

It’s safe to say that worked out pretty well.

While of course, Shawn and Dolph are two separate talents, the point is that Dolph has spent the past seven years learning from some of the greats of WWE, quietly getting better and better with time.

Now that he is a featured performer on RAW, Ziggler has the opportunity to shine, and he is doing just that. But, is it enough?

Successful pro wrestling presentations are supported by good workers, and WWE is no different.

It does not matter how big, or how outlandish the main event spots can be, or how crazy the controversy that surrounds them, the meat of the program are the guys who are getting it done in the ring.

Dolph is one of those guys, and while he is known for his ability, it could very well be that same ability that keeps him at mid card level. After all, WWE has several guys who fill that role, including John Morrison, Jack Swagger, Alex Riley, Daniel Bryan, and Wade Barrett. What makes Dolph stand out from the rest of the pack?

Truth be told, I’m not sure. I only know I like this guy, and when it comes to the workers I can envision as being capable of holding the gold, Dolph is definitely on the list.

A big conversation point for Dolph is the effect that his manager, Vickie Guerrero, has on his career.

Without her, Dolph was just coasting along, putting his time in.  With her, however, he does seem to be a little more on fans’ radar.  Will Vickie indeed be the thing that gets him over the hump, or will he make it there despite her?

Dolph Ziggler has come a long way since the days of jumping around on stage wearing green sweats. He is now recognized as being a true star on RAW, a guy whose future is bright and hopefully includes a run at the top.

Still hate that name.