Concussions have become a hot-button issue in sports throughout America, so it is no surprise that WWE has dealt with a real-life concussion to one of it's superstars, Dolph Ziggler, with very public caution, and then used it in a storyline.
Ziggler missed a significant amount of time after sustaining a severe concussion on the May 10th edition of Smackdown, when he was kicked in the head by fellow superstar Jack Swagger. He was held out of action until early this month, and participated in a title defense against Alberto Del Rio on Sunday night's Payback card.
Ziggler, one of WWE's rising stars, lost his title belt at Payback to Alberto Del Rio, but is likely set for another spike in popularity. Del Rio won the match by mercilessly pounding Ziggler's recently concussed head.
Ziggler showed lots of courage, kicking out of some killer moves and slams, but he clearly looked like he wasn't himself. By valiantly fighting through his concussion, and putting on a great show, he endeared himself further to an already adoring WWE universe.
On top of that, Del Rio's attack was so savage and bloodthirsty, it set him up to return to a heel role that he plays to perfection. Now Ziggler's movie star looks and charisma can be used in such a way that he could elevate into John Cena territory, but without the polarization.
While John Cena defeated Ryback in an exciting matchup, Cena's storylines seem old hat at times. The "Super" Cena effect has been restored since his WrestleMania triumph over The Rock, and it is difficult to involve him in truly interesting feuds.
Alberto Del Rio may not be the most exciting character, but he is certainly an effective heel. He can help Ziggler establish babyface credentials, and take him to the next level.
WWE is hoping Ziggler, in turn, can take them to the next level as well.
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