5 Reasons why Dolph Ziggler is not a main event level superstar

While one of the few concessions that Dolph Ziggler seems to end up with at the end of the day is the vote of support from the ‘smart’ wrestling fans, it might be interesting to look at why exactly a talented in-ring worker always seems to be at the centre of a debate. Should Dolph Ziggler be given a run as a main eventer or is the WWE actually justified, in some aspects, to keep him rooted in the upper mid-card?Ziggler has indeed distinguished himself with consistent in-ring performances over the last few years, and his credibility and career ambition cannot be disputed. However, it is worthwhile to pick the brains of the WWE think-tank, so that we may hope to better understand why exactly they are not ‘pushing’ him as a top level main event Superstar.Having said that, initial Reality Era programming has shown every indication that fan opinion is being considered to a greater extent by the WWE than in previous eras, and Dolph Ziggler may yet rally enough support to finally catapult him into main event status after all.

#1 Build

The prototype WWE main eventer, at least in the eyes of the WWE, has always been a heavyweight. Whether this is right or wrong is a subjective matter in itself. It is simply the wish of Vince McMahon, and as the Chairman of WWE, one could argue that he does reserve the right to decide how his product is going to be presented.

For Dolph Ziggler though, this is one factor that is always going to count against his claim to main event status. Ziggler is a fly-weight, and though he does put on entertaining matches with heavyweights, he seldom looks capable of physically dominating his opponent. Although understated, this is an important quality that the WWE looks for in its main eventers.

The top baby-faces are required to constantly close shows by putting down the heel and “send the crowd home happy”. One could argue that Ziggler would be up for it, but would it look believable if he were to physically dominate monster heels regularly to close out shows? Or to be thorough in examination of the situation, would it do good for the credibility of the company if its top main event star constantly got flattened by the monster heels? Perhaps the WWE did not want to find out the answer to that question. Keeping in mind that it is a business at the end of the day, perhaps pushing Ziggler to main event status was just a risk the WWE did not deem prudent.

#2 Over-selling?

“Over-selling”, as a term, leads to an inkling of confusion as it leads to the question, “What is the right amount to ‘sell’ anyway?” It all comes down to a matter of perspective: Ric Flair’s infamous over-selling earned him plaudits while The Rock was particularly known for how he sold the Stone Cold Stunner. In Ziggler’s case, however, the matter of over-selling takes a rather more subtle undertone.

When Ziggler performs, he generally sells well for his opponents. We often see him collapse in a heap after taking impact, almost as though he has been knocked out. While this is part of the reason why he is considered to be a good seller, it also inevitably makes him look weak - weakness that would not befit a top level main eventer.

Thus, if the WWE creative had to book a spot to close the show, would it not be more convenient to book Ziggler as the guy who sells the move, rather than deliver it?

#3 Microphone skills

In the top-tiers of the wrestler hierarchy in WWE, promo-cutting does not exist as a bonus, but rather as a necessity. And Ziggler arguably lacks the microphone skills to aid in his push for the top.

Microphone skills cannot be understated for a top guy, especially since being a top guy means that the wrestler has to impress his personality onto the fans so as to connect with them on a greater level than a mid carder.

Paul Heyman was the answer to the anomaly that is Brock Lesnar, but then again, comparing Ziggler with a super-athlete is hardly fair. Lesnar is physically gifted enough to overlook his shortcomings on the microphone, but could the same be said of Ziggler?

Until Ziggler finds a way to better establish his personality with the audience and gain some real traction through the microphone, his bid for main event status will likely maintain its current status quo.

#4 Gimmick

Could a wrestler who shares more than a distinct similarity with the Mr. Ass gimmick seriously be touted for a main event spot? Without implying any offense to the gimmick itself, it is not exactly an enrichment to one’s sensibilities, and if anything, it detracts from Ziggler’s claim to fame.

A change in gimmick, as history has proven, could work wonders for stagnating superstars. And Ziggler is dangerously close to being considered as such if his mediocrity were to continue any longer.

Every wrestler needs a gimmick that empowers him to express his personality traits through the character he enacts. It’s true that in many instances, predicting what changes exactly in a wrestler’s career a change in gimmick could cause is speculatory. But perhaps we can all agree that it certainly wouldn’t hurt Ziggler’s chances to try.

#5 X-Factor

An entire essay could be written in an attempt to better explain this phenomenon, but it would be futile due to the intangibility of the subject matter anyway. In a nutshell then, I am talking about the ‘X-factor” or secret ingredient, if you will, that serves to underline the disparity between the top level main eventers and the mid-carders.

Perhaps it has something to do with body language or maybe even the mentality of the wrestler. Likely both. The will to dominate far exceeds the confines of the ring and filters through even into everyday activities, like signing autographs for instance.

During the Attitude Era, Stone Cold Steve Austin used to sign his autographs with “Stone Cold Steve Austin #1”. It was a clear indication of his mentality and how he viewed himself even outside the ring. The Rock noticed this and thought to himself that he wanted the number 1 spot for himself. Had these two wrestlers not cultivated such winning mentalities, would we have ever witnessed what ranks as one of the greatest feuds to ever unfold in WWE history?

By no means am I implying that Dolph Ziggler lacks this sort of mentality or X-factor. All I am saying is that #HEELZiggler might want to take some pointers.