Rebuilding Dolph Ziggler

Your SummerSlam SmackDown Live main event
Courtsey: WWE

By Kevin Hunsperger

@kevinhunsperger & @my123cents on Twitter
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I've been a fan of Dolph Ziggler's since he first showed up in WWE years ago, shaking hands and introducing himself to the Superstars and Divas backstage. He had been repackaged from his days in the Spirit Squad as a cool and cocky heel. Ziggler had the look and the personality to go far in the business.

Champ!
Courtesy: WWE

But like many Superstars, Dolph's push has been a roller coaster ride since his 2008 debut. I popped like crazy when he cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase during the RAW after WrestleMania 29 and he won the World Heavyweight Championship. (We were there in the crowd) Disappointment quickly set in when the title reign was cut short, in part due to injury and allegedly over comments he made on social media.

He won the Intercontinental title in the interim and continued to be close to grabbing that "brass ring", but has never returned to the world title. After a lackluster feud this year with Baron Corbin, Dolph has won the 6-Pack Challenge on SmackDown Live and now has a WWE Championship match against Dean Ambrose at SummerSlam. 

Heel mode
Courtesy: WWE

In the next few weeks, WWE should rebuild "The Showoff" and return him to what were his best "character" days. I'd love to see Dolph go full blown heel again. Bleach his hair blond again. Return to the neon pink trunks with HEEL printed on them and trade in the current tights from the Shawn Michaels collection. Those days Dolph seemed more natural and more himself. Now I feel like he's trying to pay homage to the Heartbreak Kid. The best characters are those who are themselves, only turned up several notches.

Dolph with Flair & The Miz

Along with the new look a winning streak each week on SmackDown Live is essential. Those wins have to come against some of the biggest names on the roster. A victory over John Cena leading into SummerSlam would add the credibility I feel is lacking in this match as I write this post on July 27. While we're at it, give Dolph a manager. Bring back "Nature Boy" Ric Flair to be his protege. I'd also pair him with Eva Marie. She's already got heat and the two could become a self absorbed power couple.

This was written not to disrespect Dolph Ziggler. The brand split has been great so far and I think making this move with him could put him as one of the top heels on SmackDown Live. He's earned that right.