2 Reasons Why Having Dolph Ziggler as NXT Champion is a Good Thing & 2 Reasons Why It Isn't
NXT crowned Dolph Ziggler as its new champion, having him defeat Tommaso Ciampa and former champion Bron Breakker in a triple threat match. Naturally, this move sparked a debate across the wrestling universe around the pros and cons of such a decision.
At its core, it's an interesting move given the way Ziggler has been booked on the main WWE roster in recent years. While there are potentially negative effects, there are also some positive things the developmental brand can leverage with Ziggler as champion.
One thing is for certain, no matter which side fans take, there will be continued discussions over the next several months. In the interest of balance, let's explore two positives and two negatives to Dolph Ziggler becoming NXT Champion.
Advantage #1: Dolph Ziggler can bring credibility to the NXT Championship
After re-launching NXT as a more traditional developmental brand, the performers are naturally less experienced than they have been in the past. Thus, it's difficult to award someone a championship and automatically establish them as a top star.
Though Ziggler has taken more losses than wins on the main roster in recent years, he is still considered a talented worker with above average promo skills. Given this, he can help elevate the NXT Championship to a higher level of importance when he defends it.
Additionally, should the creative team decide to give him a lenghty reign, this will build on the importance of the title over time so that when someone finally beats him, it means something.
Advantage #2: Dolph Ziggler can help establish new stars
As mentioned, NXT 2.0 is focused on developing newer talent with the hopes that they will be ready for the main roster one day. In order for this to work, the brand is in need of some veterans that can work with the younger wrestlers and help prepare them for what's to come.
In the case of Dolph Zigger, his talent was never in question. It was always the way he was booked. As the champion, he will not only be able to deliver good matches, but can sell well and make his opponents look good.
Simply put, Dolph Ziggler is an established talent and if booked the right way, whoever beats him will be elevated.
Disadvantage #1: Dolph Zigger will expose inexperienced wrestlers
Dolph Ziggler brings with him his many years of experience working on the main roster. While this experience will help build future generations of wrestlers, it will also quickly expose those that aren't at the level the creative team may think they are.
Ziggler being champion will force the creative team to work harder and identify the talents they would like to push, with the hopes of striking gold with at least one. If they decide to only build one at a time, it may backfire if the wrestler can't hold up his end in a match against Ziggler.
Disadvantage #2: Dolph Ziggler has been defined down over the years
Although Ziggler is considered a talented performer, he has been relegated to lower mid-card programs over the past several years on both RAW and SmackDown.
While he gives the NXT Championship more credibility than a younger talent would, he still has some work to do to silence the critics who see his title reign as doing more harm to the title and brand than good.