WWE TLC 2011 Results: What We Learned from Zack Ryder's Win

At WWE's third annual TLC event, Internet sensation Zack Ryder defeated Dolph Ziggler to win his first United States Championship.

Thanks to the hard work of both men, the Ziggler/Ryder bout was a great, heated opener, with the Maryland fans at the 1st Mariner Arena firmly behind Ryder every step of the way.

Indeed, when Zack finally nailed the Rough Ryder on his bleach-blonde foe for the pin, some particularly ecstatic fans could be seen actually jumping for joy in the background. You certainly don't see that much anymore.

And in a truly heartwarming moment, we also saw Zack's dad, who appears as a regular character on Zack's cult YouTube show Z! True Island Long Story, emotionally celebrating his son's victory at ringside. Sniff. 

So, what can we deduce from Ryder's victory at TLC?

Well, first of all, it is a show of faith from WWE in Ryder. At times over the past year, WWE management have seemed reluctant to push the Internet star, possibly feeling he is a flash in the pan and his popularity would be fleeting. Or perhaps there was some deep-rooted resentment because the resourceful Ryder made himself a star, with no help whatsoever from the booking team. Who knows?

But by giving Ryder the U.S Championship at TLC, WWE management have rewarded his hard work and made a commitment to push him as a serious, babyface mid-card act. At a time when the company is often lambasted for their inability to make new stars, the booking here is something that should be commended. 

Can Ryder, who has been mainly a comedy act up until now, succeed at getting fans to take him seriously? The jury is still out on that one.

But if we've learned anything about Ryder over the past year, it's that he is the type of guy who can make the most out of his opportunities, so fans can fully expect he can work hard and flourish in the role of United States Champion. The fact that he now has a supportive booking team behind him at long last can only help matters.

And what of Dolph Ziggler, the man whom Zack defeated to take the title? Well, while the title has grown in status and profile in recent times, many still see it as a mid-card belt and consider Ziggler to be above it.

Indeed, over the past year the former Spirit Squad member has evolved from a talented mid-carder to one of the very best wrestlers in North America. We have seen him fight CM Punk and Randy Orton in the best television matches on the year, and churn out quality pay-per-view matches against the likes of John Morrison and Edge. Athletically, there may not be anyone better in the company. His bumping is also incredible, and reminiscent of that other great seller, Mr. Perfect. 

Impressively, he has also grown considerably as a personality, with his brash, arrogant heel act being a highlight of an often stale and stagnant Raw product.

As an inexperienced rookie he may have once needed Vickie Guerrero (who was expelled from ringside in this match due to her attempts to interfere one too many times) to get over, but he certainly doesn't anymore. His work speaks for itself at this point.

So, the hard-working Ziggler should be headed up the card, possibly for a feud with CM Punk or John Cena. If that is the case, switching the U.S Title may be seen as an indication that WWE brass felt he had outgrown the belt.  

Ryder's victory at TLC gave us a good indication of the booking team's plans for both men. Thankfully, for both of them and fans who have grown tired of having the same old names on top, things look good for these two fresh-young stars.