Adam Copeland (Edge) Debuts on AEW Dynamite: A Review of the October 4th 2023 Edition of AEW Dynamite
Oct 5, 2023
WRESTLERANK
Published: Sep 26, 2023
Last week, the WWE released 24 wrestlers. The most shocking of these releases was that of former World Heavyweight Champion, Dolph Ziggler.
Ziggler was signed to the company for 19 years, having first started in the developmental territory Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW) back in 2004. It wasn’t long before he made his television debut as Chavo Guerrero Jr’s caddie during Chavo’s run as “Kerwin White” in 2005.
After the passing of Eddie Guerrero in late 2005, the Kerwin White character was dropped, putting Ziggler off TV for a few months.
In early 2006, Ziggler would be reappear on TV as a member of the Spirit Squad. That run would last until the end of 2006, after which Ziggler would return to developmental.
He was repackaged in 2008 and was given the name we know him as today, “Dolph Ziggler”. He was frequently seen on TV, famously introducing himself to everyone backstage with the phrase “Hi, I’m Dolph Ziggler”. Apparently, the origin of that name comes from his great-grandfather, Rudolph, and a friend of his who suggested the surname “Ziggler”.
Over the next few years, Dolph would master his craft and come to be known as one of the best sellers in the wrestling business. He could make anyone look like a million bucks.
One of the most memorable moments in WWE history and a major highlight of his career was his Money in the Bank cash-in to win the World Heavyweight Championship from Alberto Del Rio. Some have said it was the best MITB cash in of all time.
Sadly, his title reign would be cut short when he would suffer a concussion at a Smackdown taping a month later. He would lose the title back to Alberto Del Rio just 69 days into his reign at Payback, in his first title defence.
In the following years, he would play a big role in the mid-upper card, helping talent get over. He would have multiple intercontinental title reigns, as well as tag team title reigns with Drew Mcintyre and Robert Roode (Bobby Roode).
Ziggler has always had fans passionately rooting for him to get the main-event run and push he deserves. Seeming to always be within arm’s reach of the elusive “brass ring”, but unable to clutch it firmly, Ziggler was given a ‘perennial contender’ status that many others have had to contend with.
One of Ziggler’s most heartfelt promos, cut on the 9-27-16 edition of Smackdown, is frequently remembered and talked about. It is probably Ziggler’s best promo, but he has had a lot of hits over the years.
“This, this is all I have. This couple minutes a night, three hundred nights a year. This is my everything, I don’t think that’s a surprise to anyone when they know that I live for this. This, this is what I love! But you know what, sometimes things you love don’t always love you back. And you can give, and you can give, and you can give, and you can give, and you can give, and you can give, and sometimes you get nothing in return. You get nothing! And you have friends, and family, and fans coming up and telling you why do you still do it? Why are you still here? Why do you subject yourself to this every night? It’s because I can’t stop. I can’t! It’s a sickness, I can’t stop! And maybe my career didn’t always turn out the way I thought it would, you know? I thought it would have been better. I thought I earned something. I thought I would be a bigger star. But you know what, I just can’t stop myself. I can’t. But you, you put that title up one more time. Listen to me Miz! Put that title up one more time, and I’ll put up my entire career.” – Dolph Ziggler
Ziggler would win the Intercontinental Championship after this, only to then lose the title back to The Miz 37 days later on Smackdown 900. The feud ended at TLC in December that year, when Ziggler was defeated a final time by The Miz. He would then work the main-event scene, becoming the number one contender to AJ Styles’ WWE Championship.
In his final year at WWE, he would spend time at NXT, where he would even win the NXT Championship in a Triple Threat match with Tommaso Ciampa and Bron Breakker. His reign lasted 27 days, ultimately losing the title back to Bron Breakker.
Everyone in the pro wrestling community seems to agree that the company wasted Ziggler’s potential. To be released without a meaningful farewell feud was also surprising. He was one of the longest-tenured wrestlers still active with the company.
The Rock and Ric Flair, among many others, had some nice words to share about Ziggler in the fallout of the releases.
“Just seeing all these releases now. These days so f’n tough for the ones who gave their all to our crazy world of pro wrestling. Like @HEELZiggler What a decorated @WWE career and I’ll always be a supporter and fan. Can’t wait to see what he (and everyone) does next… #onward” – The Rock
“As for my dear friend, @HEELZiggler, who has been my close friend for 20 years, you have been nothing less than the best professional & the best at everything you have been called upon to do. A leader, a champion, and a man of unquestionable character. I'll never forget the letter you wrote me in the hospital. I know you will be successful in life because that's who you are.” – Ric Flair
Jim Cornette on the podcast “Cornette’s Drive-Thru”, raised the possibility of Ziggler joining AEW.
“So maybe if he wants to continue wrestling, you know I’m sure Tony would be glad to write him a large check because he’s a former WWE champion” – Jim Cornette
Ziggler’s younger brother, Ryan Nemeth (who looks like a young short-haired Dolph) is on the AEW roster, so it could be interesting if they did something together.
Brian Last suggested the possibilty of Ziggler joining NJPW.
“Japan may be a better option for someone like that if he still wanted to do stuff in wrestling” – Brian Last
Mustafa Ali – Another talent also in a similar position to Dolph Ziggler, having had the support of fans but never really getting the push he deserved.
Matt Riddle – He’s been in the news a lot lately. He had a popular tag-team run with Randy Orton.
Elias and his brother, Ezekiel – Another two wrestlers with a lot of wasted potential.
Emma – A surprise release coming off the announcement of WWE coming to Australia for Elimination Chamber in 2024. This is her second release from the company.
Rick Boogs – A wrestler who had a great time in NXT, but didn’t get much exposure on the main roster. He was repackaged a lot and recently said “I can say with 100% certainty, the removal of Vince killed my career”.
Shelton Benjamin – A seasoned veteran and one of the most under-utilized talent. He recently had an interview with Chris Van Vliet, which I recommend listening to.
Dana Brooke – The female Ziggler with a lot of online support but never really getting a meaningful push.
Mansoor – The first Saudi Arabian wrestler.
Mace – He recently mentioned getting forearmed by Vince McMahon in a production meeting.
Dabba Kato – He wasn’t featured much on TV. Shane McMahon loved saying his name though on “Raw Underground”.
Top Dolla
Aliyah
Riddick Moss
Quincy Elliot
Bryson Montana
Shanky
Yulisa Leon
Daniel McArthur
Kevin Ventura-Cortez
Alexis Gray
Brooklyn Barlow
Melanie Brzezinski
Ikemen Jiro
These wrestlers will remain in the ranking system on WrestleRank until I figure out what to do with them. Have ideas? Please contact me!
