Dolph Ziggler: The Next Chris Jericho

[Ferbian]

Now I know what you're all thinking - You've got to be kidding me? Dolph Ziggler is shit compared to Chris Jericho.

However, while Dolph is most likely nowhere near the point where Chris Jericho is right now, there's still a while to go. Chris didn't become this guy he is today over night, and Dolph Ziggler won't become the next Chris Jericho over night.

I see some resemblances between Chris and Dolph. Not that they both came from the independent scene where he got better and better with years. However, through the way that Chris Jericho and Dolph Ziggler both have great in-ring ability, they have the ability to make their opponent look great no matter the outcome for either wrestler.

I found myself talking to Doc about a few hours prior to making this thread. He said that Dolph Ziggler have been showing signs of improving on the microphone. Which brings me to the point that he is slowly getting into the role of being rather good on the microphone, and most importantly he is that kind of brass cocky persona that Chris got over with in WCW as a heel, and ultimately in WWE.

Neither one of them have that big build that makes them a definite next big thing ala John Cena, Triple H, Batista etc. But they're smaller, agile and well decently build guys that can look credible against the bigger guys, as well as the smaller guys.

But most importantly, Dolph Ziggler will most likely never amount to the kind of guy that gets an incredibly long reign. He shines of transitional champion, but not in a bad way. Chris Jericho is a great transitional champion that can talk trash and hype a match without disappointing when the match finally goes underway.

Dolph is the type of guy that will most likely go on to wrestle big matches at Wrestlemania, perhaps eventually even main event much like Chris did.

All of these things that Dolph is doing right now, the career that he's undergoing and the slow build that he's getting while improving greatly just reeks of Chris Jericho to me.

So, I believe I read people discussing Chris Jericho's future replacement. Well, here you have him.

 

[Mr. Artistic guy]

Yeah I rate dolph fairly well, I mean given that he was ina group of what 4 or 5 guys it means that he obviously stood out above the rest and was the one given that push. And after watching him since he debuted I would say that he deserves it. One immediate similarity is the build which is a good build for a wrestler, very shawn michaels and we know how well that can work.

People are bound inevitably to respect guys of his frame that make it, becasue like you said they are not the ideal WWE frame, so you have to be better to go as far as the HHHs and all that. One thing that I liken dolph to jericho on or in fcat HBK himself. OK I will always say that for me michaels may have not benn THE best worker or wrestler of all time, but shawn michael to me is undoubtedly the best seller of all time. I just remember some of the occassions that I have seen dolph sell and they actually stick in my mind they are that good.

I'm sorry I digress this thread is not a suck up to thread its a likeness to chris jericho thread. I think in terms of character similarity what the two guys have in common is a brash self-absorbidness which is good because it is ironic because they are so self confident despite their size which adds a dimension to them. They both pull it off really well so I see a similarity there. I would like to see the WWE continuing its trend of giving heels mic time because dolph could really start to flourish, and there is no better time than the present given his whole vicky/kaitlin situation and the fact that he is the intercontinetal champ.

He has no doubt got the stuff in the ring to make it once again similar to jericho who we all know can go any time and like I always say about young guys, hes only getting better, he hasnt peaked yet. He has a great submission in the form of the sleeper. Btw I have to do a little homage to that genius idea of whoever gave him the sleeper. It gave dolph's matches something to watch out for even when his match had no storyline purpose. the way I look at it in my mind is that it is such a basic submission done mainstream so many times that I liken it to the big show bringing back the bearhug tommorrow, its just amazing that he pulled it off. And during that time he beat kane amongst others with it. Looking at jericho we all know he had one of the best submission manoevres in WWE history and the sleeper also goes into to that category so there's another point.

I always considered Y2J as good a face as he was a heel so my question would be how good can he be as a face because that is an important question. One route I can see him going down immediately to get his first face run would be if vicky gets jelous of dolph and and kaitlin and starts to fudge around with his matches same as she did for edge and eric esssssscobaaaarrr (dont know what happened, he was getting pretty over at that time, then they dropped him, guess he wasnt getting a good a reaction as they hoped). So that is one route becasue right now he fits his heel persona almost too pefectly, with the loving himself and being held up by vicky, pretty sickening to watch, and the getting frustrated in the ring. You can always tell how good a guy is in the ring by the amount of attention they pay to the 'little' things like the way dolph will get frustrated, thats really good work.

He could be really good and in that respect he has a lot in common with jericho, at the very least I enjoy watching him and that has to stand for something.

 

[Disturbed]

I really like DOlph Ziggler and I think he has tons of potential. However I don't think he will ever get to Chris Jericho's level. The one thing I do not like about the guy is his ridiculous ring name. What kind of name is Dolph Ziggler?

 

[The Encore]

People back in the day would in some cases be like "Chris Jericho?, What kind of name is that?" It's one that grows on you, I could see him being a future main eventer, and I have no problem with that as well. For him to get on Chris' level all he needs to do is improve on the microphone and well thats pretty much about it. Ziggler went from being in the spirit squad, to being a great Intercontinental Champion. At WM27 I can easily see him being in a Championship match as the/one of the champions regardless which role that will be.

 

[YEDemon]

I think Ziggler definitely has potential, and I can see the comparisons to Jericho's arrogant heel character. As for the name, I agree that it is ridiculous; I hated when he came back as Dolph because it seemed like the name alone would keep him from being a success. However, I think he's owned the name and the character, and going forth, I don't see it as a hindrance. As it was said above, it's something that grows on you. I think Ziggler definitely can go far, even though I can't quite see him as a world champion yet.

 

[Kidd]

I've yet to see Dolph cut a memorable promo so I have a hard time making a comparison.

I remember when comparisons were drawn between Jericho and Flair back in 2001 or 2002. I had a hard time seeing it at the time but the more I thought about it, the more I saw it. Both had great skills in the ring. Both had skills on the mic. Both could be either heel or face with no troubles.

I'd also have to see Dolph as a face to see whether or not he could be on par with Jericho.

 

[Remix]

tut tut, nobody's posted this video yet? I'm disappointed WZ.

[youtube]kMS1Nk_B7zQ[/youtube]

As for the comparason, I sort of see it. Ziggler's good in the ring and fairly good (and getitng better) on the mic, but I doubt he'll ever be at Jericho's level for either. But then, few people are.

However I do think you have a point about Ziggler being able to be the guy who can put on good matches regardless of where he is on the card and helping people get over (like Jericho's been doing since he returned, more or less). Then I'm sure he coudl do that. He's good enough to stop 99% of his matches from sucking and by the point he's ready to do this he'll be good enough to get the crowd to give a shit too.

 

[Ferbian]

I think Dolph is really beyond the level of being held down due to an in-ring name. It's hardly something that should come into consideration on whether we want to push or bury a specific talent. Their overall ability to wrestle and entertian should be the primary attribute to get over, and Dolph Ziggler has all the skills to become a big deal. However it's obvious that he won't be achieving the point of success like todays John Cena etc.

And that is exactly why Chris Jericho is the next possible level. I've already made the comparisons that should show the fact that he has every potential to reach Chris Jericho's level. With Vince's new introduction of promo classes as the rumors goes, this could help Dolph even further. He's not awful on the microphone, nor is he great. He is a very in-between talker right now, but he makes up for it with an overall great in-ring presence and ability. Something that will eventually carry him to the point where he could be used as enhancement talent, without necessarily hurting his legacy.

The only thing I could ever think of hurting Dolph in terms of becoming the next Jericho might very well be the thing that constantly loosing, at least for now, couldn't possibly maintain his legitimacy and credibility to the extend of Chris' and Shawn's ability to stay as much of a believable contender as before.

 

[WordL1fe]

I don't think we have to worry about his name when there is a guy named Sheamus Main Eventing Raw haha.

The thing that sticks out for me with Dolph is that he has awesome selling. He makes everyone look like a star. He has Orton-esque selling. For example, not long ago he had a match with Kofi where Kofi gave him Trouble in Paradise and he sold it so great.. Went limp but still spun around and face planted on the ground. Some may call it over kill but I liked it

He also has a solid move set.

 

[Aeon Mathix]

I don't think we have to worry about his name when there is a guy named Sheamus Main Eventing Raw haha.

Ya pretty much lol. Also the fact that unfortunately a guy named "The Miz" is being molded into the future of the business.

But like it's been said before, An in ring name shouldn't hold someone back, but it also has to be marketable and appealing in some cases. I dont think anyone would buy a wrestlemania or hell any ppv if someone named McGillicutty or someone like that is headlining it. I hated Dolph Ziggler's name when he first came in, I thought it was absolutely ridiculous, and I was like alright future endeavored by next month ill bet. But nope he's stuck around, got screwed out of an earlier IC title run because of Mysterio and yet he didnt complain about. Dolph is a good in ring performer ive seen his good matches against JoMo and Kingston plus he had quite an impressive debut against Batista (ya it was basically a squash but he got some good offense in there). I really think Dolph is going to be something special. Im excited as fuck about his match against Daniel Bryan this sunday thats easily going to get match of the night. And Dolph is still young. I figure he will have a great mid card for a few years then be put into the main event. He is pretty good on the mic from what ive seen so far. the WWE should throw him into a main event program, well maybe not program but have a match or 2 with one of the top guys to see how well he hangs with them. As far as Chris Jericho, there wont ever be a next Chris Jericho, but there certainly can be the FIRST Dolph Ziggler

 

[MMK]

Ziggler's going to be a major player for years to come. But as far as comparing him to Jericho, not sure I see it. I think The Miz is the next Jericho. He's got the sharp tongue and wit that Jericho had.

Still, I see big things for Ziggler. Frankly if you would have told me Mr.Perfects son was in WWE, I would have guessed it was Dolph and not McGillicutty.

 

[Monkey_Mania]

I don't really think so. While Dolph is athletic, he's not really a trendsetter in the ring, you don't see him do innovative moves, like Chris Jericho. He's also missing the the one thing Chris Jericho has as well. Personality. Dolph has no personality whatsoever. Without personality he has nothing, and he definitely can't draw a comparison between himself and Jericho to me.

 

[LitasRevenge79]

Albeit, Dolph, talented, crafty, and nevertheless, knows how to work the crowd into a frenzy with the angle he's got going now. He's quite the up and comer. I will say I do admit I've never quite given him his due and I feel bad that its taken me this long. Do I think he's the next Jericho? MM..no. Not that its a bad thing. I really don't think he NEEDS to be another Jericho. Just like Orton is NOT the new Stone Cold. Ziggler is his own person. I kinda dig the cocky self involved, yet concerned man who has his own doubts sometimes when it comes to the women, with the Vickie-Kaitlyn storyline. I really think he does still need a little bit more time on the mic, but all in all, he is someone you can't deny his charisma, and his athletic ability, as Striker or Cole would say when hyping him up. Trust me, I will drink the kool aid on this guy. As much as he can rub some people the wrong way, I think he is an original, and like him this way. I don't think he has to be anyone's new generation of Jericho, or Mr. Perfect, or whoever. I think he's pretty good, just still some more fine tuning and he's 'IT.'

 

[Djm]

So many people are saying lots of guys are "The Next Chris Jericho", and so far the only one that I've seen that makes sense is Alex Shelley.

Because I've seen Alex Shelley play a babyface, and he's just as good as that as he is being a heel.

I haven't seen Dolph or Miz play a babyface yet. Jericho was great at both.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Not even close, Ferbs. Sorry, but you just compared an apple to an orange simply because they're both fruit.

Like Djm noted above me, the only guy on the planet right now who has anything even close to resembling the charisma, tenacity, ring-presence, technical ability and comedic wit as Chris Jericho is TNA's Alex Shelley, and Shelley simply isn't in a place to break out as a major singles star yet, anyway — likely won't be for years for that matter.

Ziggler is a talented performer, but aside from having blonde hair and a muscular medium build, he shows very little similarities with Jericho, IMO.

 

[harrythem]

Ziggles has got nothing on Jericho. He couldn't create heat if he had a can of deodorant and a lighter. The only reason there seems to be any reaction to him at the moment is because he's got Vickie G with him. Like Drew McIntyre, I just don't see the big fuss about Ziggles...

I'd agree Shelley's got the charisma to be able to be a smaller guy and break out like Jericho. Sadly there doesn't seem to be any smaller guys like Jericho in the WWE at the moment

 

[Tha Wolfpac]

Ferbian i understand where you are coming from.

Dolph Ziggler's slow metamorphasis into a great superstar is panning out and he truly knows how to sell a move and make his opponent look great. But Dolph Ziggler's persona is something we have seen over and over again, although he plays the narcisistic heel very well i just think it holds him back just a little it is bland and overdone and really doesn't showcase Dolph's charisma. I am going to give Dolph time to evolve because he has impressed me thus far and i do see the small comparison's to an early Chris Jericho as you stated.

 

[therealblob]

I personally think that with a lot more mic training and a continuing heel character, if you're going to compare Dolph Ziggler to anyone it could be to the late great Mr Perfect Curt Henning. Yes he has the looks which are scarily similar to Curt's, and yes he needs more time but with the right guidance I think he could be as good a heel and wrestler as Mr Perfect.

 

[Navi]

I don't really think so. While Dolph is athletic, he's not really a trendsetter in the ring, you don't see him do innovative moves, like Chris Jericho. He's also missing the the one thing Chris Jericho has as well. Personality. Dolph has no personality whatsoever. Without personality he has nothing, and he definitely can't draw a comparison between himself and Jericho to me.

I have to agree with the above post. Dolph Ziggler for me does absolutely nothing. He's okay on the stick and fair to midland in the ring, but on his own he just seems to blend in with the rest of the midcarders on the roster.

Putting him with Vicki G was a stroke of genius though, as he can play off the nuclear heat that she gets. But there is something wrong when the sidekick gets more reaction than the wrestler does.

I'm not saying he won't come into his own one day, but that time hasn't come yet. As said before the only similarities I see between Ziggler and Jericho are the blonde hair and the build, nothing else other than that.

I always get disappointed when fans say that so and so is the next so and so. It never turns out that way and the up and comer fails miserably. I sincerely hope that Ziggler stamps his own personality on the WWE and doesn't try to be something that he isn't.

 

[Chill]

I'm not sure to be honest, I think Dolph lacks a fair bit in the personality department to be called the next Chris Jericho. Obviously developing a personality requires time but at the moment he isn't even near the league that Jericho's at in terms of charisma (but then again, not a lot of the new generation are, sadly).

It all depends on the time WWE affords Dolph to develop his oratory skills and as we all know, they don't often give talent time to develop characters these days, so it's up to Dolph to connect with the fans the best he can when he is permitted to speak and from what I have seen of his promos, he aint Chris Jericho.

In saying that, I remember seeing him live a year ago at a house show and he did an excellent job at working the crowd into a frenzy...it could just be a case of WWE not allowing him to be himself when the TV cameras are rolling.

As for the in ring stuff, I think he's got that covered very well as I've always found Ziggler to be a great in ring performer but it obviously takes a lot more than that to succeed (in WWE).

 

[Tommy Rage]

I don't see any wrestler as a direct replacement for another, and I don't think Dolph needs a tag like "the next Chris Jericho". Apart from the fact that both are blonde and both are heels, I don't see much of a comparison anyway. I prefer to think of him as the first Dolph Ziggler. He is completely unique, yet draws comparisons with many an old school heel. I find the Mr. Perfect comparison more apt than a Jericho one, but as said, I'd prefer to think of him as the first Dolph Ziggler.

He is a great heel who shows great intensity in the ring and has produced a fair few standout TV matches this year. I like the way they have booked him so far. They held off on his first title win in WWE so when he finally got his hands on IC gold it seemed so much bigger. Too many guys are handed a belt as a prop to get them over as soon as they enter the company, so it was refreshing to see them hold off on a reign for Ziggler so it actually meant something. In the long run it will benefit both himself and the Championship. Hopefully he holds it for a while longer before finally dropping it and moving on to bigger and better things - the way wrestling should work.

Dolph pretty much has it all. I don't think anyone would claim he is as good a mic worker as Jericho, but he oozes charisma and is more than capable on the mic, as well as being a good wrestler who shows great intensity and produces quality matches. What's not to like?

He is one of the guys I have the most hope for on the current roster.

 

[ABMorales787]

No. Dolph Ziggler is not the next Chris Jericho. He's the first Dolph Ziggler. The guy who got over with a bad porn star name and crappy finishing move. I see the guy has great potential and the fact that he seems to have evolved so well from last year shows it. But to call him a replacement, would be the same as condemning his career. He shouldn't need to exceed the expectations set by other wrestlers. That's why John Cena is not the next Rock and Randy Orton isn't the next Steve Austin. They have to fill their own shoes, not somebody else's. Similar looks don't equal similar career paths or similar success. Just look at John Morrison. Last year he was the next HBK. This year, he's just dull.

 

[Dagger Dias]

I disagree here. Ziggler's nowhere near Jericho, not even the Jericho from back in WCW. It's obvious that Ziggler wouldn't become the next Jericho over night, but still.... I don't see it. When Jericho was still a midcarder, he was able to get much larger reactions from fans. Ziggler would not be able to if he wasn't with Vickie. Eliminate her from being in his corner and a lot of his heel heat will vanish too because the casual fans don't care about him as much as some of us do. Jericho from back when he was a midcarder still rose to the top. I don't see Ziggler doing that. He's a midcarder for life.

 

[cmedge]

I happen to really like Dolph Ziggler he might be the next Chris Jericho. Dolph is improving every week his promo on Raw was pretty good. His in ring skills are really good im enjoying his Intercontential Title reign. Dolph Ziggler is the future along with Miz and Wade Barrett.