However, even if he wins, what next? The past two years have shown us all that WWE is not afraid of relegating Ziggler to a mid card role, or even lower, so will it be any different even if he wins the title on Sunday?
The Intercontinental Title is currently enjoying something of a resurgence, with the belt being featured prominently on Smackdown! Live and being given far more exposure than we’ve been used to in recent years.
However, it has not been too long since the likes of Curtis Axel and Ryback were holding the Intercontinental Title and were being booked to do absolutely nothing to make it seem important. So if WWE suddenly loses interest in the title while Ziggler is holding it, it could prove absolutely disastrous for his career.
Of course, there’s always the chance that the title victory would signal an upturn in Ziggler’s fortunes. Dolph has plenty of experience holding the Intercontinental Title, being a 4-time champion, and he’s always done a great job in that spot.
This was never clearer than in 2014, when Ziggler reigned as a fighting champion, taking on all comers, which led to a very exciting reign with the title being defended on Smackdown most weeks. He put on a very high-quality series of matches with the likes of Seth Rollins, The Miz and Luke Harper, as well as a brilliant Triple Threat match in London involving Cesaro and Tyson Kidd.
This is exactly the sort of reign that Ziggler needs if he wins on Sunday. He needs to come out on Smackdown! Live each week with a mic in hand, claiming he’s the best Intercontinental Champion there’s ever been, and be able to back it up in the ring.
There could even be something similar to John Cena's US Open Challenge, where Ziggler defends his title every week against a mystery opponent. Imagine how exciting that would be, watching a high-stakes title match every Tuesday on Smackdown! Live, with Ziggler having to defend against the likes of Bray Wyatt, Dean Ambrose, Apollo Crews, Kalisto or even AJ Styles.
The possibilities are nearly endless. It would revitalise Dolph’s career and reintroduce him to newer fans as one of the very best in the world. But it all hinges on Sunday’s result.
The Miz and Dolph Ziggler have faced each other many times in the past, but never with so much on the line. Win or lose, Dolph Ziggler is about to enter a new chapter of his career.
One of Samoa Joe's colleagues had harsh words for him HERE
