This day in Pro Wrestling history: December 17th
Dolph Ziggler has it all – looks, athletic ability and an amazing move-set. He has also considerably improved his promo delivery as was illustrated by his gem of a segment with Dean Ambrose a few months ago. Only thing missing is a proper push for him from the company.
In 2012, Ziggler had that as well. Ziggler was seemingly groomed as the next breakout star and he would end up winning the Money in the Bank Contract. He was put into a feud with John Cena that made him look like a million bucks.
In addition to all this, he would form an alliance with the best female performer of the decade – AJ Lee. It would be at the TLC PPV on 17 December 2012 that their on-screen relationship started, with AJ betraying Cena in favour of the Show-off!
#1 Dolph Ziggler & AJ pull one over John Cena – December 17th, 2012
WWE TLC 2012 saw Dolph Ziggler headlining the event against John Cena in a ladder match. The bout was for Ziggler’s Money in the Bank Championship contract and Cena had AJ Lee alongside him with the WWE teasing a romantic relationship between the duo.
The match was spectacular and Ziggler was in the midst of the biggest push of his WWE career. Coupled with Vickie Guerrero, Ziggler had played his heel persona to perfection and was groomed to be the next World Champion.
The match ended with a heel turn by AJ Lee who pushed Cena off the top of the ladder which led to Ziggler grounding him with a Superkick. Ziggler would retain his briefcase and him and AJ would begin an onscreen relationship which would ultimately lead to Ziggler becoming the World Heavyweight Champion.