Should Ziggler fight with Cena or against him?

[MartialHorror]

So Ziggler might be getting a more main event worthy push by aligning himself with Cena. Of course, this means absolutely nothing as Big E had that same kind of rub and is currently fading into obscurity. Personally, while I find Ziggler's matches to be entertaining, I think he himself is kind of uninteresting. I think he's the perfect upper midcard wrestler, but I wouldn't want him around the WHT scene.

But I believe anyone with any kind of attribute can get over in some capacity. It just comes down to utilizing their strengths, toning down their weaknesses and putting them in the right feuds or storylines. If the Great Khali got a push, I'd be fine with it if it was done properly- which is highly unlikely, but I have an open mind.

But I believe being friendly with Ziggler will only stall his career and burn out his momentum. For one, friendly rubs by the top stars rarely works in getting them over. The most infamous example for Cena is Zack Ryder. But it's not Cena's fault, as Hogan encountered the same issues when he was the #1 guy (remember when Honky Tonk Man was a good guy?). Furthermore, Cena outclasses Ziggler in almost every way as a character and personality. He has a more impressive physique and a distinct look. But also

-Both are booked as underdogs, although Cena is only an underdog-in-name. Ziggler is a better example of the definition. But this will make him look weak in comparison. Even his Kane victory was treated like a fluke.

- Ziggler's mic skills are average while Cena is a great talker. This usually wouldn't be a problem as Cena is probably the best on the mic, but both are vanilla faces. They pander to the crowd, talk about doing the right thing and have similar styles of humor (the photos).

Ziggler's only advantage is being better when it comes to in-ring action. But Cena's limitations tend to be exaggerated and I don't think that is a major advantage...especially as more than likely, Ziggler will often be the damsel in distress in this storyline.

Side by side, Cena and Ziggler are just too alike as characters. Cena's alliances with Ambrose or Reigns were interesting because they were different characters. They were true anti-heroes, in contrast to Cena's traditinal hero. Personally, I think this would be better if Ziggler turned on Cena. Then his personality would have to change to fit the heel role and they wouldn't act so much alike. Then they'd find a better way to sell his kayfabe skills (is he crafty like Rollins? Deadly like Orton?).

If he remains a face, I think he'll be de-pushed again for the reasons I listed above as well as the fact that WWE has ruined his IC belt. Having him play hot potato with it, then having his #1 challenger be a chronic loser and having him lose to seemingly every main eventer within a short amount of time suggests that WWE still doesn't have a lot of faith in him outside of talent enhancement. But his 'show off' persona barely exists as a face, so I'd be curious to see how effective he'd be as a heel.

 

[Scrotie McBoogerballs]

I think Dolph should stay the hell away from him. Would rather see him put on a mask and team with a masked Sami Zayn and call themselves ZZ Express (Ziggler/Zayn express) than come within 10 miles of the Cena curse.

 

[Navi]

First of all I thought Cena was getting a team together to fight the Authority at Survivor Series, unless I've missed something here. So I'm going on the assumption I haven't.

Why wouldn't he ask Ziggler to join up? Ziggler is holding the IC title belt right now, sells up a storm in the ring, and over crazy over with the fans and has been for quite some time. I don't think fighting in the same corner with Cena is going to hurt him at all. Also expect to see a returning Roman Reigns, Uso's, Sheamus or any number of others joining up as well.

I wouldn't be comparing him to Big E at all. Big E is boring and for me has never done anything even when he did hold the title. Ryback does more in the ring than Big E does.

So expect to see more people in the next few weeks join the Cena bandwagon against the Authority. The problem for me is who is going to be on the Authority's side. You have HHH, Kane, Rollins, Miz, Cesaro and maybe Orton depending on what happens between now and then.

 

[BeastFromTheEast]

I'd rather see Ziggler against Cena and a part of the Authority team. Ziggler is very bland to me and I think it is partially because he is a terrible face. Nobody likes a showoff, so I can't for the life of me understand why he is so over with the crowd. Turn him on Cena, join the Authority and make him a complete ass again.

 

[DCLXVI]

I like Dolph but I liked him more when he was with Vickie Guerrero, it made more sense. His gimmick is being smug, cocky and a show off. "I'm better than you" attitude. None of that makes sense for a face. So he gets pops, doesn't put on a bad match... But knowing Dolph as the "show off" how does that translate to "Team Cena"? Feels forced.

 

[L@RISANO]

I don't really see any significant push for Dolph anytime soon. I think this Survivor Series match might well kick off an eventual feud with Bad News Barrett for the IC title when Barrett never lost.

Barrett will probably return to be on Team Authority's side for the match and sort of be Ziggler's equal.

I'd actually hope that Ryback steers clear of this feud and goes into a MidCard programme with someone unless this new Feed Me More run is just a temporary fill in for a couple months.

Basically, the likes of Ziggler, Miz, Swagger and even Sheamus are now nailed on credible Midcarders who will be used to fight for the MidCard titles and do jobs for the Main Event talents like Reigns, Rollins, Ambrose, etc...

 

[mrdriveway]

Pretty sure Cena will end up picking Brock Lesnar to team up with at Survivor Series.

I just have the gut feeling

 

[Mustang Sally]

But his 'show off' persona barely exists as a face, so I'd be curious to see how effective he'd be as a heel.

We've already seen tons of Dolph as a heel. In relation to his entire WWE career, he's actually been face only a short time. Honestly, I don't see how a face change would boost or hinder his effectiveness....he is what he is; a guy too small to battle the top people....with a ring repertoire that includes taking some of the nastiest bumps around today. In my opinion, that's not a formula for main event success, whether as a good guy or bad guy.

If he's a midcarder who gets a program with John Cena, I would think Dolph should be glad for the chance to work with someone at the top of the roster, but as far as Dolph ever attaining that position himself, I would suggest WWE has tried long and hard to get him there, only to fail several times.

But to answer the original question, I'd let Ziggler fight with Cena, using his kamikaze style to try and get over one more time, taking advantage of his association with the top guy to increase his exposure.

Who knows? Maybe they aren't through trying to get Dolph up there yet....and they're looking to pair him with the guy who runs the place in order to do it. Personally, I doubt it will work, but there was a thread recently that posed: If you could ask Vince McMahon one question, what would it be?

For myself, I'd ask what in hell he thinks is so compelling about Dolph Ziggler that he's tried repeatedly to make a main event wrestler of him.....even to using John Cena to get it done.

 

[rajasalshi]

I've read many comments here about how poor ziggler's skills are and I can't help but wonder what these guys are smoking!
Ziggler is the most "complete" wrestler on the roster right now and even though age might not be on his side, he definitely deserves a push which is long overdue. How many times have his matches got the "This is awesome" chants? Almost ALL. He needs to drop the title to Barrett and move on to the main event simply because he steals the show every night which is what he basically claims to do.
Let him team up with Cena and we'll see why he's so much better than SuperCena!

 

[MasterDebator]

I've a suspicion that Dolph's recent strong showings are temporary, serving only to bolster his credibility as someone John Cena would choose to be on his team. Think Kofi Kingston the week before the Royal Rumble. After the PPV, I fully expect WWE to shuffle Dolph back to mid-card hell where he loses television matches and sneaks by on PPV.

 

[Dirk]

I like it when two faces who don't get along are teamed up.

1) It allows for more of that elusive fake-realism - real people don't get along with everybody.
2) It allows for the weaker-on-paper heel team be pushed as efficient
2a) OR, through the power of teamwork, friendship and tolerance, it allows the face team to overcome their differences and teach the kiddos something positive.

WWE did a similar thing with Orton against Kofi and Foley at a previous SS.

Dolph should be a face, let him enjoy it.

 

[Derf]

They do this quite regularly with faces. They're gonna put Ziggler and a few others on Team Cena. They will have a good showing leading up to and at the PPV, snd in a month, it'll be like it never happened. Which is sad, as WWE needs a strong new face. Ziggler should be that face, but with the Orton rumours about, Ziggler will ultimatly break even from this match.

 

[kadroan]

I'd say side with Cena. The company is lacking in top faces, due to injuries. It just comes down to the bookers on how they capitalize on Ziggler's momentum.