5 Greatest WWE Matches Of Dolph Ziggler’s Career

Dolph Ziggler, often referred to as “The Showoff,” has graced the WWE ring for over a decade, leaving an indelible mark with his in-ring prowess and charisma. Throughout his career, he has delivered countless memorable matches that have solidified his legacy as one of the best in the business. As we celebrate the remarkable journey of Dolph Ziggler, let’s dive into his five greatest WWE matches.

1. The Cash-In: Dolph Ziggler vs. Alberto Del Rio (April 8, 2013)

Few moments in WWE history evoke as much excitement and emotion as Dolph Ziggler’s Money in the Bank cash-in on April 8, 2013. The stage was set at the IZOD Centre in East Rutherford, New Jersey, just one day after WrestleMania 29. After a gruelling title defence, then-World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio was left vulnerable, nursing a damaged ankle.

Ziggler, holding the coveted Money in the Bank briefcase, seized the opportunity as the crowd erupted with anticipation. However, this wasn’t going to be a straightforward victory for Ziggler. Del Rio trapped him in the crossarmbreaker, threatening to thwart the cash-in attempt. The audience held its collective breath, fearing that Ziggler might be forced to tap out, a rarity for MITB cash-ins.

But Ziggler displayed resilience and determination, escaping Del Rio’s clutches and hitting the Zig-Zag for the pinfall victory. The IZOD Centre exploded with cheers as Dolph Ziggler achieved his lifelong dream of becoming the World Heavyweight Champion. This historic cash-in remains the defining moment of Ziggler’s career, etching his name in the annals of WWE history.

2. The Lone Survivor: Team Cena vs. Team Authority (November 23, 2014)

Survivor Series 2014 witnessed an epic showdown between Team Cena and Team Authority, with the fate of WWE hanging in the balance. If Team Authority won, Cena’s partners would face termination. However, if Cena’s team prevailed, the authority would be stripped of power.

As the battle raged on, John Cena was eliminated, leaving Dolph Ziggler as the last hope for Team Cena. With his WWE career on the line, Ziggler faced insurmountable odds but demonstrated unwavering resilience. He eliminated Kane and Luke Harper, showcasing his mettle against two formidable opponents.

The climactic moment saw Ziggler face off against Seth Rollins, who was backed by the Authority’s Triple H. Despite exhaustion, Ziggler summoned his inner strength, engaging in a thrilling battle with Rollins. Just when it seemed Triple H would intervene, the WWE Universe witnessed the shocking debut of Sting. The vigilante’s interference allowed Ziggler to secure the victory, toppling the Authority and saving WWE from their tyranny.

This match elevated Ziggler to new heights, solidifying his status as a top-tier WWE superstar and marking a pivotal moment in his career.

3. Stealing the Show: Dolph Ziggler vs. Edge (January 30, 2011)

The Royal Rumble 2011 provided Dolph Ziggler with a golden opportunity—a World Heavyweight Championship match against Edge. Ziggler, entangled in a love triangle involving Edge’s on-screen romantic interest, Vickie Guerrero, sought to prove himself on the grand stage.

This match exemplified Ziggler’s ability to connect with the audience and deliver a show-stealing performance. The drama unfolded with near-falls and expertly executed spots involving Guerrero and referee bumps. Ziggler’s resilience and in-ring storytelling shone brightly, earning him widespread acclaim.

Despite not capturing the title that night, Ziggler’s performance left an indelible mark. His ability to engage the crowd and create memorable moments became a hallmark of his career, setting the stage for future show-stealing matches.

4. Mr. Money in the Bank: Dolph Ziggler vs. All Odds (July 15, 2012)

Dolph Ziggler’s victory in the 2012 SmackDown Money in the Bank ladder match was a testament to his unwavering dedication and work ethic. This win symbolised his journey from a talented midcarder to a bona fide main-eventer. Ziggler had consistently put others over and improved his craft, making this victory a well-deserved reward.

Competing against formidable opponents like Tyson Kidd, Damien Sandow, Cody Rhodes, and others, Ziggler overcame the odds to secure the Money in the Bank contract. This accomplishment demonstrated WWE’s faith in him and marked the beginning of his quest for championship glory.

Furthermore, Ziggler’s proficiency in ladder matches became evident, setting the stage for future memorable ladder bouts. This victory paved the way for a transformative period in Ziggler’s career, with the WWE Universe eagerly awaiting his cash-in opportunity.

5. Toppling John Cena: Dolph Ziggler vs. John Cena (December 16, 2012)

John Cena has been the face of WWE for years, making any match against him a significant opportunity. In late 2012, Dolph Ziggler had the chance to share the ring with Cena in a ladder match for the Money in the Bank briefcase.

This encounter was a showcase of Ziggler’s ability to enhance the storytelling of a match through his incredible selling and athleticism. Throughout the bout, Ziggler bumped and contorted his body to make every move from Cena look excruciatingly painful.

The match reached a critical point when AJ Lee, embroiled in a tumultuous storyline with Cena, interfered by pushing the ladder. Cena crashed to the mat, and the briefcase seemed within Ziggler’s grasp. The culmination of this thrilling contest saw Ziggler ascending the ladder, securing the briefcase, and earning arguably the most significant victory of his career at that point.

His on-screen partnership with AJ Lee provided him with additional television time and a push. This victory solidified Ziggler’s status as a top-tier talent in WWE, showcasing his ability to deliver in high-stakes matches against the biggest names in the industry.

Ziggler’s Enduring Legacy

Dolph Ziggler’s journey through WWE has been nothing short of remarkable. He started as a talented up-and-comer and evolved into a main-event player, all while consistently delivering outstanding matches that captivated audiences worldwide. His in-ring style, characterised by his incredible selling, athleticism, and storytelling abilities, has left an indelible mark on WWE’s history.

Beyond the five matches highlighted, Ziggler has an extensive catalogue of classics, including his encounters with the likes of Daniel Bryan, Cesaro, and Randy Orton, to name just a few. His ability to elevate his opponents and make them look like credible threats has earned him the respect of fans and peers alike.

In addition to his in-ring prowess, Ziggler’s charisma and microphone skills have made him a beloved figure in WWE. Whether he’s cutting a passionate promo or engaging in a war of words with his rivals, Ziggler has consistently delivered on the mic, further enhancing his character.

Ziggler’s willingness to put others over and help build new stars has also contributed to his legendary status. He’s often been the measuring stick for emerging talents, and his selflessness in the ring has paved the way for future WWE Superstars to shine.

As Dolph Ziggler continues to compete in WWE and inspire the next generation of wrestlers, his legacy as one of the company’s all-time greats is secure. Whether he’s stealing the show, cashing in his Money in the Bank contract, or toppling the Authority, Ziggler’s contributions to WWE will be remembered for generations to come.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the five greatest WWE matches of Dolph Ziggler’s career, it’s clear that his impact on the industry is immeasurable. With his dedication, work ethic, and passion for professional wrestling, Ziggler has carved out a legendary career that will stand the test of time.

While Ziggler’s future in WWE remains uncertain, one thing is for sure: whenever he steps into the ring, fans can expect a performance that will leave them on the edge of their seats. Whether he’s chasing championship gold, engaging in a heated rivalry, or simply stealing the show, Dolph Ziggler’s passion for the business continues to shine through.

As the WWE Universe eagerly awaits the next chapter in Ziggler’s storied career, one thing is certain: he will continue to define excellence in the squared circle and remind us all why he’s known as “The Showoff.”

Dolph Ziggler’s career has been defined by moments of brilliance, resilience, and show-stealing performances. His five greatest WWE matches serve as a testament to his enduring legacy and his ability to captivate audiences worldwide. Whether he’s cashing in a Money in the Bank contract or battling the odds in a Survivor Series match, Ziggler’s contributions to WWE will forever be etched in the annals of professional wrestling history.