WWE Vengeance 2011 Results: How Did Ziggler Handle Two Matches in One Night?

WWE Vengeance kicked off in San Antonio with two title matches, something that doesn't happen very often. Another rarity was that WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler was a participant in both matches, first challenging Air Boom for the WWE Tag Team Championship with his partner Jack Swagger, and later defending his United States Title against Zack Ryder.

So what happened?

Well, Dolph Ziggler isn't carrying any extra belts around, but he isn't any lighter either.

Ziggler kicked off the night in the ring against Kofi Kingston, starting the tag team match off with high intensity. Ziggler looked good but was on the receiving end of several heavy attacks, including one big Monkey Flip from Kofi where Ziggler flipped more than normal, landing right on his face.

From that point on the match continued like a regular tag team match, with each participant tagging in and out frequently. It became obvious that the team of Swagger and Ziggler were beginning to target Air Boom's biggest weakness, the small and recently injured Evan Bourne. However, after taking quite a beating, Bourne was able to tag in Kofi and gain some momentum back for the Tag Team Champions. 

After more back and forth, Dolph Ziggler was on the receiving end of a strong set of attacks from Air Boom. Though Ziggler was almost able to connect with his finisher, Kofi Kingston hit the Boom Drop, the S.O.S. and the Trouble in Paradise before tagging in Evan Bourne, who delivered the final blow—an Air Bourne from the top rope for the pin.

Ziggler was 0-for-1.

With Air Boom still celebrating at ringside, and Dolph Ziggler staggering to his feet in the ring, the "Woo Woo Woo" was heard, and Zack Ryder began making his way to the ring. The United States Championship match was next.

Ryder hit the ring with more energy than Ziggler and Swagger showed together in the first match. He instantly began targeting the weakened Ziggler with running forearms and clotheslines that put Ziggler down for one and two counts. Ziggler looked like he didn't stand a chance.

When things looked their worst, Ziggler crawled out of the ring and began making his way up the ramp, giving up the match but planning to retain his US Title. Air Boom, who were watching from the ramp, grabbed Ziggler and tossed him back into the ring. Though it was the right thing to do, Air Boom was thrown out of ringside.

Back in the ring, and with his second wind, Ziggler began to turn the tables. He started to mount his first bit of offense, putting Ryder down for the first time in the match. Though Ryder was able to counter a few moves, it started to look like Ziggler could potentially pull the match off.

Ziggler countered Ryder's boot in the corner, rolling out of the way and allowing Ryder to crotch himself on the bottom rope. He hit the Sit-out Facebuster on Ryder and scored a near fall, only to have the tables turned, with Ryder finally connecting with the boot to the face. Ryder pumped his fist and looked to move in for the kill.

Jack Swagger then got involved, grabbing at Ryder, who then became distracted. Ziggler went for the Zig Zag, but Ryder was able to hold onto the ropes and counter. Ryder then took out Swagger at ringside with a kick through the ropes, only to turn around right into a Superkick. Ziggler hooked the leg and scored the one, two, three.

So what does this mean for Ziggler?

Likely nothing.  

He and Swagger will likely remain in the Tag Team Title picture for some time, as there are really no other tag teams around to challenge Air Boom. I also don't expect his feud with Zack Ryder to dissolve. The two have great chemistry together, and Survivor Series will take place at Madison Square Garden, just a stone's throw away from Ryder's home, Long Island.

So while Ziggler may have escaped with his gold intact, and without a new belt around his waist, both could change this November.